How do we actually inhabit our hours while time keeps moving? We fill time, we kill time, or we simply stay with it.
Filling time is an intentional act; it is planned and driven by our own purpose. It is an investment in our own life. On the other end of the spectrum is “Killing Time.” This is a reactive state where we let the day flow without direction. The mind takes us for a ride, and the invisible time-killing machine—powered by outside forces and entities including digital giants and predatory algorithms—feeds on our attention.
The killing machine is an engine that requires us to turn the key. We feed the machine by starting a topic or a trajectory—a single search, a casual scroll, or a random click. Once we provide that initial spark, the digital entities take over, gathering energy from our focus and leaving us depleted. A casual scroll can quickly turn to doomscrolling and more. However, If we don’t start the feed, the machine cannot run.
The third and rarest state is simply “Being”. This means simply being quietly with ourselves—without distractions or actions. We are all a mixed bag of these three states. The vital question for 2026 is not how to be perfect, but rather: Who is running the show? Is it us, or the Killing Machine? When we don’t choose to fill our time or be in it, the killing machine will gladly run the show.
A Tale of Two Energies: The Weekend Experiment
To test this, I conducted a personal experiment over a single home alone weekend. The intention was to see if I could keep awareness—the essential tool of the “Just Being” element—available to me throughout the entire day, regardless of the activity.
- Saturday was dedicated to the “Fill.” I conducted an at-Home Retreat, but I didn’t stop my life to do it. I handled the usual chores, went shopping, and answered necessary communications. My daily life was not interrupted; the difference was the container of intention I placed around those tasks. I moved through the day in intermittent silence and practiced a 16-hour fast to keep my biology aligned with my purpose.
Just Being There was my intention, and it was possible for most of the day; my awareness was boosted even further by the meditation sessions built into the schedule. By Saturday night, I felt vibrant, clear-headed, and buzzing with what I call “high energy+.” (See the suggested schedule below). - Sunday: The Surrender to “Kill” I allowed the day to flow without a plan, and I personally fed the killing machine its first meal. It began with mindless consumption—snacks, soda, and that first “harmless” click. One movie bled into the next. The more I watched, the more the algorithms fed me. In this state, “Being” was challenging. I wasn’t “there” at all; I was lost in the machine’s narrative. Before I could lift my head, it was midnight. I realized I could have gone even longer, but a small voice of awareness finally whispered, “Stop now.” I had achieved nothing and lost my sense of self.
The 7-Step Framework to Filling Your Time
To move from “killing time” to “filling time,” use this guide to design your own rejuvenating escape:
- Set Your Intention: Define your purpose. Whether it’s finding clarity or simply recharging, a clear intention guides every activity.
- Embrace Silence: Immerse yourself in the profound power of silence—both outer and digital. Let silence be the sacred canvas for self-discovery.
- Schedule It: Treat your retreat with the same importance as a professional commitment. Block the time in your calendar so it doesn’t get overshadowed.
- Print Your Schedule: A physical copy adds a tangible element to your plan and keeps you from picking up your phone to check “what’s next.”
- Plan the Details: Detail each segment, from meditation to meals. This minimizes decision-fatigue, allowing you to fully immerse in the experience.
- Set Your Boundaries: Inform those around you and turn off non-essential notifications. Create a physical or mental boundary to signal the start of your retreat.
- Make it a Regular Practice: Consistency enhances effectiveness. Regular mini-retreats make peace a sustainable part of your self-care regimen.
The “High Energy” Blueprint
Here is the itinerary I used for my Saturday retreat. Notice how it balances movement, stillness, and nourishment:
- 5:30 – 6:30 am: Meditation
- 6:30 – 7:30 am: Gentle Yoga or Walk
- 7:30 – 9:00 am: Breakfast (Mindful and silent)
- 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Humming Meditation, interspersed with Silent Walking
- 12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch
- 1:00 – 4:00 pm: Inspirational Reading and Journaling
- 4:00 – 6:00 pm: Meditation, Silent Walking, or Gentle Yoga
- 6:00 – 7:00 pm: Dinner
- 7:00 – 9:00 pm: Hot Bath and Wind-down
- 9:00 – 10:00 pm: Sleep Meditation
The Choice is Yours
My weekend experiment proved that we don’t need more hours in the day; we need more life in our hours. As you look at your calendar for 2026, ask yourself the vital questions: Am I filling time or killing it? And am I truly being there?
The Time-Killing Machine depends on you; it cannot run without the initial “feed” of your attention. You have the power to never turn the engine on. Don’t let the machine eat your time—choose to inhabit your hours, finish the day feeling strong, and ultimately, finish the day feeling alive. Remember—Awareness is the key.