"And so we waste most of our life treating the simple moments as insignificant, because they were means to an end or inconveniences on the way to the next trophy."
Loved this. Feel the similar temptation to shake the snow globe of my life in search of Bigger Better. How much of that is ambition that’s worth listening to, and how much is it distraction from the solid fundamentals that make life great (relationships, health, etc)
This article relieved me of so much pent up tension of 'this moment is not enough' or 'I should be doing more because life is so precious'. It feels so reassuring to just finally give yourself permission to enjoy a joke at work or a packet of crisps under a tree without having to be the next Big Thing.
"But the more I learn to stop judging the time spent and simply pay close attention to whatever I’m doing, the more I enjoy it."
After reading this, I am so ready to ease into the moment of cooking dinner and reading and just letting life unfold without feeling the need to plan the next bookmark.
This was my favorite article of yours. It seems like you've made a huge leap forward in your communication of your ideas. It's more eloquent while still being so down to earth.
"A race where the prize is more racing."
"Your life isn't wasted by missing out on trips to the beach. It's wasted by not laughing in the DMV line."
Thank you for this synchronicity today, birthday brother. My 41st has been somber as well, but your well articulated and poignant reminder has positively shifted my state of mind, and I wanted to express my sincere gratitude. Looking forward to your next piece with warm anticipation. Hope you and your family are well this evening. Thanks again. Cheers 😊🙏✌️
Nat, this is the beautiful struggle isn't it? Many of us know that we have "enough"...yet, we seemingly cannot pinpoint why we are still searching for something more. It's such a paradox isn't it?
Paul Millerd has a good section in The Pathless Path about this idea, and when and how time became something to "spend" instead of "pass." Might be worth (re)reading!
Glad you're enjoying the quiet life! Happy belated birthday, and here's to many more small moments!
Great Post! I’ve been trying to question some of my own assumptions over the last couple months and something that I can’t really get around is: we have limited time so we should make most of every moment (which puts a lot of pressure on every moment).
Upon a second read of your post I can see that I am stuck in the time is a resource mindset. As you say I view time as something that can be well spent or wasted. I guess I've never really thought about it in another way.
Beautifully written. You hit the nail on the head when you say 'Each moment is your life, and the only way to waste it is by wondering if you’re wasting it.'
Don't know if you've seen Wim Wender's documentary 'Perfect Days' - I watched it yesterday - uncannily on the same subject & what a coincidence you give words to the feelings I'd from the movie.
Nate, I’ve walked away from your works with a sense of refreshment in the past, but this time it was substantially greater. From reassessing the get-rich-quick scheme, to reevaluating our often distorted attitudes towards time, I found it stimulating.
Much of what you discuss resonates with my own emphasis on cultivating a life of individuality, which largely centres on actualising unconscious direction. Our unconscious direction can only be ascertained through appreciating moments often deemed ‘insignificant’.
I would encourage you to reflect on one point, however. Time does pass invariably, yes. But, while you argue it can’t be spent, it can certainly pass ‘better’. One can choose to ‘pass’ time with their kids, or with the dopamine demons. One can choose a workout or overworking. While a perpetual obsession with time may be neurotic, acknowledging the relationship between choice and time is of utility in crafting a more rewarding life where time can ‘pass’ better.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever
Thank you for this wonderful essay. I feel as if you wrote it after having a conversation with my brain. People often ask me, what's new? And I freeze. Nothing's new. Wrong question. If you asked me, how do you feel about your life? I'd say "I love it. I fucking love it." And still, even though I love my days and I love living them the way I do, I can't seem to shake this habit of torturing myself with questions about whether I am spending it the way I should.
"And so we waste most of our life treating the simple moments as insignificant, because they were means to an end or inconveniences on the way to the next trophy."
Damn, love this
Loved this. Feel the similar temptation to shake the snow globe of my life in search of Bigger Better. How much of that is ambition that’s worth listening to, and how much is it distraction from the solid fundamentals that make life great (relationships, health, etc)
Hard to see the line clearly sometimes.
