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The Greeks had two words for time. Chronos is the time we…

“The Greeks had two words for time. Chronos is the time we usually keep an eye on. Kairos was our participation of time. Time that moves us so that we lose our sense of time; timeless time; moments at which the clocks seems to stop; feeding, renewing, more motherly time. It's the time with which we…” quote by Jean Shinoda Bolen
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“The Greeks had two words for time. Chronos is the time we usually keep an eye on. Kairos was our participation of time. Time that moves us so that we lose our sense of time; timeless time; moments at which the clocks seems to stop; feeding, renewing, more motherly time. It's the time with which we feel one instead of outside of it, the self, the tao, the love that connects us to others.”

Jean Shinoda Bolen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage contrasts Chronos (chronological time) with Kairos (opportune, qualitative time) and describes Kairos as a timeless, connective experience.

In simple terms: Chronos is clock time; Kairos is meaningful moments.

Key Takeaway

Embrace Kairos moments for deeper connection.

Themes

time philosophy spirituality psychology

Mood

contemplative inspirational

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • meditation
  • relationships
  • creative work
  • life decisions

Key Concepts

chronology opportunity mindfulness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you identify Kairos moments?
  • What practices help you stay present?
A Different Perspective

Kairos is abstract and hard to measure.

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