How can I make time slow down?
I also had thoughts like yours and a few years ago decided to become an “experiencialist” (my own term) by paying attention to opportunities that came my way and taking advantage of trying new things. Life is too short to spend at home following a routine. See art, go to plays, meet new people – these things create memories that make the time you spend on earth richer. I think being creative would also add to this sense. And I also am almost twice your age (and sending a daughter off to college – Hey Fuzzy!)so I am keenly aware of time slipping by. But after about 40 I found it easier to not sweat the small stuff and not worry so much. I set goals weeks or months in advance for things I want to accomplish personally and this also helps me make the most of my time. But those that have suggested mindful meditation may have a point – I think I’ll try that as well.
I do notice time slowing when I travel, at least in the middle of the trip (did we really take that bus this morning? seems like two days ago…) I’d marked a passage in a book* that seemed to be relevant and after what I thought was a week another month has gone by. Anyway, Graham Greene recommends going to multiple places during a vacation so as to feel it lasts longer. He also has a story about a guy living in each room of his huge house for some time and then moving to the next one for the same reason. He dies when he reaches the last one (a cramped bathroom), so you probably don’t want to try that in a four-room apartment. *Graham Greene – Travels with my aunt.
