Time…and time again…
July 28, 2008
Clocks slay time…time is dead as long as it is being clicked off by little wheels; only when the clock stops does time come to life.
William Faulkner •
Since I mentioned kairos time, I have heightened my awareness of dialogue about the importance of taking time. In two entirely different arenas, art and politics, time is given the importance it needs.!
In his blog ”The Painter’s Keys”, Robert Genn discusses the importance of taking time focus on creating art.
“It’s the march of time. It’s amazing what you can get done in fifteen minutes. It’s amazing how time slips through your fingers. The true nature of time may forever remain a mystery. Apart from the clang of it, it’s by getting things done that we measure it. The job of art is to turn time into things. “
In addition, today, on 43 Folders, I came across a quote from a private conversation between Barack Obama and David Cameron, Member of British Parliament. Barack stated, and David Cameron agreed on the importance of taking time to think and process, as addressed this passage;
“…actually the most important thing you need to do is to have big chunks of time during the day when all you’re doing is thinking…”
Both quotes are talking about focused, yet unscheduled time.
It is my understanding from personal experience, as well as reading about the creative process, that granting yourself this focused, yet unstructured time allows new connections and ideas to bubble up from the unconscious.
When do you allow this to happen? Some days, I can’t manage it at all, except for maybe pausing to look out a window! Other days I can totally ignore clock time! ( Much to the consternation of whomever I am to meet!)
Vacations work on “kairos” time!
July 23, 2008
on the road
It felt like a week away, but it was only two days!
“Kairos” time is determined not by the amount of time you spend, but by your presence and focus. Sometimes when I am painting, a lot can happen in a half an hour and it seems like a couple of hours: or I can paint for two hours and it can feel like 10 minutes! So the quantity of time according to the clock means nothing! I first heard about this kairos time in one of Madeleine L’Engle’s books. I believe it was in “A Wrinkle in Time”.
In good company, I traveled with my dear sister on the ferry on a beautiful day! The distant mist, bright sunshine and constant breeze created an atmosphere of relaxed kairos time. I gathered my pencils to draw and paint in my journal.
The tree and the roadway are both memory journal sketches. You will see a drawing from a young artist friend here also!
Reading “the power of NOW” by Eckardt Tolle, inspires and reminds me to draw and be fully present in the now moment as well. Try it…. Whether you paint or cook or plant flowers or enjoy he sun and breeze!
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