Navigating Western Ideas of Time
Linear time is often viewed in Western society as something that is fixed, and undisputed. We often prioritize the tangible, focusing on what can be easily explained and observed before us. It requires conscious effort to challenge and push against the rigidity of time, particularly how it shapes our rhythms, which have become institutionalized and systemic in the United States. Holding space for uncertainty and questioning that transcends binary notions of right or wrong disrupts the flow of time within capitalist or colonial structures.
Many of us are struck by the stark contrast in the passage of time during traumatic experiences, such as the loss of a loved one. While life seems to continue externally, our inner world and nervous system become altered. Western societal norms often prioritize monetary contributions to society over prioritizing familial needs during times of crisis. Our desires to succeed, produce, and be on the go become difficult to balance with our personal practices. Often the very things we need to be well (community, connection, clarity, etc) get pushed away by being in misalignment with time. This institutionalization of time puts a tremendous pressure on work life balance, putting a strain on our routines, health, relationships and broader societal structures. The way we work shapes everything from transportation schedules and school hours to meal times and leisure activities. Moreover, deviations from this established schedule may be viewed as unconventional or even disruptive within Western cultural norms.
The term "ancestral" has gained popularity in spiritual and wellness communities as awareness grows regarding systemic cycles stored in our emotional bodies. This wisdom has been preserved in practices like herbal medicine, energy work and meditation styles spanning the globe, from Chinese Medicine and Celtic Paganism to the diverse traditions of Indigenous Nations across the Americas and Canada.
Our bodies are smart- epigenetics as a field is increasingly being accepted in western science in recent years with books like The Body Keeps The Score. These include a prevalence of notions like the body remembers and holds knowledge and experiences. We can conceptualize that more is passed through generations beyond eye color and blood type, including behavioral and emotional patterns. But understanding how that feels in our bodies, can leave us with the question of “how do we access those experiences”? This prompts us to consider how time and experiences flows within us and its connection to our overall well-being.
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by various factors such as environment, lifestyle, and experiences, and they can impact how genes are turned on or off, potentially affecting an individual's health and behavior.
Balancing Experience, Societal Norms, and Personal Practices
Things to think about
What ancient knowledge, continuously adapting with time, can we access beyond modern medicine & social structures?
How can we examine the body through the lens of both ancestral and individual histories, and understand their impact on our emotional and physical well-being?
How can these two realms collaborate rather than operate in isolation?
And how might embracing cyclical time alter our perception of our emotional state from moment to moment?
Examining the body through a wider lens of both ancestral and individual histories allows us to understand the impact of our past experiences on our emotional and physical presence. Our ancestry carries with it a legacy of resilience, trauma, and wisdom that shapes our present-day realities. By acknowledging and honoring these interconnected layers of identity, we can cultivate greater self-awareness and compassion for ourselves and others.
Looking at global medicine systems opens our eyes to how much Western medicine looses due to our linear views of health and time. Chinese Medicine, prioritizes a balance between nurturing oneself internally (yin) and engaging with the external world (yang). Our activities throughout the day contribute to our productivity (yang), and ideally we find practices to help us unwind, release tension, and hopefully rest and rejuvenate (yin). This process replenishes our Qi and restores the balance of energy we've expended. However, our culture often promotes constant activity, fatiguing our bodies and causing mental and physical ailments, leading us to neglect the crucial time needed for self-replenishment. Chinese medicine offers various tools such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, physical exercise, massage, mental discipline, and lifestyle modifications to orchestrate harmony with our individual rhythms. By understanding and addressing these aspects, we can balance the yin-yang swing at different points in our lives, finding flow in the way we treat ourselves through emotional and physical seasons.
In Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, the understanding of trauma being stored in the body dates back centuries. Tibetan Buddhists believe that emotional imprints from past experiences can become lodged within the physical body, leading to blockages in energy flow and disturbances in mental and emotional well-being. To address this, Tibetan Buddhist practitioners utilize somatic meditation and visualization techniques aimed at reorganizing the body's energy and reconnecting with one's true nature beyond transient experiences. Through practices such as Somatic Descent, individuals learn to cultivate awareness of bodily sensations and release tension held within the body, facilitating healing beyond the tangible. By tapping into the innate wisdom of the body-mind connection, Tibetan Buddhists offer a holistic approach to trauma resolution and spiritual awakening.
To emulate the achievements of global communities where well-being harmonizes with the passage of time, we move beyond conventional approaches to nurturing mental, emotional, and social wellness by emphasizing community and connection. Longevity studies have underscored the importance of these elements for health, attributing benefits such as the release of feel-good hormones through connection and the mutual care for each other's well-being. Love has the power to heal, and fostering a sense of community provides avenues for attending to these crucial (but often missed) aspects of our lives. At Rhythms, our mission is to provide cyclical and community-oriented programming that enriches physical health and vitality. Through fostering a supportive community and incorporating holistic practices, our aim is to establish a in the heart of Portland, where individuals can address all dimensions of their well-being.
Embracing cyclical time invites us to view our emotional states as part of a natural ebb and flow, rather than static or linear. By recognizing the inherent rhythms of life, we can cultivate a greater sense of acceptance and equanimity, allowing us to flow through moments of uncertainty with more resilience. This perspective shift enables us to embrace the inherent wisdom of cyclical time so that we can respond to our emotions with acceptance and compassion.
Closing Reflections
Reflect on your daily routines and habits. Are there areas where you prioritize productivity over self-care and replenishment? How might you adjust your schedule to incorporate more time for rest and rejuvenation?
Consider your relationship with time. Do you tend to view time as a linear progression, or are you open to embracing cyclical rhythms? How might shifting your perception of time impact your overall well-being?
Think about your sense of community and connection with others. Are there opportunities to deepen these bonds in your life? How can fostering a supportive community contribute to your emotional and mental health?
Reflect on your self-care practices. Are there aspects of your health that you've been neglecting? What steps can you take to prioritize your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being?
Explore the concept of balance between yin and yang energies in your life. Are there areas where you feel out of balance? How can you cultivate harmony between nurturing yourself internally and engaging with the external world?
