<h2 id="2ac380ed-c5af-4b49-8ca8-33a66efd0175" data-toc-id="2ac380ed-c5af-4b49-8ca8-33a66efd0175">Time Perception: Why Time Feels Faster as We Age</h2>Psychologists and neuroscientists have long theorized that our perception of time is longer when we are children because we are constantly encountering new information. Every experience is novel, requiring more cognitive processing, which makes time feel slower.As we grow older, life becomes more routine. We process less new information, and our brain compresses familiar experiences into patterns. As a result, time seems to speed up.But what if our perception of time is not just a cognitive phenomenon, but also related to the very nature of time itself?<h2 id="edb8386d-6dbd-4e4d-b831-f08fad082669" data-toc-id="edb8386d-6dbd-4e4d-b831-f08fad082669">Latest Physics Theory: Time Doesn’t Exist</h2>According to some of the latest theories in physics, time doesn’t actually exist as a fundamental property of the universe. Instead, time is a construct we use to measure the distance between two points in space.In this view:<ul><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">Frame A = this current moment (your location in spacetime)</li><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">Frame B = the next moment (your next location in spacetime)</li></ul>Our perception of “passing time” is simply the movement from Frame A to Frame B.If we don’t move, time doesn’t exist.In other words: Time is movement. No movement = no time.<h2 id="5dc73430-afd6-4706-9983-f160b4c63348" data-toc-id="5dc73430-afd6-4706-9983-f160b4c63348">Einstein’s Equation &amp; Time Perception</h2>Let’s explore this further using Einstein’s famous equation: E=mc2Since speed = distance / time, we can rewrite it as: E=m⋅(td​)2Rearranging the equation gives us: t2=E(m⋅d)2​This shows that time is directly related to the product of mass and distance.Assuming energy remains constant, if either mass or distance increases, time must increase as well.<h2 id="9b5d5717-447a-4938-9f54-4c500ef935d9" data-toc-id="9b5d5717-447a-4938-9f54-4c500ef935d9">Time Perception and New Information</h2>In practical terms:<ul><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">Mass represents the amount of new information we need to process.</li><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">Distance represents the complexity of the experience.</li></ul>When we are children or encountering something entirely new (like during a psychedelic experience), our brain needs to process more mass and cover a larger distance of information.This increases the “mass-distance” product, making time feel slower.In contrast, when we are doing something familiar, the brain processes less information. The “mass-distance” product is smaller, and time flies by.<h2 id="86fd8107-464a-4e20-8db2-3ac9a1427070" data-toc-id="86fd8107-464a-4e20-8db2-3ac9a1427070">Psychedelics and Time Perception</h2>This theory also explains why people on psychedelics often perceive time differently.Under the influence of psychedelics:<ul><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">New layers of reality become visible — things we don’t normally see or feel.</li><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">The brain processes a huge amount of new information, increasing the mass-distance product.</li></ul>As a result: One second can feel like an hour because the brain is taking in so much new input.Similarly, when we are in a state of deep mindfulness or meditation, we might feel that time slows down. This happens because we become hyper-aware of each passing moment, noticing details we normally miss. The brain is processing more mass, slowing our perception of time.<h2 id="150b611a-fd4c-4525-b405-2f54befb3f80" data-toc-id="150b611a-fd4c-4525-b405-2f54befb3f80">Philosophical Reflection: Does Time Exist at All?</h2>If we follow this line of thought, it raises a fascinating philosophical question:What if time is nothing more than a construct of our perception?In physics, time is tied to movement and change. But if we enter a state of pure stillness, does time continue to exist for us?This idea appears in many spiritual teachings and philosophies:<ul><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">In Buddhism, time is seen as an illusion, and enlightenment involves transcending the perception of past, present, and future.</li><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">In Western mysticism, the concept of the eternal now suggests that all moments exist simultaneously, and time is a mental construct.</li><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">Even in contemporary philosophy, books like Conversations with God and reports from near-death experiences describe a state where time ceases to exist.</li></ul>From this perspective, our experience of time is deeply connected to our level of awareness. When we are in a heightened state of consciousness, we can break free from the illusion of time and experience the eternal present.<h2 id="ae2d2cee-7f0f-44fb-8a17-9f3f09d464fe" data-toc-id="ae2d2cee-7f0f-44fb-8a17-9f3f09d464fe">Connecting Time Perception to Consciousness</h2>If we think about this from a philosophical or spiritual perspective, it suggests that time is deeply tied to our state of consciousness.<ul><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">In a state of higher awareness, time can feel slower or even stop entirely.</li><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">In a state of autopilot or routine, time flies by unnoticed.</li></ul>This means that our perception of time is not fixed, but rather a reflection of our awareness and engagement with the present moment.<h2 id="ce6f8886-dc33-4073-8bae-5103c8bd659d" data-toc-id="ce6f8886-dc33-4073-8bae-5103c8bd659d">Conclusion: The Intersection of Time, Speed, and Consciousness</h2>Time perception is not just a scientific phenomenon; it is a profound insight into the nature of reality and consciousness. According to the latest theories in physics, time doesn’t exist independently. Instead, it’s a measure of movement and change.When we bring this concept into psychology and spirituality, we see that our experience of time is a reflection of our awareness and consciousness.<ul><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">When we are fully present, hyper-aware, and processing new information, time slows down.</li><li style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">When we are disconnected, operating on routine, or disengaged, time speeds up.</li></ul>This brings us to a powerful insight:<blockquote>Time is not a constant. It is an experience shaped by our awareness, movement, and engagement with life.</blockquote>By understanding and shifting our perception of time, we can learn to live more fully in the eternal present — where time stops, and life truly begins.

Explore why time seems to speed up as we age—linking neuroscience, perception, and cutting-edge physics theories that time may be a construct tied to movement and awareness.

Perception of Time: Time Perception & Physics of Time

Time Perception: Why Time Feels Faster as We Age

Latest Physics Theory: Time Doesn’t Exist

Philosophical Reflection: Does Time Exist at All?

Connecting Time Perception to Consciousness

Conclusion: The Intersection of Time, Speed, and Consciousness

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Perception of Time: Time Perception & Physics of Time

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