Time In A Bottle

Man has always perceived time in diverse ways and it has always been his intention to solve the its mystery. How can we define time? There are hundreds of definitions but as far as I have understood, time is irreversible. Since we are a part of this universe with finite life-spans our existence is dependent on time. It is very important for us to use this precious resource wisely in order to have a meaningful life.

The irony of the situation is that even after thinking so much about time — its significance and the consequences of wasting it — most of us fail in managing our life time successfully! Therefore, I thought of sharing a little secret of mine that might nudge you into appreciating time and using it well.

Just imagine you have a big bottle to fill every day and you are given three things to fill this receptacle: the first is big pebbles, then you have small pebbles and finally you have sand. However the one condition is that you have to fill the bottle in such a way that no spaces are left among big pebbles, small pebbles and the sand.

There are three ways to do this: first you can fill the sand first then the small and finally the big pebbles. But if you do so, there will be spaces left between big and small pebbles as all pebbles are of different sizes (remember we need to fill the bottle while completely packing it).

As a second option, you can fill the small pebbles first then the big stones and then the sand but this time some of the sand will tend to slip down from the spaces between the big pebbles and reach the small pebbles so we will still have some minute spaces in between (this method clearly fails).

Thirdly you can first fill the big pebbles but since they are of different sizes some space will be left in between so next you can fill the small pebbles which will occupy the spaces left between the big pebbles. Although the small pebbles are of a different size, some space will be left in between them as well. These minute spaces can be filled by the sand and in this way you can completely fill the vessel without leaving any spaces.

Now you must imagine that time is like a vessel and the big pebbles are the most important things in your life. The small pebbles are less important matters and the sand represents the things that have least importance on your priority list. The empty spaces left in between signify the regrets or opportunities missed in life, so you must divide your work in order of priority to leave no empty spaces (regrets or missed opportunities).

Remember as you utilise your time so shall you define your life. Make your life’s priority list and examine it regularly with this illustration in mind. Are you putting the small, insignificant things things first or are you pre-occupied with the not-so-important facets of your life? Are you neglecting your inner self, your big dreams, your family or your spiritual life while putting friends, ego, and money first?

So what kind of life are you opting for today — one filled with spaces or one with no spaces for regrets?