How fire dance stops Time

Metamorefire - a short film about the transformative power of fire dance

How Fire Dance Stops Time

Fire as transformation, dance as healing – and time standing still.

Have you ever experiences dancing with fire? Can you remember the mesmerizing sound of it? The way your body feels alive? How everything else disappears?

When you merge with the flames, you realize: No past, no future—just the present moment.

Fire as a mirrow of the soul

Fire is movement, energy, and change. It consumes what was and makes space for something new.

There was a time when I felt trapped—in patterns, fears, and uncertainties. But when I played with fire, something shifted. See: “How firedance has saved my life”

Dancing with flaming poi or torches leaves no space for overthinking. Because when you dance with fire, you must be fully present. Your mind shifts, creating a space for healing.

Fire in Film: A Catalyst for transformation

Throughout film history, fire has often been used as a metaphor for transformation and inner change.

One example is the Indian film Fire – When Love Ignites (1996), where two women in New Delhi, neglected by their husbands, find comfort in each other. Their growing relationship not only ignites personal desires but also challenges traditional gender roles, leading to conflict. Fire here symbolizes passion and the courage to defy societal norms and claim personal freedom. (Source: filmdienst.de)

Another example is Firestarter (2022), based on Stephen King’s novel. The protagonist, a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities, struggles to control her powers. Fire in this film represents her inner strength and her battle against external threats, but it also embodies the danger of uncontrolled emotions. (Source: Wikipedia)

Metamorefire – A Story of Transformation

My personal journey, along with those of many other fire dancers, inspired the film Metamorefire, where fire is not just an element but a symbol of change. The story follows a character who evolves from a mechanical, suppressed being into a free, fully alive human—through movement, through dance, through fire.

Just as fire turns wood into ashes, it burns away old patterns and clears the way for something new. In our story, the mechanical shell of the robot burns and falls away with the movements.

We hope to inspire many others to reconnect with themselves through art, dance, and the transformative power of fire.

Why firedance is healing

Scientifically, time is relative. But emotionally? Time is deeply subjective. It stretches, contracts, rushes by, or stands still, depending on how we feel and move. We can change our perception. And fire dance has this magical ability shift time:

DANCE: When we fall into flow, worries disappear. The moments of dance feel infinite.
MEDITATION: Fire forces you to be fully present—if you lose focus, you’ll get burned. It’s a form of moving meditation.
NATURE: Dancing with fire connects us deeply with the elements. It makes us feel alive!

Every time I dance with fire, I experience this sense of timelessness. And it brings me so much joy!

Dancing with Flames – And with Life

Fire teaches trust. Trust in your body, your abilities—and in life itself. I had to learn to let go of fear, surrender to movement, and flow. That is also the message of Metamorefire:

➥ Let go of what holds you back.
➥ Dance with the flames (change) instead of fearing them.
➥ Use fire (your energy) as a tool for transformation, not destruction.

Every time I dance, I remember: I am not trapped. I hold in my hands a tool that sets me free.

And maybe – that’s why fire stops time. Because it shows us that NOW is all that truly matters.

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February 6, 2025February 6, 2025

Signs of Emotional Burnout and How to Manage It

How Metamorefire Relates to Burnout The artistic short film Metamorefire captures the transformation from emotional suppression to freedom and self-discovery—a journey many experience when recovering from burnout. Just as the film’s protagonist breaks free from mechanical repetition to reconnect with their true self, burnout recovery is about rediscovering passion, joy, and balance. 🔥 Movement, dance, and self-expression can help release pent-up stress, just as they do in the film’s narrative. 🔥 Letting go of control—one of the film’s deeper themes—resonates with the idea that sometimes, surrendering to change is the key to healing. 🔥 Burnout is not just about stress—it’s about disconnection. Metamorefire reminds us to reconnect with what truly fuels our soul.

