September 5, 2014 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   Does it feel like time is going by faster and faster the older you get?

   If it does, you’re not imagining it.  Time really is going faster, though probably not for the reason you think it is.

   Scientists, particularly quantum physicists, have discovered that time really is relative to where you (or the clock) are in relation to the gravitational field, and whether you (or the clock) are moving or not.

   The closer you are to the centre of the gravitational field, the slower time goes.  Additionally, if you are moving, time goes faster than if you are stationary.  Realize, of course, that we are never totally stationary as we are on a rotating planet that revolves around the sun.

   What does that mean?  

   Your head travels faster than your feet - even if (or especially if) you are standing still.  While the difference in speed is so minute you’d need a special clock to record the extremely small increment changes, your body registers the difference, and it does have an impact on you.

   That is one reason why time goes slower for children - they are closer to the ground.  Which is why it takes so long for Christmas or a birthday to arrive for a child, yet it seems like yesterday was Christmas to adults.

   The view of watching scenery go by you as you drive not only creates an illusion of time passing quickly, it really is passing more quickly.  Again, not enough for us to register on a normal clock, yet our bodies notice.  Ever experienced jetlag after a flight?  It wasn’t the time zone difference that caused it.

   How do you slow down time?

   One way is by not moving around so much in high speed vehicles - use a slower means of travel such as bike or walking.  Being active  is important to health, however we should engage in moderate activities with rests interspersed throughout, rather than rushing through one event and then rushing to another and then another all day long.  As well, put your feet and head on the same level for a few moments during the day - preferably as close to the floor as possible - will help to even out your body’s perception of the passing time.

Beth

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