Living by the Sun: Reclaiming Time in a World Obsessed with Clocks
Have you ever felt disconnected from the natural rhythms of the day? Many of us are governed by the rigid structure of clocks, but there’s a different way to experience time – one attuned to the sun’s movements and the subtle shifts in the environment. This is a outlook embraced by those who choose to live with time, rather than by it.
Recently, I encountered a woman who embodies this philosophy. She lives a life dictated not by the ticking hands of a clock, but by the sun’s arc across the sky. Remarkably,she reserves her clock primarily for the precision of baking.
Her days are filled with activities aligned with natural light. She rises early, dedicating time to reading, writing, and swimming in the ocean just steps from her door. These aren’t scheduled events, but rather responses to the day’s unfolding energy.
A Meteorologist’s perspective on Time
Interestingly,she previously worked as a meteorologist. This background provides her with an intimate understanding of the sun’s journey, even during seasons of limited daylight. She recognizes the subtle brightening of the sky in winter,and accurately tracks the sun’s position throughout the year.
During summer months, she knows the sun reaches its southernmost point at midday and shifts to the northwest by midnight. This knowledge guided her anticipation of the first official sunset of summer.
She pinpointed the exact moment - 12:30 a.m. - with the sun rising again just 49 minutes later. I, eager to witness this event, briefly reactivated the time on my phone. Sadly, clouds obscured the horizon that night. Despite the gray mist, I knew the sun had dipped below the line.
Reconnecting with Natural Rhythms
Upon returning home, I deliberately sought out the darkening sky over the East river. I wasn’t focused on the precise time, but on the feeling of the day’s end. A profound sense of relief washed over me.
This experience highlights a growing desire to disconnect from the relentless pace of modern life. We’re increasingly aware of the impact of “social acceleration” - the feeling that everything is speeding up.
Here are some ways you can begin to reclaim your own sense of time:
* Observe the sun’s path: Pay attention to where the sun rises and sets throughout the year.
* Limit clock-watching: Reduce your reliance on constant time checks.
* Schedule activities around natural light: Plan outdoor activities for daylight hours.
* Embrace flexibility: Allow your day to unfold organically,rather than adhering to a rigid schedule.
* Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment, rather than constantly thinking about what’s next.
Ultimately, living by the sun isn’t about rejecting technology or abandoning schedules altogether. It’s about finding a balance – integrating the natural rhythms of the day into your life and cultivating a deeper connection to the world around you. It’s about recognizing that time isn’t simply a measurement, but an experience.
