Thermodynamics, entropy, quantum physics and space-time are real, but magic. Albert Einstein and Carlo Rovelli do a much better job explaining these concepts than I ever will, but the first key takeaway is: time only passes when heat is exchanged.
The second concept I will also butcher is space-time. That time only occurs if you include your physical location. Here’s a quick story to help illustrate: consider a human on Mars, if we make a phone call on Earth to Mars it will take approximately 20 minutes for the sound to travel there and 20 minutes to get back. So when is “now” happening on Earth? On Mars? The second key takeaway is we can’t physically be in the same moment at the same time, unless we agree on space-time.
I think these two scientific concepts are the answer to a lot of questions, deep questions we all have.
I believe there are tangible ways to feel time passing, and know we are having a shared experience.
We usually describe it as warmth.
The stark contrast of the crisp air and warmth of a sweater or sip of hot cider makes you sense time and feel present at this moment in time.
You can feel someone’s warmth through space-time, through screens and over time zones; even when you’re not in the same room.
Sharing a moment is the connection we all strive for.
A moment in time.
Right here, on this planet, I feel your warmth, I know your love.
A warm embrace physically releases hormones, slows your heart rate, and decreases blood pressure. The warmth of a hug physiologically changes you.
Your body tries to regulate itself when you step outside in winter and stay alive at relatively the same temperature; but heat (energy, time) leaves with every breath, and you can see it happening.
We don’t try to stop time with just photographs, we use blankets, hot chocolate, tea, cozy socks, bonfires and slippers.
Enjoy the time, space, and heat you share with the planet and with others.
I wish you an abundance of warmth this holiday season.
The Lefty Writer 