3 Dimensional People

July 2024 has faded away and August 2024 is here. As I was pondering the speed at which summer passes, I was struck by the realization that we humans are 3-dimensional creatures.

Now by saying that we are 3-dimensional, I'm not highlighting our geometrical shape. Our bodies certainly have height, width, and breadth. (And apparently those are not fixed, as I've noticed my height keeps decreasing while my width keeps increasing; but that's another topic.)

Instead, when I say that "we humans are 3-dimensional," I'm referring to the fact that people exist within three timeframes: past, present, and future. Simple concept, right? Yet, this reality provides us with a remarkable coping strategy that too few of us take advantage of. Let me explain.

Let's say that I am a patient in the hospital. I'm not feeling good, and I'm distressed about my current illness. One could say that my present is pretty lousy.

Instead of remaining trapped in this miserable here and now, I can reflect upon my past. By reviewing other difficult situations that I have already navigated, I can remind myself that I have overcome difficult challenges before, and I can make it through today's trials as well. My past challenges become a source of strength that I can draw on to help me in this current moment of crisis.

Perhaps, on the other hand, I am worried about a future possibility. Maybe I'm a patient undergoing medical testing, and it will take a couple of days for the results to come in. Rather than worrying about potential negative outcomes, I can instead ground myself in the present. For example, I can look out my window to marvel at how a bird is untethered to the ground, or I can take a moment to listen to the voices of the people around me (each person made in the image of God).

And in those moments when I feel a sense of regret for?my past, I can likewise shift my temporality. No longer do I fixate on the past, instead I consider the plans I have for the future and the noble goals I have yet to accomplish.

This is the beauty of being a 3-dimensional human being.?

Whenever I get "stuck" in a particular timeframe, I can use the other two timeframes to help me shift out of my anxiety and despair.

In closing, I hope this strategy will be of some use to you this month. And remember, summer may be fleeting, but it is still with us.

Credits: (Measuring Devices photo by William Warby on Unsplash)