Signs of Emotional Burnout and How to Manage it

In our fast-moving world, burnout is, unfortunately, more common than ever. Whether it’s work, personal struggles, or creative projects, constant stress can leave you feeling drained, unmotivated, and disconnected. If even simple tasks feel overwhelming and you’re running on empty, it might be burnout. The following article will help you to recognize its signs early and prevent it from taking a toll on your health and happiness.

What is Emotional Burnout?

Burnout is a state of extreme mental and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It affects your energy levels, emotions, and even your sense of purpose. Studies have shown that burnout is linked to increased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), which can disrupt sleep, lower immunity, and increase the risk of depression and anxiety (Mayo Clinic, WebMD).

Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

✔ Exhaustion – Both physical and emotional fatigue are key indicators. Symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, disrupted sleep, and constant tiredness are common.

✔ Social Withdrawal & Isolation – Burnout often makes people withdraw from relationships and activities they once enjoyed, leading to detachment and loneliness).

✔ Increased Irritability & Mood Changes – Small inconveniences can feel overwhelming, and you may become more irritable, aggressive, or emotionally reactive.

✔ Loss of Motivation & Purpose – Burnout can make tasks feel meaningless, leaving you feeling trapped or stuck in a loop of pessimism and self-doubt.

✔ Cognitive Overload – Decision-making becomes harder, and you may experience memory problems or difficulty focusing.

How to Recover and Prevent Burnout

Burnout recovery is not just about taking a vacation—it’s about changing habits, boundaries, and mindset to prevent long-term exhaustion. Here’s how:

➥ Reduce Stress & Take Breaks
Step away from screens, take mindful pauses, and make time for things you enjoy. Small breaks = big relief.

➥ Prioritize Rest & Sleep
Sleep is your superpower! Aim for 7-9 hours, avoid blue light before bed, and create a relaxing nighttime routine.

➥ Set Boundaries & Say No
Too much on your plate? Learn to say no, protect your time, and delegate tasks where you can.

➥ Engage in Relaxation Practices
Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or tai chi to calm your mind and body.

➥ Talk to Someone & Seek Support
You don’t have to handle burnout alone. Reach out to a friend, therapist, or mentor for guidance and support.

➥ Find Joy in Creativity & Movement
Dance, paint, write, or play music—creative activities boost dopamine and help relieve stress.

➥ Small steps = big changes! Start with one today.

How Metamorefire Relates to Burnout

The artistic short film MetaMoreFire captures the transformation from emotional suppression to freedom and self-discovery—a journey many experience when recovering from burnout. Just as the film’s protagonist breaks free from mechanical repetition to reconnect with their true self, burnout recovery is about rediscovering passion, joy, and balance.

Movement, dance, and self-expression can help release pent-up stress, just as they do in the film’s narrative.

Letting go of control—one of the film’s deeper themes—resonates with the idea that sometimes, surrendering to change is the key to healing.

Burnout is not just about stress—it’s about disconnection. Metamorefire reminds us to reconnect with what truly fuels our soul.

What is one thing you can do today to slow down and reconnect with yourself?

If you’ve experienced burnout, what has helped you recover? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you noticed signs of burnout, depression or even suicidal thoughts, please take care of yourself immediatly!

Here are some emergency hotlines for mental health support worldwide:

Global Hotlines:

Befrienders Worldwide www.befrienders.org (Find local crisis helplines)
Crisis Text Line Text HELLO to 741741 (USA, UK, Canada)

United States

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 (www.988lifeline.org)
NAMI Helpline 1-800-950-6264 (www.nami.org)

United Kingdom

Samaritans 116 123 (www.samaritans.org)
Mind UK 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk)

Canada

Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 (www.talksuicide.ca)
Hope for Wellness (Indigenous Support) 1-855-242-3310 (www.hopeforwellness.ca)

Australia

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (www.lifeline.org.au)
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 (www.beyondblue.org.au)

Germany

TelefonSeelsorge 0800 111 0111 or 0800 111 0222 (www.telefonseelsorge.de)

France

SOS Amitié 09 72 39 40 50 (www.sos-amitie.org)

Italy

Telefono Amico Italia 199 284 284 (www.telefonoamico.it)

Spain

Teléfono de la Esperanza 717 003 717 (www.telefonodelaesperanza.org)

India

Vandrevala Foundation 9999 666 555 (www.vandrevalafoundation.com)
Snehi India 91-9582208181 (www.snehi.org)

South Africa

SADAG (Suicide Crisis Helpline) 0800 567 567 (www.sadag.org)

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call emergency services (112 / 911 / local equivalent).

