But can be better used. That's what we usually mean by "time wasted".
ok, this is all just sematic. What I mean is: are there anything left on you that is due to, and can only be due to(rather than something which you will come to sooner or later without those practices) those practices?
I am especially interested to know what you gained (and still have) by practising the microcosmic orbit, since this is a practice originated in my home country China.