đź•— Mastering The Art Of Time Bending


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Hey Reader,

Welcome back to Living Better—your ultimate guide for a life well-lived. We serve up evidence-backed wisdom, eye-opening insights, and captivating stories that'll inspire you to elevate your game.

Hello, Time Travelers! Today's adventure isn't about sci-fi gadgets; it's about a journey through the realms of time perception. Get ready to unlock the secrets of 'Time Bending' and transform how you experience each day.


Today's Sneak Peek...



Long-Form Reads

MEET LISA, the woman advocating for an end to the toxic milestone mentality.

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“I’ve learned to embrace life’s timing and its ebbs and flows. I’ve learned how to use this precious time to grow into the person I am today..."

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MEET MELISSA, the mom whose firstborn son taught her the joy of slowing down.

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“You taught me the joy in jumping in rain puddles after a storm, and curling up on the couch with snacks and heads full of dreams..."

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MEET DESHAYLA, the woman who made the most of her time with her terminally ill partner.

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“This whole journey has helped us to not only appreciate one another more, but to also live in the right now..."

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MEET CHELSEA, the daughter sharing how her grandparents' celebrated their 75-year marriage.

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“Their love isn’t a one time event or a specific day where something incredible happened, but the day in and day out honoring of each other..."

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MEET NATAUSHA, the blogger sharing how to make the most of your time through gratitude.

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“When you focus on one thing at a time and give it your full attention, you can make things happen..."

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MEET DANIELLE, the woman candidnly raising awareness about 'mom time.'

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“The truth is, I want to be on time, and I feel guilty about it. But I'm a mom and kids are messy and unpredictable..."

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Your Time, Your Perception

Ever notice how time flies when you're having fun but crawls during a dull meeting? That's time perception at play–a fascinating area where psychology and neuroscience dance together.

As it turns out, our brain is the ultimate timekeeper, and sometimes, it likes to play tricks on us.

➣ What is time bending?

Time bending is the act of practicing awareness in how we interpret and perceive time, understanding that time is an illusion that moves relative to the observer.

➣ How does neuroscience play a part in time bending?

Our brain's internal clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, orchestrates how we perceive time. Factors like attention, emotion, and the novelty of activities can speed up or slow down this clock.

Fact: When we encounter new experiences, our brain takes in more information, making time feel extended, while routine tasks make time seem to fly.

➣ Why should we practice time bending?

  1. Enhance Productivity: By manipulating our perception of time, we can feel like we have more of it.
  2. Reduce Stress: Slowing down our perception of time can help in reducing the feeling of being rushed or stressed.
  3. Improve Well-Being: A balanced time perception can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life experience.

Quote

"The distinction between the past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion."

- Albert Einstein


Techniques For Bending Time In Your Favor

Remember, while we can't change the clock's ticking, we can change how we experience it. Embrace these techniques to bend time perception to your advantage:

  1. Seek New Experiences: Regularly try new activities. Novelty makes the brain process more information, stretching the perception of time.
  2. Mindful Moments: Practice mindfulness to slow down time. When you're fully present, time feels expanded.
  3. Rhythm and Routine: Break down tasks into smaller, rhythmic steps. This can make time feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
  4. Paced Breathing: Slow, deep breathing can help decelerate your perception of time, bringing a sense of calm.
  5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for tasks. This not only improves focus but gives you a better sense of control over your time.


POLL: Which time bending affirmation will you be adopting this week?

​1. "I deserve to feel fully present in each moment..."​
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2. "Every passing moment on Earth is a blessing..."​
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3. "I can't change my past, but I can conquer my present..."​


Community Spotlight

Dive into heartwarming stories and inspiring journeys from fellow Living Better community members!

This week, we're highlighting Shannon's touching story:

"I catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye as I pass by, and I find myself captivated by the sight of him asleep.
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In the middle of the day, an afternoon nap, so very different from the sleepless nights of our past, reminds me of the incredible journey we've taken together.
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A journey where sleep was once an elusive companion during the night, but now graces us in the middle of the day. I can't help but smile as I remember all the pictures I've taken of him sleeping over the years, each one holding a story of its own.
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Sleep hasn't ever come easy for him, but it's funny how those years of sleepless nights seem like a distant memory now.
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In these quiet moments, as I watch him sleep, I find myself asking the same questions that echoed in my heart for years: What does he dream of? What adventures, thoughts, and memories fill his mind when the world is still and silent around him?
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People often ask me whether time alone makes this autism parenting journey easier. But you know, I've come to realize that it's not just the passage of time that has brought us to where we are today. It's the experiences we've shared, the lessons we've learned, and the acceptance we've embraced that have truly made a difference.
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Our path has been paved with countless milestones, both big and small, and it's these moments that shape our perspective and redefine what 'progress' means.
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He might not be a conversationalist in the traditional sense, but his presence speaks volumes.
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And as I sit here, surrounded by the quiet and the memories of years gone by, I'm reminded that this journey isn't about reaching some destination.
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It's about cherishing each moment, celebrating progress, and finding joy in the little things—like being grateful for a simple afternoon nap.
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So, here's to the nights of uncertainty turned into nights of peaceful rest. Here's to the daytime naps that awaken a myriad of thoughts and emotions.
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And here's to the unwavering love and acceptance that guide us as we navigate this unique path together."
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- Shannon Urquiola, Living Better subscriber

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POLL: How did you like today's newsletter?

​​​​​⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ I loved it!​
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Next time you feel rushed, pause and ask yourself, "How can I alter my perception of this moment to reclaim my sense of time?"

Until next time, live well.

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