The Illusion of Mental Time

The two dimensions of the mind

Our Mind Canvas is formed by 2 dimensions; the 2 lies we tell ourselves every day:

1. Mental Time: The illusion that time as we know it exists,
2. Interpretation / Meaning-making / Duality: The illusion that things are “good” or “bad”.

Understanding these 2 dimensions, and using them to our advantage, is the key to eradicating suffering, removing limitations from your life, empowering yourself, and experiencing more well-being and joy.

In this article, we will explore the first dimension of our minds: Mental Time.

Mental Time

At any given time, we normally think about the past, the present, or the future.

“Human beings divide their experience into different time perspectives, generally without thinking about it – or even being aware of it. Time perspective is one of the most powerful influences on human behavior.” – Gustavo R. Grodnitzky

The past: Our Memories

When we think about the past, we basically access our memories. Here we can find our successes, failures, mistakes and all the good and bad moments we’ve lived. Here we can also find the experiences of other people, which we can use to our advantage.

The present: Our Perception and Presence

In the present, we have our perception and interpretation of what happens in the present moment, however good or bad it may seem.

The future: Our Imagination

When we think about the future, we basically access our imagination. Here we can find our dreams, vision, purpose, our goals and expectations, as well as our fears and worries. We can also think about the dreams and fears of other people, which we can use to our advantage.

Using time to our advantage

Now, we need to remember that all these time perspectives are just useful lies. In reality, there is no such thing as past, present or future. As physicist Carlo Rovelli puts it:

“At the most fundamental level […] there is no special variable ‘time’, there is no difference between past and future […] What causes us to suffer is not in the past or the future: it is there, now, in our memory, in our expectations.”

When we are not conscious of how we think about the past and future, we tend to fall into unresourceful patterns that cause our self-limiting emotions; things like regret and shame (past), judging and stressing (present), and worrying (future).

Another risk of living unconsciously is that we might use one mental time perspective more than others (past, present, or future), which can create all sorts of problems.

“Depressed people look not to the future but to the past to relieve their depression; they feel that rehashing and rehearsing the causes of their symptoms will somehow help to solve their problems […] this kind of thinking […] quickly deteriorates into a vicious downward spiral that exacerbates the severity and length of depression.” – Philip Zimbardo & John Boyd

It is then important to have (and keep) a balanced mind, using all of the resources that Mental time offers, and to do so in the most resourceful way possible.

How well are you using time?

Put your mental time to work for you. Be resourceful.

InJoy, Juan Campoo

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