Mental health matters. Reach out. Help is available.

January 28, 2025January 28, 2025

What Does Dopamine Have to Do With Time?

A firehoop spinning arund the neck of Christiane Meyer (Miigaa)

Dopamine and time

What does one have to do with the other?

Dopamine, often called the “happiness hormone,” is a key neurotransmitter that influences how we perceive time. Its role extends beyond emotions, significantly shaping our experience of moments, motivation, and rewards. Let’s explore how dopamine and time are interconnected.

1. Dopamine Accelerates Time Perception

When you’re excited, motivated, or experiencing joy, your brain releases higher levels of dopamine. This boost in dopamine speeds up neural processing, making time seem to “fly by.” This is why enjoyable activities feel shorter—they heighten dopamine levels and accelerate our perception of time.

2. Low Dopamine Slows Time

In contrast, low dopamine levels, often associated with boredom, stress, or depression, can slow down time perception. The brain’s reduced activity makes every moment drag. This aligns with studies showing how our sense of time warps depending on emotional and mental states.

3. Motivation, Rewards, and Flow

Dopamine plays a central role in our reward system. When pursuing meaningful goals, your dopamine levels rise, pushing you into a state of “flow” where time seems irrelevant. Conversely, a lack of motivation or rewards can decrease dopamine, leaving you feeling stuck or as though time is crawling. Thats why “flowarts” can be a great tool to root you in the present and support healing.

4. Scientific Evidence: Dopamine and the Inner Clock

Studies reveal that increased dopamine activity can alter our “internal clock,” making us perceive shorter time intervals as longer. For example, Parkinson’s patients, who experience a decline in dopamine, report altered time perception. These findings highlight dopamine’s profound impact on how we process and measure time

5. Stress, Dopamine, and Time Pressure

Stress often triggers a spike in dopamine, making moments seem shorter and accelerating our experience of time. Chronic stress, however, depletes dopamine over time, impairing motivation and further distorting how we experience the passage of time.

6. Dopamine, Social Media, and Time

Social media hooks you with dopamine spikes from likes and comments, creating a cycle of instant gratification. This tricks your brain into losing track of time, making hours feel like minutes. The unpredictability of rewards keeps you scrolling, while overuse dulls your brain’s response to natural dopamine, making offline life less rewarding.

Break the cycle: Set time limits, take breaks, and boost dopamine through real-world activities like exercise or meditation. Reclaim your time and attention!

Dopamine and Time Management

Understanding dopamine’s role in time perception can help us manage it better. Engaging in activities that boost dopamine—like exercise, setting meaningful goals, or practicing mindfulness—can enhance your sense of control over time. Additionally, practices like “dopamine fasting,” where you reduce stimulation, can reset your reward system and deepen your awareness of the present.

Conclusion:

Dopamine intricately connects our sense of time with emotions, motivation, and rewards. Whether time flies or stands still often depends on dopamine levels and the emotional context of the moment. By cultivating activities that balance dopamine, we can better align with time’s natural flow, enjoying a more fulfilling relationship with it.

For further reading on dopamine and its connection to motivation and time, check out this article or explore the neuroscientific perspective.

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025

How to stop time

Stopping time with MetaMoreFire - a short movie art collaboration

How to stop Time

Finding Peace in a World That Never Stops

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like time is slipping through our fingers. Maybe you can relate to endless to-do lists, constant notifications, and the pressure to always improve. This often leaves us stressed and overwhelmed.

