The Art of Manually Changing Your Clock: Why It Matters

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While I do not really understand this because I cannot relate to this, it just occurred to me because my student discussed about this matter during our class. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, the simple act of changing the time on a clock may seem almost archaic. With digital devices updating automatically and smart homes managing our schedules, manually adjusting the time may feel unnecessary. Yet, this ritual holds significance beyond mere functionality, serving as a reminder of our connection to time's passage and the rhythms of life. For many of us excluding me and some people in the east probably, certain clocks—like those on a mantle or kitchen wall—require manual adjustments. This can happen during daylight saving time, a biannual tradition that makes us set our clocks forward in spring and back in autumn. But why do we go through this process? Daylight saving time was originally instituted to make better use of daylight and conserve energy. By shifting an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, people can enjoy longer evenings outdoors, benefitting not only leisure but also economic activities like shopping and dining. However, this practice also necessitates that we take a moment to pause and engage with the concept of time. But why this matters? Taking the time to manually change a clock encourages a moment of reflection. As we adjust the hands, we can think about how time influences our lives—what we cherish, what we want to accomplish, and the changes we’ve experienced since the last adjustment. For many, changing the clock is a family tradition. It can be an occasion for conversations, a reminder of simpler times before everything became automated. This ritual connects us to our past and to one another in a way that involves both personal and collective history. In a world that often treats time as a commodity to be managed efficiently, manually adjusting our clocks can remind us of its true essence. Time should not just be about productivity; it's about living fully and appreciating each moment. Manually changing a clock allows us to exert a degree of control over our surroundings. In a time dominated by technology, taking responsibility for something as fundamental as time keeps us grounded. It’s a small act of autonomy that reminds us of our ability to shape our environment. The act of changing the time serves as a metaphor for life's transitions. Just as we adjust the hands on a clock, we adjust our lives in response to circumstances, embracing change while moving forward. While the world shifts toward automation and convenience, the act of manually changing the time on a clock provides an opportunity for mindfulness, connection, and reflection. It reminds us that time is not just something to be tracked; it’s to be felt and experienced. So next time you engage in this simple ritual, take a moment to appreciate the deeper meaning behind it and the value of time in your own life. After all, in a world constantly changing, it’s the moments we consciously engage with that often matter the most. What are your thoughts? Do you manually change time of your clocks?