"Time: That which man is always trying to kill,
but which ends in killing him."
Herbert Spencer
How often have we said when asked "What are you doing?" responded, "Oh, I'm just killing time."? Think about that for a minute. When it comes to our time here on earth, time is finite. We have only a certain amount. Why would we kill any of it?
I suppose it's because I'm getting older (really older, for which I am exceedingly grateful considering the alternative) that I'm focusing more on what time is left for us all. I know that as I draw my last breath, I'll regret all that time I killed.
I'm not saying here that every moment should be productive, but that when you're not producing you should appreciate the beauty of what's all around you. The love of family and friends; the quiet of sunrise, punctuated only by the sounds of nature; the shimmer of dew on the grass; the joy of just being alive. Sit outside and close your eyes and listen to the sounds of life all around you. That's not killing time - that's loving it.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Put a mirror on the table and watch yourself eat. Studies have shown that people who watch themselves eat, ate considerably less than those who did not. Hmm. Wonder why? Could the old conscience be kicking in?
Am I Blue?
The color blue makes food look unappetizing. Put a blue light in your fridge and in the light over your dining table. It's not surprising that restaurants have a Blue Plate Special.. Their customers eat less.
Oink, oink
Use visualization. Picture a piggy at the slop trough.
OR
ThinkYourself Thin
Picture a square of chocolate (dark chocolate, of course). Close your eyes and see yourself opening the package and removing one square of chocolate. Hold it up to your nose and inhale the rich aroma. Now imagine taking a small nibble off the corner of the square. Don't chew it, just let it slowly melt on your tongue. Feel the silky texture. Roll it around your mouth until it disappears. Continue taking small bites and slowly, slowly finish your chocolate square.
People who used this visualization technique were satisfied with only one or two squares of chocolate, because their satiety level was so reduced.
If all else fails, get a roll of duct tape; tear off about 8 inches of it and press it firmly over your mouth.
