To locate your own timeline in the space around you, ask yourself: “Where is my past? Where is my future?” and use your arms to point in the appropriate directions that seem right for you.
There are two common patterns in the way that people represent time: In time and through time. There are many possible arrangements, and they will all work well. Each method will influence the person and the way they perceive time, how they set their priorities and how they live.
In Time
In time people code their experience such that they have their timeline passing through their body. Often, they have their past behind them, and their future in front. They are often associated in their experiences. In time people may say “Put the past behind you” or “You will look back on this and laugh.” They will find it easier to be in the ‘here and now.’
In time people, now is inside them, or surrounds them, so that they are “in the now.” And as they are often caught up in the moment, they may be late for appointments, or not know what time it is. They prefer not to plan, may avoid setting deadlines, and like to ‘take it as it comes.’ They may remember different past events sequentially, which makes it harder for them to make comparisons.
Through Time
Through time people code their experience such that they have all their timelines somewhere in front of them. They are to some extent dissociated from their skills. Time for them is sequential, and they are aware of duration. For them, time and value are equivalent — they want to get their money’s worth. They are usually dissociated in their memories.
Through time people may say “Time is on my side.”Through time people may have their timeline straight across in front of them or arranged as a V with either straight or curved arms. Usually, the past is on the left, and the future is on the right. There will be many variations on this theme. Some people will have a timeline which is not symmetrical, possibly in the form of a spiral or loop. Others may have a straight line coming in from the left, and the future moving off diagonally forward and to the right.