Stress affects on our mental and physical health, can lead to burnout, anxiety, and illness.

Surely everyone has dreamed of stopping time every now and then…

But what if I tell you that we could? Not literally, but in a way that changes how we experience it—stretching moments to feel longer, savoring the present, and finding clarity in the chaos.

In our short film Metamorefire, time stopping serves as the initianor for transformation, the opportunity for growth.

Why “Stopping Time” Matters

Stress and rush compress our sense of time, making us feel trapped in an endless race. This leads to:

Increased cortisol levels, which can damage the body over time.
Reduced attention span and focus.
A sense of disconnection from ourselves and others.

On the other hand, learning to “stop time” can:

Reduce stress and anxiety.
Improve mental clarity and focus.
Enhance feelings of joy and connection.

Science of Time Perception

Our experience of time is subjective, influenced by attention, emotions, and engagement.

See also the blog post: “Why we perceive time differently”

Research suggests:

Mindfulness Slows Time: A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that mindfulness meditation can alter time perception, making moments feel longer and more meaningful.
Flow States Expand Time: Activities that fully engage us, like creative work or sports, create a state of “flow” where hours can feel like minutes. This immersion is linked to increased dopamine release, which boosts mood and focus.
Chronostasis Phenomenon: When we focus intently on a new stimulus, our brain creates the illusion that time has paused briefly, highlighting how malleable our perception can be.

Practical Ways to Stop Time

Meditate Daily
Meditation is a proven way to slow down your perception of time. Even 10 minutes of focused breathing or mindfulness practice can:
- Calm your nervous system.
- Reduce stress hormones like cortisol.
- Increase present-moment awareness.

Start by simply focusing on your breath. Where do you feel it in your body? Whats it’s length and rythm? Try to count to 10 breaths without loosing attention. Voila! That was a very simple meditation.

Engage in Nature
Spending time outdoors helps reconnect you to natural rhythms. Activities like walking in the forest or stargazing slow down your perception of time. Nature therapy has been shown to lower stress and improve overall well-being. After all, we ARE nature and our current stress is party caused by disconnection from our nature rythms, the indoor living and so on.

Clear Your Space
A clutter-free environment creates mental clarity. Spend a few minutes daily or one intense day a month for decluttering your workspace or home to reduce distractions and stress.

Stretch and Move
Physical tension can make you feel “tightened” in time. Gentle stretching or yoga helps release this tension and brings you into the moment. Here is a 30 minutes Yoga Class for all levels for you:

Practice Gratitude
Reflecting on what you’re grateful for shifts your focus to the present. Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you appreciate each day.

Immerse Yourself in Creativity
Activities like drawing, painting, or dancing immerse you in the present. This is where Metamorefire draws its power: the protagonist’s journey of transformation begins when time stops, allowing space for creative expression and self-discovery.

Start Small, Transform Big

You don’t need to change your life to “stop time.” Begin with one or two of these techniques:

Spend five minutes each morning meditating.
Go for a walk and leave your phone at home.
Take a deep breath before diving into your next task.

Over time, these small changes can profoundly impact how you experience life.

Stopping time isn’t about halting the clock—it’s about making every moment count.

Lessons from Metamorefire

In Metamorefire, time stopping is a turning point. Initially seen as catastrophic, it becomes the key to transformation.

The stillness allows the protagonist to step back, reflect, and reconnect with the inner wisdom. This mirrors what we can achieve when we pause in our own lives: finding clarity, rediscovering passion, embracing change.

How do you stop time in your own life? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

November 26, 2024January 21, 2025

Why we perceive time differently

Time is Subjective

How We Perceive Time Differently

Time can feel so unpredictable—some moments fly by, while others keep draggin on forever. Why does a fun evening seem to end too quickly, while a boring meeting feels endless?

In MetaMoreFire, we explore this idea of subjective time, showing how our emotions and focus shape how we experience it.

