My takeaways from the book “Timeshifting” By Stephan Rechtschaffen

I learned Time management from Dr NH Attraya in 1991. Over a period of time, I am practicing various tools and developed skills in this area. However; there were some crazy pressures from personal and official front creating stress. Somehow; I was managing. During 2002 my friend Neelakanth & Aruna Mehta lent me a book “Timeshifting”.?First reading of the book made me aware of the depth of handling self and managing time in a profound way. I found additional time, peace of mind.

In the second reading, I could outline my own way of rituals and rhythms. I started practicing actions and activities mentioned the book religiously. I got benefited and even I was able to handle much more than what I thought.

First step which was implemented was I stopped using statement “I am busy “, made myself available for people around me. ?Actually, busyness (too much occupied) is a fantasy and not factual. I realized the pressures, stress, frustration, trapped or thinking of changing what you do are signs of Time Poverty (constantly looking for additional time) as mentioned in the book.

As suggested in the book, I found my own rhythms and also got tuned to nature as much as possible. This became possible due to the tips in the book “Be Present”, “Be Here Now”, “Being rather than only doing”. A brief period of conscious downshifting or downsizing in lifestyle creates time for you. It is actually a Time freedom or Timeshifting.

From 2008, I started living by Circular Time which represents; Seasons of the year, dawn, morning, afternoon, evening. Every change in season, weather, nature brings great joy for me. I have also made peace with Linear Time i.e., hours, minutes, deadlines etc. started enjoying my time with people around me. What is not complete in circle of today may be accomplished tomorrow. If not this moth / year then next month / year.

Be consciously aware of you own rhythms and the people around you. It will allow you to shift the rhythms. You must Slow Down (pause, wait, reduce your momentum) in order to listen and feel. Timeshifting will automatically start happening.

Timeshifting means constantly changing our rhythms, slowing, accelerating in order to feel present and be in the flow of time. This leads to Happiness.

In the present moment there is no stress. Stress prevents us from savoring life. Say “Yes” to what is present, whether it is pain, paradise or something in between. Stress is self-inflicted.

Rituals (mundane activities) of the day, week, month or year can help us to “Come Home” or to be “Present” most of the time. It is our life and it is our choice. If we push away the mundane, we actually push away the present. And when pushing away becomes habitual, we are likely to push away the extraordinary moments.

Timeshifting is to do what we like to do. We have to take need of our time seriously. You can do whatever you want as long as it is not planned. Spontaneous time is your time and is unplanned time. You are most like to enjoy the present moment.

Last month Neelkanth asked me to write my thoughts on this book. I read the book again before writing this article; of points; I like from the book. I could reflect on many more facets of life and time.?Now I will be able to handle my retirement quite well.

Earlier I enjoyed my vacations. I also redefied vacation to suit our needs. But now I feel that time I was not present the way I have understood now. Vacation is an extended period; when you empty your life of your habitual work, routine and rhythms.

Time is the core element in any relationship. Hence meeting in person will lead to energy exchange and tuning to each other rhythms. Slowing down enough to feel someone else’s rhythms is Timeshifting.

Life in the present, do all the things that need to be done. Do all good you can each day. The future will unfold – says Peace Pilgrim.