Universal Design: “Time” To Do It Right

I was struck by an article by Dr. Dr Sunil Bhatia in that way when a subject just doesn’t leave you alone – it kept popping up in my thoughts. Dr. Bhatia created and runs the Design For All Institute of India and publishes a monthly newsletter. He recently wrote about the invention of the measurement of time and its impact on human life; click here for the pdf article.

Long ago there were no means to measure time beyond the sun, moon and seasons. One can imagine that to be present in the moment might have been easier. Today, being present seems impossible; our gadgets ply us with constant interruptions. We are always managing what was, and planning what will be. Hardly ever are we simply present. We jump so much between past, present and future that it actually appears as if there really is such a thing as time – as if there is anything other than this very moment.

How did this shift occur? How did we move from a timeless human existence to one measured by time? We tracked the planetary motions, discovered the pendulum, built big clocks and finally made tiny ones that are portable. Time became noticeable and measurable for everyone. Once measurable, there would soon be either too much or too little. This shift in awareness made time seem as real as the earth we stand on.

With this measurement of time came awareness in our notions about yesterday and tomorrow, last month and next month. Notions about too long or too short appeared because we have a precise measurement device – gone was the pure sensation of experience: “That rollercoaster ride was too short,” rather than, “it was so exhilarating.” What disappears in a world ruled by time is our freedom to be present. Instead, our actions must adapt into a framework of time. If we do so well, we are considered efficient, a much valued attribute in today’s world. But in doing so, we traded away a simple key to happiness. No longer do we do that which is simply better for us. No longer do we take the time we need to do something right. We squash ourselves into time, we budget time and we are slaves to time.

Do you disagree? On your next activity, take the time you need to be present as you work and to work in a means that produces happiness for yourself and those who will experience the results of your efforts. Time says get it done rather than do it right. As a paradigm, the era of time consciousness has revealed its consequences. Much that is awry in our world is so as a result of the clock. As we move into an era of universal design, it will bear similar fruits if we are unwilling to get it right rather than on time. It is time to put aside the clocks and to focus who we are when we do what we do and the impact our caring will have. Such a consciousness will result in greater compassion and thoughtfulness. The rushing about will gone and in its place will be richer and more rewarding lives. This is a result of placing our values on experience, not how long it took.


Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
April 13, 2009
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Universal Design: Really, Why?

We know the primary reasons for universal design: It's inclusive; it doesn't marginalize; it's social sustainable; it's economically sensible; it creates opportunity; it supports independent living; and, it provides ease and comfort. None of that is bad or even questionable, but, really, why? Why have all those qualities? Why be more mobile, more secure, more independent, more comfortable or more economically sensible? With all that, what do you get?

The intention of the question is to search beyond meeting basic lifestyle needs.

Long ago, humans fought hard just to survive. Today, many have sorted out survival - probably a bit to well. The need to survive was replaced by the need to consume. In order to consume, you need mobility. Get to a job; trade a skill for cash, go buy stuff. To be cut out of this loop isn't fair; inclusiveness matters. But what else? You have reduced barriers and restored your ability to participate. Was it just to jump back into the exercise wheel?

Survival is essentially human. However, consumption is a decadent devolution that comes long after the mastery of survival. If we are only hunks of flesh and bone, then there is little else to say - make as much money as you can, and to the victor goes the spoils.

But, we are more than a body that we spend 70ish years keeping fed, sheltered, rested and alive, aren't we?

The other half of who we are as humans are eternal beings: energy, light, love, God, beauty - choose the one that fits you. As such, we have the opportunity to connect to the eternal and manifest it in this human one. Now, being alive goes way beyond food and shelter. Yes, those things have to be handled, but, they are handled so you can manifest something greater.

When universal design promises comfort, that's great. Make it happen. You won't be much good manifesting the eternal if you are limited as a body. But once you have that worked out, don't settle for your return to the consumption exercise wheel, stop, ask yourself, why am I here? What footprint will I leave behind when I am gone that has made this a better place? The answer to that is in the eternal, not the flesh.

Access to the eternal is in the quiet, not the action. How do I know what it is for me to do? You be quiet and you listen. You trust. You put practices in place to support this. Practices might be meditation or journaling. Contemplate bigger things; ask bigger questions. Maybe you will be guided toward solving world hunger; maybe you will make one other person happy. In answering to the eternal, you will find bliss. In answering to the eternal, you will leave a great footprint.

Universal design, why? So you can restore for yourself and others your ability to participate fully as a human, and, so you can get back to your very own profound expression of the eternal.