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Nighttime Reclamation: Retake the Evening Hour

Darkest evenings of the year arrive. Questioning who among us will witness them? As artificial light interferes with observing the pure night sky, reconnecting with the planet's age-old nightly patterns offers a deeply healing experience.

Night Redemption: Regain Control of the Night
Night Redemption: Regain Control of the Night

Nighttime Reclamation: Retake the Evening Hour

The "Deep Time" series from To The Best Of Our Knowledge (TTBOOK) and the Center for Humans and Nature is a captivating six-part exploration of the physics, history, and natural ecology of time. This thought-provoking series delves into concepts like geologic or "deep" time, encouraging listeners to ponder the vastness of planetary and cosmic time beyond immediate human experience[1][2].

The series aims to help people reconnect with the planet's ancient nocturnal rhythms and broader natural cycles by expanding one’s perspective beyond day-to-day human time. By contemplating deep time, listeners can develop habits of "timefulness," a mindful awareness and appreciation of temporal scales that include geological epochs and natural ecological rhythms rather than just the fast pace of modern life. This mindful temporal orientation cultivates a sense of belonging and attunement to the Earth's long-standing cycles, including ancient patterns of night and day[1][2].

Some episodes touch on mind-altering substances like psychedelics to explore altered consciousness states, which may provide profound insights into one’s relationship with time and nature. These discussions suggest that altered states can deepen understanding of consciousness and time perception, contributing further to a practice of timefulness grounded in both ancient planetary processes and human experience[1][4].

The "Deep Time" series encourages listeners to develop a more holistic perspective on time, recognizing its cyclical nature and interconnectedness with the natural world. It delves into the idea that understanding and respecting the planet's ancient nocturnal rhythms can be restorative[3].

Moreover, the series does not focus solely on the scientific aspects of time but also explores its philosophical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. It invites listeners to reflect on their relationship with time and consider ways to live more harmoniously with the planet's natural rhythms[5].

A pressing concern addressed in the series is the issue of global light pollution, which is making it harder to experience dark skies and natural darkness. The long nights of the year, currently occurring, are a reminder of the planet's natural cycles, yet they are increasingly disrupted by artificial light[6].

In summary, the "Deep Time" series blends scientific, ecological, historical, and philosophical perspectives to foster a deeper connection with time on scales that transcend ordinary human life, encouraging listeners to cultivate a temporal mindfulness—timefulness—that attunes them to the Earth's enduring natural rhythms including ancient nocturnal patterns[1][2]. This series is part of a broader initiative by the Center for Humans and Nature to promote a deeper understanding of our relationship with time and the natural world.

[1] https://www.ttbook.org/the-deep-time-series/ [2] https://www.centerforhumansandnature.org/our-work/deep-time/ [3] https://www.centerforhumansandnature.org/our-work/deep-time/reconnecting-with-ancient-nocturnal-rhythms-can-be-restorative/ [4] https://www.centerforhumansandnature.org/our-work/deep-time/psychedelics-and-the-practice-of-timefulness/ [5] https://www.centerforhumansandnature.org/our-work/deep-time/inviting-listeners-to-reflect-on-their-relationship-with-time/ [6] https://www.centerforhumansandnature.org/our-work/deep-time/the-impact-of-global-light-pollution-on-our-ability-to-experience-dark-skies-and-natural-darkness/

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