Summer Solstice & Your Brain on Time
The concept of time can be as baffling and contradicting as it is stable and consistent. We all can’t seem to find enough of it, yet also anguish over its tortuous spans of monotony.
With the summer solstice upon us we’ve been reflecting on our relationship to time and how to actively manage our use of it in a less perfunctory manner. But before going there, let’s brief you on the solstice. The summer solstice is when the path of the sun in the sky is farthest north, making it the longest day of the year and the official start of summer for those living in the northern hemisphere. Let the fun begin!
We all relish in the long days of summer yet it can still be difficult to not feel like we’re controlled by time’s enigmatic presence, which ironically was manufactured by humankind to begin with. We’ve become so reliant on it’s order that without it we would be living in a world of anarchy. It empowered the progression of modern societies and technological advances. From agriculture to the invention of the clock, the structure of time has enabled global travel, advances in computers, and the simplicity of scheduling. In the 4th century BC Egyptians created the modern calendar. They observed that the earth revolves on its axis 365 times while making one revolution around the sun and in 24 hours the earth completes one rotation on its axis which is how they established a day as 24 hours. Making your head spin? Well as filmmakers it’s hard not to contemplate the mysteries of the magic number 24 which became the standard frame rate for film, as it’s perceived to be the most realistic depiction of reality without causing motion blur. A coincidence or matrix of meaning we’ll let it marinate and instead focus our efforts on more actionable ideas rather than getting bogged down by philosophical theory. So with that we’ll leave you with a few practical tips for making the most of your time and ultimately your creative endeavors.
Don’t Multitask. Set aside time for the one thing you need to accomplish and put the distractions away. Limit checking your email to 3 times throughout the day, shut off any notifications, and get to work. Try this for 3 days straight and you’ll likely finish the project you initially thought you’d chip away at for the next month in just a matter of days.
Exercise Your Mind and Body. You being the best version of yourself mentally and physically will energize all other aspects of your life. Fuel your creativity by optimizing your fitness. Start small and build up. Maybe it’s 20 push ups in the morning and a 10 minute meditation. By the end of the month aim to do 50 push ups each morning and a 20 minute meditation. Exercise will not only help you get closer to that ideal beach bod you’ve been dreaming about, but cardio and strength training also affects the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance and survival of new brain cells. It’s a no brainer.
Consilience & Curiosity. Actively pursue interests and ideas outside of your field. You’ll not only expand your network by meeting new people but you’ll likely expand your perspective of the world which will help inform your creative process and the work you produce. Start by signing up for a class like improv comedy, ceramics, or a hiking group. Whatever it is, get outside of your comfort zone while learning something new.
So, carve out time to forge forward with your creative dreams, and if need be, set your alarm clocks. After all, time is of the essence. Have a happy summer!