The Magic of Time

I’ve been thinking about time, trying to understand what it is. Time has always seemed to me the most mysterious of dimensions, the most elusive of elements. This has been particularly relevant for the these past couple of weeks as I’ve been juggling full time studies, three jobs, spending time with my partner and our friends and families and oh yes I almost forgot, getting some sleep. Sound familiar?

So now I’ve taken the time to meditate deeply on what time is for me. This is something I do from time to time, in order to regain my balance when I feel there have been too many demands on me and when I’ve been stretched too thin. There are some lessons I learned while very young that the stresses of everyday sometimes threaten to forget. And now I’ve come back to that place where I connect with time, and I wanted to share that with you.

I noticed that there were times when time moved faster than others. And when it seemed to stand still.

I don’t mean it just seemed that way, I was actually able to do more within the same amount of time.

I started recognising time’s little currents, and soon became able to tell which way it was running.

When I understood this, I was able to work with it. I use the metaphor of water for this, it may work for you too or you might like to find another metaphor that holds better meaning for you.

First, I sit still and breathe deeply.

I imagine time as an ocean, vast, deep and uncontrollable. I recognise that the ocean is me and I am the ocean. I let the ocean run through me and feel the big waves, the little currents, the laps and crashes of the tide. As I breathe, I feel how the ocean connects all that lives, and that I am a part of that.

Then I see myself floating on the ocean.

We are one now, and I am relaxed and safe on the ocean surface. I think of something I want to, or need to, do and make a list. It’s very important that the list is precise and concrete, it has to be clearly identifiable to me when I’ve done something on my list or not. So I think of some very specific things, like cleaning the house, writing that essay, meeting up with friends, getting a good night’s sleep and stuff like that.

And here comes the magic, when holding these clearly formed thoughts in my head, I start to feel for the currents. There are three types of feelings: one that’s energising, one that’s draining and one that’s neutral.

What I discovered was that if I can do stuff when time is flowing in an energising, or neutral current, then everything is more effortless. So I try to find the current and surf it, so to speak. This then comes to guide my day. As I go about my business, I’ll suddenly recognise a shift in energy around me and realise that the current has changed. So I follow it and get my things done, all in good time. Magic.

Only trouble is, it requires a little preparation, and I need to be centred and relaxed in order to plan what I want to do and recognise the ocean flow. And that’s why I return to meditating on time whenever I’ve been a little stretched, to make sure I’ve still got my sea-legs. And now I’ll sit back and breathe, and feel the flow of time wash through me.

Blessed Be.

Finding the community of Cycle Harmony has made a huge difference to me. I am delighted to be writing to you from the Red Tent and hope to share thoughts and experiences you recognise, or find useful to ponder upon. I look forward to working with you all in exploring what it is to be women, and hope to hear from you. ~ Vild