What do we mean when we talk about time?
- BambooBeing
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
What's the big idea?
How we experience time is different during different stages of our lives but also in the same stage but different parts of our lives. Being skilful with how we ‘use’ time means both being aware of our current assumptions and habits with regard to time and making appropriate adjustments.
What’s a core distinction/tension here?
On a clock, each second is indistinguishable from another. But in our experience of time, not all time is equal.
A core distinction we might make is the distinction made in Greek Philosophy between Chronos and Kairos. Chronos refers to sequential, quantitative time, linear time represented by clocks and calendars. Kairos signifies qualitative, subjective experiences of ‘moments’ that hold special significance or bring special opportunity.
Often we chase chronos when we really want kairos: how do we get the quality time in life that we are really aiming for?
What is a different perspective we can take that might help?
From an integral perspective the difference might be captured by thinking of chronos as being time as it is measured by the external world and kairos as being time as it is experienced by us. Just as adopting the metaphor of an inner compass can be helpful in deciding on a direction to take, the metaphor of using an inner clock or stopwatch might help us think about cultivating moments of kairos in our busy days.
What powers or pathways does this reveal?
Much of the time we are chasing more ‘chronos’ - measured time- when what we really want ie more ‘kairos’ - memorable time. When we can identify the differences between these and then explore what allows us to slip into the flow states and deep time of kairos, we can aim at bringing the right kind of time into our days.
What can we go out and try with others?
We can start self-observing our own relationship with time by reflecting on what makes time feel richer and deeper internally. For example this can be intentional time away from our desk to do something more sensory or meaningful. But it might also be adopting a particular intention and attitude while at our desk in the middle of a meeting.
Kairos is often found in moments in which we are present and open and if we can identify them we can create more moments like them in the future.
