Why the hourglass? Let’s talk about time

I have been asked “Why is my logo an hourglass?”, well it is because I believe it is time, that we talk about time.

Time is a existential theme that many psychotherapists such as Irvin Yalom believe is a key human concern, alongside death, freedom and responsibility.

There are multiple aspects to time as it is something we have no control over. Time is ticking away seconds at a time as you read this sentence. However, when time becomes a focus it can become powerful.

"Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it." — Leonardo da Vinci

Like many things in life getting a balance is key and time is no different. If we are constantly worried about time, we end up spending our valuable resource of time worrying. If we do not care about time at all, we can later look back and realise we did not make the most of it.

"Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice." — Heraclitus

Striking that fine line between the two allows us to accept that some things do take time and we cannot rush them, such as personal growth or overcoming loss. But additionally appreciate that time is a finite resource that we alone decide how we wish to use. It sounds corny to say “you only live once”, but in essence it is true. It is us who has to live with the responsibility of how we have spent our life and if that feels worthwhile or not. This is quite a terrifying thought, however it is also incredibly empowering to know that you have that control.

The phrase "Memento mori" (translating roughly as "Remember you must die") has appeared throughout history, starting with its origins in the Stoics such as the Roman Emperor and Philosopher Marcus Aurelius. It has then continued into Christianity in the medieval ages, Victorian culture and is seen often in todays popular culture such as film and music. The phrase is used to keep our death in constant mind to sharpen our use of time and to help appreciate the present moment as they are fleeting.

“Time cannot be broken; that is our greatest burden. And our greatest challenge is to live in spite of that burden”- Irvin Yalom

For further reading, Irvin Yalom's Existential Psychotherapy has a great section on time.

What thoughts has this given you? I would love to hear from you.