We aim to show you: You can learn to take control of how time feels, making it valuable and meaningful.

How MetaMoreFire Captures Time

In our film metamorefire, we play with time’s subjectivity. The robot is working repetetive work and following uncreative instructions. He is getting stressed by the raising workload, unable to stay focused and present with his tasks.

The only way out of this misery is stopping time itself to reflect on the situation. The firedance, on the other side, is creating a deep transformation through its creative energy, its dynamics and its connection with the art and oneself.

How We Perceive Time: 5 Key Insights

1. Short Moments Leave a Big Impression

Brief, meaningful moments stay with us longer. The brain prioritizes emotionally charged or high-reward experiences, strengthening these memories while filtering out less significant ones. This is why a surprise or exciting event feels vivid and stretches time when we look back.

2. Focus Changes Time

When you’re deeply engaged in an activity, time seems to fly by. Hours feel like minutes because your brain stops actively tracking time. Conversely, boredom or low engagement stretches time, making every second feel longer.

3. Cultural Pressure to Stay Busy

In many cultures, busyness is seen as a mark of success. This often leads people to pack their schedules, creating stress and a sense of time scarcity. However, being “busy” doesn’t always mean being productive or fulfilled—it reflects societal values more than personal well-being.

4. No Time? It’s About Priorities

When we say we have “no time,” it often reflects our choices rather than an actual lack of time. Misplaced priorities, a lack of motivation, or pressure in the wrong areas can create this feeling. Learning to set clear goals and focus on what truly matters can change this perception.
Source:

5. Motivation Makes Time Fly

When we’re motivated by clear goals or a passion for what we’re doing, we often enter a state of “flow.” In this state, we lose track of time because we’re completely absorbed in the activity. Research shows that this immersive experience distorts time perception, making it feel faster and more enjoyable.

Sources: Frontiers in Psychology Coursera Psychological Science

How Time Works in Our Minds

Time isn’t just on the clock—it’s shaped by how we think and feel.

It’s All About Comparison: Time feels slower when we’re constantly checking the clock or comparing it to other moments. That’s why an hour in a dentist’s chair feels different from an hour laughing with friends.
Time is Relative: Even science shows that time isn’t fixed. Einstein’s relativity theory proves that time can speed up or slow down based on how fast or far you’re moving. In life, our perception of time is just as flexible.
No Absolute Time: There’s no universal way to experience time—it’s personal and changes depending on our focus, emotions, and perspective.

Take Control of Your Time

Time might feel slippery, but you can shape how it feels by intentional action. Here’s how:

Try Something New: Repetitive actions slows time down, so shake up your routine with something exciting or different.
Stay Present: Mindfulness and focusing on the moment can help you savor time instead of rushing through it.
Do What You Love: When you’re in your “flow,” time flies in a good way because you’re completely engaged and happy.
Reflect Often: Take a moment to look back on your day and appreciate how you’ve spent your time—You could journal or count your blessings. It will help you to make your time feel richer.

Time is what we make of it!

It speeds up, slows down, or changes based on how we live and what we focus on.

How do you feel time moving in your life? Join us in exploring the wonders of time and gateways to transformation at MetaMoreFire.

July 2, 2024July 2, 2024

Time is change

Discover how embracing time and change leads to personal growth. Learn practical tips for mindfulness and adaptability. Explore more at Metamorefire.

Time is Change

“Change is important, but if you can’t really change it, just keep calm, understand the situation and go through it with a good heart! Time will surely speak with time!”

Ernest Agyemang Yeboah

Ghanaian writer and a teacher

Time drives transformation, influencing our lives in profound ways. Understanding and embracing this change can lead to a more fulfilling existence.

The essence of “MetaMoreFire” resonates deeply to this, as transformation is central.

The Nature of Time

Aristotle defined time as “the number of change with respect to the before and after,” highlighting its link to change. We can only perceive time when we compare two moments: before and after an event.

