How do we view time?  How does time influence our thoughts and actions?  How does our view of time change or shift along with our Developmental processes?  

I think of artists like Dali who depict clocks melting over items.  It’s certainly an interesting take on time, and one begging us to ask questions about what or how we let time slip away without recognizing its significance. 

Developmental psychologists often discuss the mind of the adolescent and how time impacts their decisions.  We often hear stories of adolescents being daredevils.  They Engage in practices, knowingly risky, and yet still tempting.  The problem is, and we know these changes as we age, they believe time is infinite.  They stand on the platform of having many more years to live than they have lived.  

Why is time so elusive?  How does time dance with mortality?  When do we change partners in the dance knowing or speculating time has a new place of prominence in our lives?  I grapple with this as I’m now in my sixties.  I’ve worked with those facing chronic and life-threatening illness for over thirty years, but now as I’ve had one parent die, and another approaching his eightieth birthday takes on new meaning.  It’s not about urgency as much as it is about surrender.  Surrendering to the understanding how time is almost palpable.

After seminary, I decided to go for training as a death doula.  Much of the training wasn’t foreign to me, but showcased how time can ease impending transitions.  

Currently I’m listening to Steve Leder’s book, “The Beauty of What Remains.”  In the books he tells the story of musician Warren Zevon on his last appearance on the David Letterman show.  Zevon had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  Letterman asks him about how the diagnosis has impacted his work.  He responds with, “I’m working harder.  You put more value on every minute.” 

A diagnosis or a trauma, often provides the filter(s) we need to prioritize what expands meaning in our lives.  It’s not only about the urgency, but the depth of what lies within we need to get out before I’m time is up.  

If you’ve been diagnosed with a health challenge, what do you see or feel shifting?  How will you prioritize your world?  What does it mean to ascribe meaning to something or even your own life?

If you engage in a practice of asking questions, you’ll find art and prompts on my Instagram/Threads page: @drfiber