TIME2LINK

A BASIC GUIDE 

If you're new to meditation or linking-in with a prayer network, the following basic guide can be adapted to suit, and with practice, may assist with calming the mind and stabilizing concentration levels when praying or meditating. This guide is offered purely as a supportive suggestion and is not an essential requirement. Prior preparation can be beneficial, for those experiencing mental fatigue and cognitive dysfunction, emotional distress, physical pain and bodily tension. Relaxation prior to prayer can also serve to enhance one's dialogue with Deity, allowing the space and peace for answers to be heard and Truth perceived.

If it is possible for you to do so, spend some time in peace and quiet before the time2link begins at noon. Allow adequate time for preparation according to your own personal needs. You may only feel the need for 15 minutes of relaxation, or if on the day, you feel a 'rushing' or 'speeded-up' sensation within yourself, you may need longer to allow the body and mind to slow down.

Turn off the phone and ensure that you're warm and comfortable. Give yourself the gift of this special time to just  'Be' and let go, while sinking into the supportive surface you are sitting or lying upon. If you feel inclined, you may like to imagine the surface is made of warm, soft liquid or a particular fabric, the earth's surface; perhaps a summer meadow, the cupped hand of Deity, or an angels wing, a cloud, or that you are floating upon water!

Using your positive intention, allow each area of the body and the muscles to soften. Begin at the toes until you reach the crown of the head. (Some prefer to do this from crown to toe instead) Allow yourself this time of freedom and to release any tension...let it trickle away like liquid. Your worries in life can be freeze-framed, your to-do list can be dropped and left untouched in your mental in/out-tray during this sacred time.

Observe your breathing. Feel your belly moving in and out slowly and allow your mind to simply follow this sensation. This is all you need to do to allow relaxation. Simply follow the in-breath & then the out-breath, while relishing the peace and stillness radiating and the pleasant sensation of any gaps occuring between thoughts running though your mind.

Breathe in and out through your nose, feeling the air move through each nostril, to the top of the nose. Try not to force the breath into any particular pattern. Allow it to be, however it wants to be, and simply observe it casually, as you would observe waves on a shore, flowing in and out.   Spend as long as you need to, so that your mind begins to quieten and your body to relax.

Let all mind chatter drift away like smoke and as you sense your inner stillness expanding, allow your mind to acknowledge that others will be linking-in simultaneously. Each member an integral part of this M.E. & F.M. time2link family and part of the global community.

As you begin to relax, your mind may sometimes attempt to chase idle thoughts that pop up and if you find yourself pursuing a chain of  thought, then just gently bring your awareness back to your breath. Try not to get frustrated with these idle thoughts or any background noise in your mind and don't worry if you struggle with trying to focus and concentrate. You don't need to concentrate as such, it's more a case of 'noticing' the breath, feeling the action of it and allowing whatever happens while doing that, to happen. Even if your thoughts do resemble cars on a Formula 1 track, that's okay too; with time and practice, the mind can learn  - there is no right or wrong way to relax and this is simply a guide, that may be adapted according to your usual practice.

When you do become aware that your mind is chasing random thoughts, just be kind to yourself and gently guide your focus back to your breath. You could perhaps imagine these thoughts that intrude, as though they are bubbles that drift across the inner screen of your mind...and when you catch yourself chasing them, maybe each bubble could drift away and pop!

Continue in this gentle way, accepting that thoughts will occasionally intrude and that you don't have to do this perfectly...the mind is not a wild animal you are trying to tame...these thoughts are simply bubbles.

Hopefully you will begin to feel peace dwelling within you and feel more centered. As your heart opens, as you contemplate our link, direct the flow of your compassion outward and know that it will reach those in need. It is a time of giving and a time of receiving too. How would you most like to send aid? Use the power of your mind, combined with the peaceful love in your heart. Let your imagination or  intuition guide you, if you do not have a specific 'action' planned.

Compassionate Action

How do you feel drawn to help our specified global community? During the time2link, you may wish to simply give thanks or to ask that each individual may find the healing or support that they currently require. Or to visualise people looking radiantly well, smiling and laughing. Perhaps imagining the world bathed in a beautiful light, that touches all and reaches every sufferer across the miles, infusing them with a feeling of being loved, at peace, hopeful and energized. Or you may wish to say a prayer for a cure to be found or for awareness to be spread. Others may prefer to meditate upon a chosen idea/topic, contemplate words of wisdom or recite a mantra. Positive intention,  wishful thinking, or perhaps one minute's silence may indeed be more your 'cup of tea' ~ every input is valuable and the intention behind one's actions are the most important element!

During the time2link we also have the opportunity to give thanks, for the support, guidance and blessings we have personally received. As a guideline the most respectful way to ask for help for others, is to ask that assistance may manifest in a form that is right for each individuals Highest Good at the time. Some folk like to begin by asking for guidance, regarding what to pray about, or meditate upon.

Month by month you will discover for yourself, your own unique method of connecting to the support link. It could be through a combination of elements, such as meditation, followed by reading verse, scripture/sacred text and saying prayers. Perhaps lighting a candle at your home or place of worship. Being in nature. Or for those of you who are in the recovery stages, you may like to form a group that meets at a friend's house, where you pray or meditate together, or you may like to sing, make music or bring offerings of inspirational writing to share. If you are severely ill or a Carer reading this for someone who is, they may wish to simply open their hearts like doorway and know that they are both connecting to our wonderful link of love and receiving healing too. Participants have commented on how they feel energized, peaceful and happy, during and after the time2link.

Even young children with poorly relatives may like to participate in ways that are fun. Perhaps by writing down a wish/prayer and placing it in the earth with a new plant to 'grow'. Or by painting a happy picture or making a collage to send to them; as one naturally enters into a meditative state while being creative or gardening.

Respecting your beliefs

The roots of the time2link are not embedded in any one single religion or spirituality.  It is your time to link and for you to enjoy in your own format and according to your own beliefs and spiritual practice.

This guide has been written to support those with no prior experience of prayer or meditation and to assist with the difficulties one can encounter when trying to meditate, due to 'brain fog' and poor concentration. The term 'meditation' here, is used to describe a state of non-doing, incorporating physical & mental relaxation and quiet mind. The relaxation 'methods' described are not attributed to any particular religious or spiritual tradition from the east or west and are offered as a tool to help participants achieve the greatest benefit from their time2link experience.

Word of mouth works wonders

Thank you for the service that you are offering, by becoming a member of this global network. If you would like to create awareness within your own circle of contacts, a press release can be posted or e-mailed to you, for distribution to groups  & individuals. Alternatively, please mention the event to your support group, religious or spiritual community you belong to... word of mouth is often the best form of advertising with this type of event. Your support is very much appreciated!

This guide may be distributed freely but please include the website's URL plus an attribution to the source.

Waves & Candles photo: Source: www.FreeFoto.com (c) Ian Britton