For example, we notice time passing when we see a flower bud bloom into a flower.

Scientific Perspectives

The relationship between time and change is complex. Modern science offers several insights:

Relativity Theory: Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity shows that time can stretch or contract depending on speed and gravity. For example, astronauts traveling fast in space experience time more slowly than people on Earth.
Time as an Abstraction: Some scientists, like Ernst Mach, believe time is an abstract concept we use to describe changes. Time itself doesn’t exist independently but comes from observing changes, like day turning into night or aging.
Quantum Mechanics: In quantum mechanics, time might not be linear. It can occur in steps or in a non-linear way, suggesting that at tiny scales, time and change don’t follow our usual understanding.

Personal Growth Through Time

Accepting that “time is change” can be a powerful perspective for personal growth. It means: acknowledging the life lessons and experiences that shape us. No matter if we perceived them as positive of negative. Here are some practical steps to grow through time:

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in meditation to stay present and aware. Notice and accept changes. Embracing change as natural helps us accept transitions, making us more open and less resistent for personal growth.
Reflect on Experiences: Regularly journal or discuss past events to gain insights. Self-reflection promotes introspection and awareness, allowing us to see how we change over time.
Set Flexible Goals: Create goals that can adapt to life’s changes. Continuous adaptation helps develop resilience, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate minor achievements to stay motivated. Appreciating personal evolution boosts self-esteem and encourages further development.
Seize Opportunities: Understanding that time brings change makes us more aware of fleeting opportunities. This awareness motivates us to take action and embrace new experiences.

The team of MetaMoreFire, wants to thank you for exploring these concepts with us. Our film is all about embracing change to witness the wonders of nature. We hope it can inspire you to find the changes that resonate with your heart and help create a world we all can dream of. Let’s groove into transformation together and make a difference. Follow @MetaMoreFire for more

March 6, 2024April 27, 2024

Books about time

Books about Time

Find a few of the books I read that inspired me to use the topic of time in the movie. You will get good insides into the mysteries of time by following our blog posts. For a deeper knowledge, I recommend the books on this site.

♡ Use our links ♡

When you use one of our links to buy a book on Amazon, we will get a little percentage from Amazon. You won’t have any extra costs. This is a very easy way to directly support our project. Thank you so much for your consideration, and enjoy the limitless crafting possibilites!

Time: A User's Guide

By Stefan Klein

Why are there morning people and night people? How come time flies when you’re having fun and three minutes can sometimes seem an eternity? Would time exist if we didn’t measure it – and why is there never enough of it?

Our modern lives are ruled by minutes and hours. We race from one thing to the next, all of us believing on some level that a mysterious cosmic force called ‘time’ is ticking on. And it’s always in short supply.

But is the time we live really like that? Could there in fact be another, alternative version, entwined with the official one? Here Stefan Klein explores the hidden dimensions of time, looking at everything from when the present becomes the past to the tribe that see the future backwards, from when sex is best to why the years seem to speed by as we age. And he reveals how we can learn to live in harmony with the secret clock within us, altering our perceptions to transform our lives.

To be enjoyed in the morning or the evening (depending on your body clock), this book will make you think the next time you check your watch – and maybe even slow down a little.

Time: A User’s Guide – buy in Australia

Time – A User’s Guide – Buy in the US

Time – A User’s Guide – Buy in the UK

Zeit: Eine Gebrauchsanleitung

Your Brain is a Time Machine

The Neuroscience and Physics of Time

By Buonomano

A leading neuroscientist embarks on a groundbreaking exploration of how time works inside the brain.

In Your Brain Is a Time Machine, brain researcher and best-selling author Dean Buonomano draws on evolutionary biology, physics, and philosophy to present his influential theory of how we tell and perceive time.

