
TED Radio Hour How we experience time
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May 16, 2025 In this engaging discussion, artist Katie Paterson explores deep time through her thought-provoking works that connect glaciers and stars, inspiring reflection on our temporal existence. Cognitive neuroscientist Irena Arslanova reveals how our heart's rhythms influence our perception of time, emphasizing the interplay between emotions and temporal awareness. Meanwhile, music director Robert Franz shares techniques for active listening, illustrating how music shapes our experience of time, turning classic compositions into immersive emotional journeys.
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Slow Heartbeat, Expand Time
- Slow your heart rate through deep breathing to potentially elongate perceived time.
- Mindfulness and focusing on slow or still objects can enhance time perception.
Childhood Musical Imagination
- Robert Franz imagined himself playing Dvorak’s Cello Concerto as a child with applause from a birch tree outside.
- This personal experience sparked his lifelong passion for classical music.
Tools for Active Music Listening
- Use "Bob's Four Tools"—rhythm, melody, texture, visuals—to actively listen to classical music.
- Switch between tools to deepen engagement and understanding during concerts.



