Did you know that the Ancient Greeks had two concepts for time?
It’s kind of counterintuitive…
Because nowadays all we have is one.
So let me explain…
Introducing Chronos and Kairos. The two Greek measures of time.
Chronos is how we think about time today….
It’s time which can be measured.
2,000 years ago it was measured by the sun, the seasons and crop cycles…
Today it’s measured by calendars, clocks, iphones and fitbits.
If Chronos is about the quantity of time, Kairos is about the quality.
It has a more spiritual element to it.
It’s the sort of time which can’t be measured….
But it can be experienced.
Have you ever lost track of time and suddenly noticed hours have passed?
Maybe when hanging out with friends? Or doing one of your favourite activities?
That’s Kairos.
You’re totally present and you lose all sense of Chronos time.
A great example from my life is when I’m playing chess…
In the thick of a game, I’m so immersed in the position and the possibilities, I lose all track of time…
Even though there’s a clock right next to the board.
With that being said…
I think Chronos and Kairos both have important roles to play.
But maybe the balance is a little bit out…
Because Chronos rules our lives.
Working life is a good example. It’s a never-ending cycle of Chronos.
A calendar packed with meetings…
Urgent deadlines to hit…
Or marking up time-sheets in 6 minute slots.
Given the time we spend at work, it’s no surprise that Chronos dominates most of our lives.
So if you relate to this, you could try bringing some more Kairos in to your life.
Think about moments you’ve experienced Kairos in the past. And try to find more of these in the future.
Not only will this lead to more balance….
But Kairos is also when we feel happiest, most present and most alive.
Anyway…
I need to wrap this up.
Hope you got something useful out of this.
Enjoy your day.
- Tom
p.s. If you’re ready to get greater clarity on your situation, why not book a short call with me? The link is below. I’d love to chat.
www.followingfulfilment.com/call