Timshel and the Art of Creative Captivity
If I could collect all of the hours I’ve spent waiting at appointments and lessons over the years, I would be rich with time. Here are a few of the regular visits and necessary errands I attend with my family:
Dentist appointments
Orthodontist appointments
PTA meetings & misc school functions
Church meetings
Dermatologist appointments
ENT appointments
Annual doctor visits
Counselor visits
Grocery store trips
Violin/piano lessons & concerts
School plays
Art shows
Track/soccer practice & meets/games
Post office
Car related stuff: tune ups; DMV
The list goes on.
Most of the time I’m prepared. I’ve learned that if I’m going to be stuck somewhere for more than a few minutes, why not use that time instead of resenting it? I’m old school and prefer to bring a book to read plus pen and paper for notes, poetry, or other musings. Further ideas to fill time waiting:
• Write a letter/email/text to a friend or family member you’ve been wanting to reconnect with
• Google a city/person/career/food, etc you want to learn more about
• Daydream
• Memorize a favorite quote
• Meditate
• Pray
When we are anticipating the next thing, we find ourselves stuck in “time out of time.” Held captive by the upcoming appointment, long grocery store line, lesson, practice, fill-in-the-blank-thing. If we keep in mind that we have a choice when we are in that holding pattern, it might help us see that time as valuable. Instead of sitting stranded and fuming when will it be our turn, we can cultivate a state of possibility, of creative captivity. Consider it a time to reboot, restructure your thoughts. Sit and be.
In John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, the concept of timshel is the cornerstone of the book:
“The Hebrew word, timshel — ‘thou mayest’ gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world. That says the way is open. …Thou mayest!”
– John Steinbeck, East of Eden
The way is open.
What lovely invitation we have, then, to choose what to do with a few extra minutes before an appointment, in those long moments when anything is possible.
What do you do in your spare time before appointments?
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