Buonomano combines neuroscience expertise with a far-ranging, multidisciplinary approach. With engaging style, he illuminates such concepts as consciousness, spacetime, and relativity while addressing profound questions that have long occupied scientists and philosophers alike. What is time? Is our sense of time’s passage an illusion? Does free will exist, or is the future predetermined? In pursuing the answers, Buonomano reveals as much about the fascinating architecture of the human brain as he does about the intricacies of time itself. This virtuosic work of popular science leads to an astonishing realization: Your brain is, at its core, a time machine.

Your Brain is a time machine – Buy in Australia (Audible/Hardcover/Softcover)

Your Brain is a time machine – Buy in the US

Your Brain is a time machine – Buy in the UK (Audible/Hardcover/Softcover)

Il tuo cervello è una macchina del tempo. Neuroscienze e fisica del tempo – Compra in Italia

Books in German / Bücher auf Deutsch

Zeit: Eine Gebrauchsanleitung

Was ist Zeit? Wie erleben wir sie? Wie gehen wir mit ihr um? Einstein erkannte, dass Zeit relativ ist. Jetzt vollenden Hirnforscher seine Sie entdecken die innere Zeit. Das Zeitempfinden ist eine der erstaunlichsten Leistungen unseres Geistes. Fast alle Funktionen des Gehirns wirken dabei zusammen – Körpergefühl und Sinneswahrnehmung; Emotionen und Selbstbewusstsein; Erinnerung und die Gabe, Zukunftspläne zu schmieden. Auch die Kultur beeinflusst, wie wir das Verrinnen der Stunden und Minuten erleben. Stefan Klein zeigt, wie wir unsere Zeit aufmerksamer wahrnehmen und besser nutzen können. Denn äußere Umstände bestimmen unser Zeitempfinden längst nicht so sehr, wie wir glauben, und wir können den Zeitsinn leichter verändern als fast alle anderen Vorgänge im Gehirn.

Zeit: Was sie mit uns macht und was wir aus ihr machen (von Rüdiger Safranski)

Der Spiegel-Bestseller als Taschenbuch.

Rüdiger Safranski lässt uns in seinem Sachbuch ›Zeit: Was sie mit uns macht und was wir aus ihr machen‹ die Vielfalt der Zeiterfahrung neu entdecken. Denn mal vergeht sie wie im Flug, mal zieht sie sich zäh wie Honig, manche Tage scheinen unendlich, andere scheinen in fünf Minuten zu vergehen. Safranski beschreibt in einem Querschnitt durch verschiedene Epochen von Dichtern und Denkern das Spannungsfeld zwischen Vergehen und Beharren und ermuntert uns, in unserem schnelllebigen Alltag das wertvolle Gut Zeit zu schätzen und behutsam mit ihm umzugehen.

February 13, 2024March 1, 2024

The Modern Calendar System

Time Measurement

How our modern calendar system was developed

Before the Gregorian calendar that most of us use today, various cultures had different methods to measure time. These early calendars were often linked to agricultural cycles, religious observances, and practical needs for timekeeping.

1. Lunar Calendars: Many early societies used lunar calendars based on the phases of the moon. Months were roughly equivalent to one lunar cycle, but this system resulted in a shorter year than the solar year.

2. Solar Calendars: Some civilizations based their calendars on the solar year, aligning with the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Ancient Egyptians and Babylonians had solar-based calendars, but they faced challenges in accurately measuring the solar year. The solar cycle period contains exactly 20,871 weeks. In each period there are 71 years with a 53rd calendar

3. Lunisolar Calendars: Combining elements of both lunar and solar calendars, lunisolar calendars attempted to synchronize lunar months with solar years. The Hebrew calendar is an example of a lunisolar calendar.

4. Seasonal Observations: In certain cultures, time was measured based on natural events and seasonal changes. This approach often involved observing the positions of stars or the behavior of plants and animals.

The lack of precise astronomical measurements led to inaccuracies in tracking the solar year, prompting the development of more sophisticated calendar systems.

The Julian calendar

The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE, was the precursor to the Gregorian calendar.