This article relieved me of so much pent up tension of 'this moment is not enough' or 'I should be doing more because life is so precious'. It feels so reassuring to just finally give yourself permission to enjoy a joke at work or a packet of crisps under a tree without having to be the next Big Thing.
"But the more I learn to stop judging the time spent and simply pay close attention to whatever I’m doing, the more I enjoy it."
After reading this, I am so ready to ease into the moment of cooking dinner and reading and just letting life unfold without feeling the need to plan the next bookmark.
"Your life isn’t wasted by missing out on trips to the beach. It’s wasted by not laughing in the DMV line. " absolutely loved this line.
Well put Nat
This is so wonderfully written.
This was my favorite article of yours. It seems like you've made a huge leap forward in your communication of your ideas. It's more eloquent while still being so down to earth.
"A race where the prize is more racing."
"Your life isn't wasted by missing out on trips to the beach. It's wasted by not laughing in the DMV line."
Thank you for this synchronicity today, birthday brother. My 41st has been somber as well, but your well articulated and poignant reminder has positively shifted my state of mind, and I wanted to express my sincere gratitude. Looking forward to your next piece with warm anticipation. Hope you and your family are well this evening. Thanks again. Cheers 😊🙏✌️
Nat, this is the beautiful struggle isn't it? Many of us know that we have "enough"...yet, we seemingly cannot pinpoint why we are still searching for something more. It's such a paradox isn't it?
Thanks for your vulnerability in this one!
Cool reflections! I'm often surprised to see we're thinking about similar things at similar times: https://nik.art/dont-spend-your-time-pass-it/
Paul Millerd has a good section in The Pathless Path about this idea, and when and how time became something to "spend" instead of "pass." Might be worth (re)reading!
Glad you're enjoying the quiet life! Happy belated birthday, and here's to many more small moments!
So good. That Schopenhauer quote. Gutted.
This was extremely relatable and well written.
Good job Nat
Great Post! I’ve been trying to question some of my own assumptions over the last couple months and something that I can’t really get around is: we have limited time so we should make most of every moment (which puts a lot of pressure on every moment).
Upon a second read of your post I can see that I am stuck in the time is a resource mindset. As you say I view time as something that can be well spent or wasted. I guess I've never really thought about it in another way.
Beautifully written. You hit the nail on the head when you say 'Each moment is your life, and the only way to waste it is by wondering if you’re wasting it.'
Don't know if you've seen Wim Wender's documentary 'Perfect Days' - I watched it yesterday - uncannily on the same subject & what a coincidence you give words to the feelings I'd from the movie.
Nate, I’ve walked away from your works with a sense of refreshment in the past, but this time it was substantially greater. From reassessing the get-rich-quick scheme, to reevaluating our often distorted attitudes towards time, I found it stimulating.
Much of what you discuss resonates with my own emphasis on cultivating a life of individuality, which largely centres on actualising unconscious direction. Our unconscious direction can only be ascertained through appreciating moments often deemed ‘insignificant’.
I would encourage you to reflect on one point, however. Time does pass invariably, yes. But, while you argue it can’t be spent, it can certainly pass ‘better’. One can choose to ‘pass’ time with their kids, or with the dopamine demons. One can choose a workout or overworking. While a perpetual obsession with time may be neurotic, acknowledging the relationship between choice and time is of utility in crafting a more rewarding life where time can ‘pass’ better.
Keep it up. Love your work.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever
Thank you for this wonderful essay. I feel as if you wrote it after having a conversation with my brain. People often ask me, what's new? And I freeze. Nothing's new. Wrong question. If you asked me, how do you feel about your life? I'd say "I love it. I fucking love it." And still, even though I love my days and I love living them the way I do, I can't seem to shake this habit of torturing myself with questions about whether I am spending it the way I should.