# How I Learned to Slow Down Time Through Cognitive Empathy
Time was slipping through my fingers. Days blurred into weeks, conversations felt rushed, and I couldn’t remember the last moment I truly *experienced* rather than just survived. Then I discovered Chapter 23 of Scott Howard Swain’s *A Practical EmPath: Rewire Your Mind*, and everything changed.
## The Breakthrough Discovery
Chapter 23 reveals something revolutionary: we can actually slow down our subjective experience of time through cognitive empathy. Swain’s approach isn’t mystical – it’s grounded in neuroscience and practical technique.
The key insight? When we genuinely focus on understanding another person’s perspective and emotional state, we create mental space where there had been none. This deliberate shift from autopilot reactions to empathetic awareness literally changes how our brain processes time.
## The Practice That Transformed My Days
Following Swain’s guidance, I began incorporating slow, mindful movement – like the Tai Chi exercises he recommends – while practicing cognitive empathy during conversations. Instead of rushing through interactions, I paused to genuinely consider what others were thinking and feeling.
The results were immediate. Conversations felt longer, richer, more meaningful. My teenage daughter noticed I was actually *listening* instead of formulating responses. Time wasn’t speeding past anymore; it was expanding beautifully.
## Why Chapter 23 Works
What surprised me most was how cognitive empathy increased my self-awareness. By practicing understanding others, I became
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