Just like the Gregorian calendar it starts from the traditionally accepted year of the birth of Jesus Christ, with the transition from December 31, 1 BC, to January 1, AD 1.

It exists of 12 months, with a leap year every fourth year, where an extra day is added to February. This approach resulted in an average year length of 365.25 days. The Julian calendar did not precisely align with the solar year. It exceeded the true solar year by about 11 minutes annually.

The Julian calendar served as the standard in many Western countries for over 1600 years. However, the slight miscalculation in the leap year system led to a misalignment of the calendar with the solar year over time. This discrepancy prompted the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in 1582 to bring the calendar back in sync with astronomical events.

The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar, based on Earth’s orbit around the sun. It also consists of 12 months, with varying lengths, and a leap year every four years. However, years divisible by 100 are not leap years unless they are also divisible by 400. For example, the year 2000 was a leap year, but 1900 was not.

While the Gregorian calendar is widely used and generally effective, it has some shortcomings:

Weaknesses of the Gregorian Calendar

Leap Year System: The leap year system, while necessary to keep the calendar in line with the solar year, can lead to inaccuracies. Occasionally skipping leap years, as in the case of years divisible by 100 but not 400, is a somewhat artificial adjustment.
Length of Months: The varying lengths of months can be seen as arbitrary and don’t correspond precisely to the lunar or solar cycles. This irregularity can complicate certain calculations.
Start Date: The calendar’s starting point, the traditionally accepted year of the birth of Jesus Christ, is based on historical estimations and lacks a universally agreed-upon historical event.
Cultural Differences: The Gregorian calendar might not align perfectly with various cultural or religious observances, leading to conflicts in scheduling holidays and celebrations.
Seasonal Drift: Over a long period, the Gregorian calendar can experience a gradual drift in relation to the seasons. This is due to the fact that the year is not exactly 365.25 days long.

For the process of our movie, we took these issues into considerations. If we try to hold onto time with mathematic units and methods, we will get countable results, but still face imperfection.

Following this blog, you will get even deeper insights into the issues of measuring time, including clock mechanisms and the subjective influence of time perception.

Sooner or later, the idea of the perfect routine can’t hold itself steady and will crack.

Maybe this world is not meant to be fully measurable?

…to be continued

February 8, 2024February 13, 2024

Kairos vs. Chronos

Chronos vs. Kairos

What is the difference between Chronos and Kairos?

Chronos, or chronological time, is measurable and linear, often associated with routine and schedules. We measure it with clocks, hourglasses and calendars. The concept of Chronos often evokes feelings of routine, order, and structure. It can bring a sense of predictability and the ticking of time measured in seconds, minutes, and hours.

Kairos, on the other hand, represents qualitative and present moments, emphasizing the right or opportune time for an action. The feelings related to Kairos include spontaneity, mindfulness, and a sense of seizing the right moment.

The two concepts offer contrasting emotional tones, with Chronos emphasizing regularity and Kairos focusing on the significance of particular moments. One could refer to “objective and subjective” time.

For humans, balancing both is crucial

Overemphasis on Chronos can lead to a hectic, stressful lifestyle, while neglecting Kairos may mean missing out on meaningful experiences. A harmonious blend between Chronos and Kairos allows a more fulfilling and balanced life.

In our short movie „MetaMoreFire“, we involved both of these concepts into the script.

Chronos can be found in the robotic world: It’s a closed and small working place, in which a robot follows a chronological routine. The set, the music, the lights, the movement of the camera and the robot integrate the concept of a Chronos – driven universe.

The human world, on the other hand, represents the freedom of Kairos and gives a beautiful contrast to the robot scenes. Our sets open the space and capture dynamic movement. The different settings should throw the spectator into a feeling of freedom, driven by a creative and spiritual force.

How about you?

Do you see one of these concepts more present in your current lifestyle? Would you like to change that? How do you find balance between those two?

Share your thoughts and follow @metamorefire for more interesting topics like this.