Interview: Anna Jelen - In Search of Time

Interview with Anna Jelen

She ticks differently: Anna Jelen – The Time Expert – and international speaker from Arosa. She dedicates her work to one of the most precious resources we have: time. Starting now, the Arosa-based time philosopher will be advising our guests at the BelArosa Chalet on how to make the most of theirs.

‍Anna, a provocative question to start with: When and where did you last take time just for yourself?
(laughs) This morning. With a cup of black tea and a view of the Schiesshorn. Luckily, I live what I speak about.

In general terms – what is time?
Recently, I had to explain time to children. I told them: Time is always there. It doesn’t run faster or slower – it simply moves on. Every day has 24 hours, and we decide how to fill them. I fill mine with moments: the waking-up moment, the tea moment, the work moment, the encounter moment. The children loved that idea – and so did I. (smiles)

If you could stop time, what would you do?
Stopping time wouldn’t be for me – I want to experience it. If I could live on in a world where time stood still… (pauses) I’ve thought about that for a long time – and came to no answer. Maybe because I prefer to let time flow.

Another question: Do we need to take time? And if so, for what – and how?
Time is always there. The real question is: What do we fill it with? What deserves space in those 24 hours? Which values do I want to live?
Let’s say your values are creativity, adventure, friendship, family, and health. Then I would ask you: When do you actually live them? Often we know our values – but we don’t give them enough room.

Is time money?
Time is life. We often treat it as something scarce – like gold or oil. We place it on a pedestal, as if only those with good time management can have it. But time isn’t a resource – it’s simply there, for everyone, every day anew. It’s not about managing it, but about living it.

Is there an era you would have liked to live in?
A few days in the wild 1920s in Paris would have been lovely. But honestly, I adored the 1980s and 90s – such fantastic decades!

Who is the most important contemporary for you?
In my own small circle, it’s my loved ones – people with whom I can share a moment that becomes unforgettable. And those who appear unexpectedly in my life.
In the end, we might realize that we’re all important – because we are here at the same time. Or perhaps we’re utterly insignificant – and should simply make the best of life. (laughs)

Finally: Looking back, which time in your life has been the most beautiful?
My childhood here in Arosa – for that, I am deeply grateful. Afterwards, I threw myself into life and discovered it as an adventure. That too was a wonderfully wild time. After loss and grief, I now find myself entering another of the best times of my life.

Take Time Out – With Anna Jelen at the BelArosa Chalet

Anna Jelen gives the gift of moments. Experience 90 or 180 minutes with The Time Expert. Reflect by the fireplace or wander through nature as you rediscover your own sense of time.

Short Time: CHF 500.–
Long Time: CHF 1000.– (also available for groups)

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