Center is a state of unity in harmonious balance. Being centered means having the ability to recover your balance, even in the midst of action.
A centered person is not subject to passing whims or sudden excitements.
Center is a living process of self-organization. Together with breath, it begins with the alignment of the body – try head over shoulders over chest over waist over hips over knees over feet.
Couple this with being grounded and you have a stable state – you feel and project stability, certainty, conviction and presence.
Athletes, martial artists, and performers – they all practice to move from the center.
To find center, try this:
A Pause for Centering
To take a pause is one of the most powerful ways to recenter yourself. Use it when you are beginning any new phase of your day, or when you feel upset, anxious or disoriented. Even in a heated discussion you can say, “Let’s take a pause.”
If you are feeling rushed or overwhelmed, take a pause. If a colleague is upset say, “Let’s slow down and take a pause.” You can take a pause for centering silently whenever you need it, in a few seconds.
In my programs, we learn practices for how to center in a matter of moments. Or, if you have more time, try this.
How to:
- Breathe slowly and rhythmically, through your nose.
- Let your ribs and belly expand as you breathe in, and let them relax inward as you breathe out. Do this rhythmic breathing until it flows easily and naturally.
- Now, as you exhale, relax your face, eyes and jaw… Now relax your neck, shoulders and arms… Exhale slowly and relax your chest and upper back… Breathe out and relax your belly and middle back… Relax your hips and lower back… Let go of the tension in your thighs… Relax your thighs even more deeply…
- Finally let this relaxation flow through your knees to your feet. Feel your feet grounded to the earth. Feel yourself energized and supported by the earth beneath your feet.
- Now bring your awareness to your heart center. Breathe in unconditional love and breathe out unconditional love, feeling your heart’s magnetic field expand to include the people who are with you right now, your family, someone you have a special love for, the people you work with, someone who is a challenge for you, those who are suffering…and the world.
- When you feel ready, look around the space you are in and feel comfortable and relaxed. If you are with others, make eye contact and feel supported by their loving presence.
Thanks to Chloe Faith Wordsworth for this practice.
Go forth, and Center!
For another practice, refer to this post:
http://wp.me/p2rr6D-Kw
