Amplifying Time

In the month that we have gone without television, I am finding what Richard Louv said to be true.

Unlike television, nature does not steal time, it amplifies it.

Since the days have been getting longer and the temperatures here have been averaging in the mid-50's, I have found myself where I imagined I would be... spending more time at the park across from our apartment and tapping into an energy that I have not felt for quite some time.

In an earlier post, I mentioned some of the things that have taken place since I've put the TV away. I was afraid initially that I would get bored easily or that time would seem to stand still. I have found the opposite to be true, like the quote above, time has been amplified. As I write this post, I assure you that the past month has been one of unlimited creativity and imagination. I am also finding that my prayer life has deepened in a way that before I could only fantasize about. The depth and clarity of my mind in this time has provided me with a sense of direction that I have been questioning these past few months. Needless to say, things are starting to come into bloom just as the natural world around me is beginning to awaken from its winter slumber as well.

So a quick review of some of the effects of no TV for a month:

- Vividly remembering almost all my dreams
- Written numerous "new" songs into my already large repertoire
- A seemingly endless array of creative writing (i.e. fiction)
- Building better community with friends and family though more telephone calls and getting together to play games
- More time to read
- Maintaining an intimacy (via communication, physically) with my wife that sometimes goes unnoticed when we keep ourselves distracted
- A prayer life that is more intentional
- I have more clarity about "next steps" for my journey as it pertains to school, work and life
- I seem to be losing weight (10 lbs. in 2 months) as well since I 'm outside more and am better about getting to workout
- Making better use of my time
- I'm not as tired as I used to be even a month ago

Again, as more of these creations become more tangible, I'll post them here.

May your life be a semblance of the natural world around you. Always in bloom, always giving.