Transformations

We are perpetually being transformed into something new, by the emergent nature of reality, known as impermanence, or the tyranny of the “now”. In reaction to impermanence, or change, we may find ourselves longing for things to stay the same or to return to how they once were. We may pine for the past or become fixated on some aspect of how we wish events and relationships had turned out. We may wish that we had been more present or attentive to someone we loved, while they were still in our lives.

“Loss, in all its forms, including temporal change can bring a sudden increase in awareness of what priorities truly matter, and how we want to spend our time. “ 

How we choose to allocate time is sometimes a subject for reflection in books about time management, such as Atomic Habits and 4,000 Weeks. Time management strategies often include assessing our leisure activities, like entertainment and screentime.  One may consider if there are behaviors or habits that are self-destructive, or that derail our goals or subvert important aspirations from being realized. Freud referred to recurrent compulsive behaviors as “repetition compulsion” in which one reenacts distressing emotions or situations. While established neural patterns, or attachments to destructive habits may be present, the potential for emergent changes in consciousness makes new patterns possible.

Considering what we hope to create in our lives is one way to evaluate if our consistent actions and choices are in alignment with our deeper principles. The influence of what we watch, listen to, read, and pay attention to can shape and alter our beliefs or values, and even personality over time. To be more intentional about curating our thoughts is a form of awareness, or mindfulness.  Pruning is essential for time management as some ideas and habits must be challenged or eliminated completely, as we learn to set healthier boundaries for ourselves, by identifying what does not make the list for priorities.  

Transformation, and impermanence are inevitable—but the direction toward which we change is something we can direct, and curate with intention—like an ever-evolving work of art in motion.