Time is a dominant force in our lives, dictating our schedules, priorities, and even our sense of self-worth.

It shapes how we approach almost everything.

With the rise of technology and the demands of modern life, many of us feel constantly pressured to be productive, efficient, and always “on.”

We think of time as a commodity — a limited resource to be managed and maximized at all costs to be productive and successful.

“We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery,” says H. G. Wells.

The tyranny of time is increasingly contributing to a sense of disconnection from nature and the natural rhythms of life.

The result is a loss of connection to the world around us.

Time is constantly ticking. That realization means we always chase after deadlines, schedules, and appointments. However, in our pursuit of time, we often forget the meaning of life outside the clock.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, many scholars believe that the meaning or purpose of life comes in many forms, such as love, happiness, meaningful work, personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and contribution to society.

Max Frisch was right, “time does not change us. It just unfolds us.”

However, in our modern world, we often prioritize material success over meaningful experiences.

We measure success by how much we earn, how much we own, and how much we achieve. We become so focused on the clock that we forget to stop and appreciate the beauty of life outside it.

Blinded by time, we forget to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as spending quality time with social connections, exploring nature, or pursuing experiences that make us come alive.

We forget that life is not a race against time but a journey of self-discovery.

Appreciate life in real time

“Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments,” says Rose Kennedy.

To find meaning outside the clock, we must learn to slow down and appreciate life as it’s happening now.

Our fast-paced lives often overwhelm us and disconnect us from what truly matters. Still, by being more present and spending time consciously, we can cultivate a more profound sense of awareness and connection to our surroundings.

We become more mindful of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations when we slow down. The increased awareness can help us gain greater clarity and perspective, allowing us better to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

It can also help us appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world and the small moments of joy and happiness we may have previously overlooked.

Increase experiences of awe

“Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.” — Art Buchwald

Another way to find meaning outside the clock is to cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world.

That means exploring new ideas, learning about things we usually ignore, or engaging in activities that challenge and inspire us.

When we approach life with a sense of curiosity, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Instead of simply going through our daily routines, we actively seek new knowledge and experiences that can enrich our lives and expand our understanding of the world around us.

The new sense of wonder can help us find meaning in the small moments of our lives. When we pay attention to the world around us and seek out beauty and wonder in everyday experiences, we develop a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of life.

While we can’t control the amount of time we have, we can control how we spend or invest it. By living deliberate and meaningful lives, we can escape the tyranny of time.

Nurture your spirituality to make sense of your experiences

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” ― Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

One way to find meaning outside the clock is to develop a sense of spirituality. It involves exploring your deep beliefs about the universe and the meaning of existence.

It can also involve developing a sense of connectedness with others, nature, or the world around us.

For many people, developing a sense of spirituality can provide a sense of meaning and purpose that goes beyond the material world and the limitations of time.

Practices like meditation, prayer, contemplation and mindfulness can help you cultivate a deeper connection to your spirituality.

They can promote inner peace, joy, and fulfillment, and help you navigate the challenges of life with greater resilience and clarity.

Many people who have developed a strong sense of spirituality find that it improves their compassion and empathy for others, leading to greater feelings of connection and purpose in life.

Embrace more nature time into your life

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” ― Henry David Thoreau

Spending more time in nature is a powerful way to overcome the tyranny of time and cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world and our natural rhythms.

In nature, we can slow down and reconnect with the natural cycles of life, away from the ebb and flow of modern life.

It can help us gain a greater sense of perspective and balance and reduce the stress and overwhelm that can come from the constant pressure to be productive and efficient.

To incorporate more nature time into your life, spend more time outdoors, whether walking in a local park, hiking in the mountains, or spending time by the beach.

Nature-based habits like a mindful walk in nature and forest bathing can reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve mood and cognitive function, and boost your overall health and well-being.

Make a conscious effort to disconnect from technology and other distractions and fully immerse yourself in the natural world, using all of your senses to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

Invest in experiences that transcend time

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

To overcome the tyranny of time, we must learn to prioritize meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose and connection in our lives.

Set better boundaries and use your time proactively. Be more intentional and purposeful about how you spend your time.

Rather than simply reacting to the demands of the day, set goals and priorities, and allocate your time and energy in ways that align with those goals.

Cultivate a sense of mindfulness and presence in your daily life. Embrace a slower, more intentional approach to your work and routines.

Define your life outside the restrictions of modern life.

Abbie Hoffman is right, “today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

Make time for the things that truly matter to you, whether pursuing a side hustle, spending time with your loved ones or doing more great work.

It’s a proactive approach to reduce feelings of overwhelm, burnout, and disconnection, and cultivate a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives.

This article originally appeared in Medium.