Time Stands Still

I have been pondering how time can speed up and slow down.  Returning from our cottage in P.E.I. many people asked how my summer was.  My answer was inevitably, ‘It went by way to quickly.’  There is a general consensus that time seems to speed up as we get older.  However, it can also slow down – for example at the beginning of doing something new – a new job or going to a new place for vacation.  Initially the time seems to go very slowly but picks up speed as you become accommodated to the new situation. 

Einstein’s theory of relativity postulated that time slowed down as an object approaches the speed of light.  So, time really is relative.  I had an experience of this - or something like this some years ago when time seemed to stand still.  It occurred on my first visit to the Apple Farm Community in Three Rivers, Michigan, where later I would go often for spiritual retreats.  The Apple Farm Community was founded by Helen Luke, the author of wonderful books which delved into many different aspects of life as reflected in literature.  Luke’s magnum opus is Dark Wood to White Rose: A Study of Meanings in Dante's Divine Comedy.  It is a wonderful exploration of the journey into wholeness which is offered to each of us.

My introduction to Apple Farm occurred in the mid-1980’s.  I was on what I believe was called an introductory weekend with three other Apple Farm neophytes.  There are many things about my time there which are memorable and were pivotal in my life which was on the cusp of middle age at that time.  My memories of the people I encountered and particularly Helen Luke are to this day important ones as are the dreams I was given while I was there at that time and on subsequent visits. 

Of the many memorable aspects of that time one event stands out.  The four of us neophytes were meeting with Helen in the afternoon of the day after our arrival.  Just being with her was memorable and I remember her as a presence that far exceeded her physical size.  After some time, we were given a fifteen-minute break.  I decided to walk on the grounds and, being very conscious of the time, I checked my watch to ensure that I would not be late.  You need to be aware that I have quite an active complex about being on time, so this was not unusual for me.  After a while I checked my watch and discovered that very little time had passed, and I still had ample time to enjoy the grounds.  Shortly after I noticed one of the other newbies calling me to come back as - horrors of horrors - they were waiting for me.  I had kept them all, including Helen, waiting - one of my great fears.  I looked at my watch and discovered that it had stopped shortly after I started my little sabbatical.  I returned quickly giving my apologies and checking my watch again noticed that it had started working once again and continued to keep accurate time the rest of my stay at Apple Farm. 

For that brief interlude time stood still for me – me who has always been very aware of time and being on time.  I believe that the one who sends us dreams and synchronicities was giving me that lesson.  The trickster was playing with my on-time complex.  I still struggle with an overly active desire to be on time to places, as my wife who has no problem in this regard will attest.  However, when this happens, I remind myself of the time when my unconscious conspired for me to keep Helen Luke waiting.

May you be blessed to have time stand still for you on your journey.