"In humans and animals, exposure to certain scents (like lavender or rosemary) can alter subjective time estimation (Moss et al., 2003). Neurological studies show that odors influence oscillatory activity in the brain’s temporal networks, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus and cortical theta rhythms (Herz, 2009)."
I will be interested to read these two references. Is there any indication of the extent to which such time distortion might be pushed synthetically or organically?
"Time, as traditionally construed, flows in a linear, objective stream, indifferent to organic perception. But if plants can act as time-sculptors, then time becomes not just biologically interpreted, but ecologically co-constructed."
This is very rich, but does not seem to really indicate that our conception of time as linear and one-directional needs revision: a slowing is not a reversal; it is not, either, a disjunction into two parallel experiential timelines, which it seems would be necessary to interpret any alterations in flow or direction as requiring this kind of revision to our concept of time.
"In this light, the human nervous system is not a closed clock, but a permeable temporal membrane, modulated by the flora with which it co-evolved."
This is my takeaway here, and it is fascinating. Thank you so much!
Thank you! This is such a thoughtful and generous response. You’re absolutely right to draw the distinction: slowing or dilation doesn’t in itself demand a full ontological overhaul of time. But it does suggest our experience of time is more biologically porous than we tend to assume. I love how you framed the nervous system as a temporal membrane, that captures the spirit of it beautifully.
“Thanks for sharing this—it really spoke to me. It’s striking how our lives now operate under a kind of time compression, where every moment competes against the next notification or deadline. What if we intentionally decompressed our personal time? For example, committing to a weekly ‘no-screen sundown,’ or syncing more with natural rhythms—like choosing plant-based meals when the season supports them, or walking outdoors at dawn just to notice how the world changes day by day. Slowing down might seem counterproductive in a fast-paced world, but I believe it could restore our connection to self, others, and the planet. I’m curious—how would you start reclaiming a more natural rhythm in your life?”
Beautifully said. That image of “time compression” really hit me too. I think reclaiming rhythm might start small, like walking without a phone or pausing before reacting. Not all time needs to be productive. Your reflection is a great reminder of that.
Extremely interesting.
"In humans and animals, exposure to certain scents (like lavender or rosemary) can alter subjective time estimation (Moss et al., 2003). Neurological studies show that odors influence oscillatory activity in the brain’s temporal networks, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus and cortical theta rhythms (Herz, 2009)."
I will be interested to read these two references. Is there any indication of the extent to which such time distortion might be pushed synthetically or organically?
"Time, as traditionally construed, flows in a linear, objective stream, indifferent to organic perception. But if plants can act as time-sculptors, then time becomes not just biologically interpreted, but ecologically co-constructed."
This is very rich, but does not seem to really indicate that our conception of time as linear and one-directional needs revision: a slowing is not a reversal; it is not, either, a disjunction into two parallel experiential timelines, which it seems would be necessary to interpret any alterations in flow or direction as requiring this kind of revision to our concept of time.
"In this light, the human nervous system is not a closed clock, but a permeable temporal membrane, modulated by the flora with which it co-evolved."
This is my takeaway here, and it is fascinating. Thank you so much!
Thank you! This is such a thoughtful and generous response. You’re absolutely right to draw the distinction: slowing or dilation doesn’t in itself demand a full ontological overhaul of time. But it does suggest our experience of time is more biologically porous than we tend to assume. I love how you framed the nervous system as a temporal membrane, that captures the spirit of it beautifully.
“Thanks for sharing this—it really spoke to me. It’s striking how our lives now operate under a kind of time compression, where every moment competes against the next notification or deadline. What if we intentionally decompressed our personal time? For example, committing to a weekly ‘no-screen sundown,’ or syncing more with natural rhythms—like choosing plant-based meals when the season supports them, or walking outdoors at dawn just to notice how the world changes day by day. Slowing down might seem counterproductive in a fast-paced world, but I believe it could restore our connection to self, others, and the planet. I’m curious—how would you start reclaiming a more natural rhythm in your life?”
Beautifully said. That image of “time compression” really hit me too. I think reclaiming rhythm might start small, like walking without a phone or pausing before reacting. Not all time needs to be productive. Your reflection is a great reminder of that.