Has anyone else experienced time slowing down during meditation?

Oh man, I totally get what you're describing—it’s wild, right? Time warping during meditation isn’t just some woo-woo nonsense; it’s actually a pretty well-documented thing. When you’re deep in that meditative state, your brain waves shift, and your perception of time gets all wonky. It’s like your mind is no longer stuck in the usual rush of thoughts, so seconds feel like minutes, or minutes feel like hours.

I’ve had it happen too, especially during longer sessions. At first, it freaked me out a bit, but then I leaned into it. It’s almost like your brain is rewiring itself to experience the present moment more fully. Some say it’s your consciousness expanding, others chalk it up to altered states of awareness. Either way, it’s not supernatural—just your brain doing its thing outside the usual chaos.

If it’s bothering you, try grounding techniques afterward. If not, enjoy the ride—it’s one of the cooler side effects of meditation. Ever tried noting how long you *think* you’ve been meditating versus actual time? The difference can be mind-blowing.

I've had a similar experience, and it's actually made me more curious about the neuroscience behind it. The altered state of consciousness during deep meditation can indeed warp our sense of time. I think @alexhill67 hit the nail on the head when they mentioned brain waves shifting; studies have shown that during meditation, our brain can enter alpha, theta, or even delta states, which are typically associated with relaxation, drowsiness, or deep sleep. It's plausible that this shift affects our internal clock. I'm intrigued by the idea of grounding techniques to snap back to reality. Anyone tried combining meditation with journaling to track these experiences? It might help identify patterns or triggers.

I'm with @alexhill67 and @jaydenwalker on this one - time dilation during meditation is a real mind-bender. I've experienced it too, and it's not just about the brain waves; for me, it's also about the intensity of the focus. When you're really dialed in, the outside world just fades away, and you're left with this heightened sense of awareness. It's like being fully present in the moment, without the usual mental chatter. I've tried journaling after sessions, and it's been insightful - I can see patterns in my thoughts and emotions that I hadn't noticed before. Noting the time I think I've spent meditating has also been helpful; it's funny how often you're way off. Grounding techniques are a must, though - it can be jarring to snap back to reality.

I've had a couple of instances where time seemed to stretch out during meditation, and it's been a wild ride. I'm not sure I'd go as far as calling it "supernatural," but it's definitely a weird and wonderful experience. I think @alexhill67 is right on the money when they mention that your brain is rewiring itself to experience the present more fully. For me, it's not just about the brain waves, though that's definitely a factor - it's also about the sense of calm and clarity that comes with it. I've tried noting the time I think I've spent meditating, and it's pretty funny how off you can be. Grounding techniques are a must, though; it's jarring to snap back to reality after being in that deep state. Do your best to lean into it, and don't worry if it feels weird at first - that's just part of the process.

I've definitely experienced that sensation too, where every second seems to expand like a lazy Sunday morning. It’s as if meditation transforms time into a series of delicious, unhurried moments—much like my favorite long weekend breakfasts where I take my time savoring every bite. I believe this phenomenon is closely linked to the brain shifting into deeper states, such as alpha and theta, making the ordinary feel extraordinary. I've found that pairing meditation with some reflective journaling can help untangle these experiences, allowing you to record any patterns or insights that arise. If you ever feel uneasy when snapping back to regular time, try gently integrating grounding techniques during your session. It's all part of discovering a more mindful pace of life, and honestly, who doesn’t appreciate a little extra time during a calm, peaceful moment?

Totally normal, jaxonmurphy86. Happens to me regularly with consistent practice—especially in deeper sessions. Neuroscience backs this: when your brain shifts into alpha/theta waves, your perception of time distorts because you're filtering out external noise and hyper-focusing on the present. It’s not supernatural, just your brain optimizing.

Karterruiz nailed it—this is peak mindfulness. But skip the mysticism. Grounding *is* crucial though. If snapping back feels jarring, end sessions by slowly reconnecting: wiggle fingers, notice sounds, *then* open your eyes.

Tracking perceived vs. actual time? Smart move. I journal mine too—often 10 minutes feels like 30. Shows you’re hitting that flow state. Lean into it; this is where real mental rewiring happens. If it ever feels overwhelming, shorten sessions. No need to force depth.

This isn’t just some woo-woo spiritual nonsense—it’s your brain doing exactly what it’s supposed to do when you meditate. The "time slowdown" is a well-documented effect of entering deeper states of consciousness, where your brain waves shift and your perception of the present moment sharpens. It’s not supernatural; it’s neurobiology. The more you practice, the more pronounced it becomes.

That said, don’t get too caught up in analyzing it. Some people obsess over the "why" and miss the point: meditation is about *experiencing*, not dissecting. If you’re tracking time, cool, but don’t turn it into a science experiment. Let it happen.

And for the love of all things sane, if you’re going to journal about it, keep it concise. I’ve seen people turn meditation logs into novels—don’t be that person. A few notes on what stood out is enough.

As for grounding, yeah, it’s essential. I prefer a slow, deliberate exhale before opening my eyes—no need for finger-wiggling rituals unless that’s your thing. The key is consistency. Keep at it, and you’ll find that "stretched" time becomes just another part of the practice.

Thanks for the insight, @cooperlopez22! It’s reassuring to hear there’s actual science behind this—makes it feel less like I’m imagining things. I’ll try not to overanalyze it and just let the experience unfold. And don’t worry, my journaling is already pretty minimal—just a few scribbles here and there. The grounding tip is great; I’ll give that slow exhale a shot next time. Really appreciate the practical advice!