Depending on your innate knowledge of yoga (of which I have little) or aerobics classes (of which I have a lot), “Come to center” may be a phrase you know well. In Healing Touch, we learn to center ourselves before we work with the energy of others.
Take a moment and think of what the word “center” means to you.
Do you feel energy when you focus on the word?
Do you imagine a pinpoint on a large map of lines and latitudes?
Do you see a large target on an archery range?
Finding Your Center as a 2013 Goal
One of my goals for this next year is to center myself on a daily basis. There may be days where I feel the need to focus on my inner energy hub more than once. The beautiful thing about centering is that it can be done no matter what your religion, physical ability, spiritual practice, or belief system. Centering is about our Self as its own entity, merging our physical being with our inner being. How many times have you gone about your daily business feeling as if you’ve left something behind, or you feel off-kilter? I know I have! We need our balance.
Focus on good energies around you.
A particularly interesting article, entitled “Mind-Body Practices in Integrative Medicine,” speaks to the effect our mind has upon our body. In the midst of medical terminology and references to psychoanalytic practices, the simple message comes through: The mind is capable of healing and transforming the body. If our minds are scattered or overwhelmed, our bodies often feel the effects. I am reminded of how I feel when I am under the weather – I can’t form a lucid thought to save my skin! Think back to the last time you were really ill… were you under stress? Did you think to yourself, “I don’t have time for this!” The more stressed we are, the sicker we become. It’s incredibly important for our inner and outer energies to bring everything together and center again.
Do you want to give it a try? Whenever you’re alone for a few seconds, close your eyes. Does it feel like you’re spread out over a few feet energy-wise? Imagine reaching your arms out and drawing in that energy - your energy. Nestle it all around you, pulling it into your Self, filling in gaps and ridges until you are smooth all over. Feel comfort and warmth and how it is to be You again, 100 percent, for a minute or two.
Do you sense your balance? Do you feel steady again? Enjoy this sensation before one of your inner feelers shoots back out the door to check up on that crashing noise coming out of the kitchen.
The beautiful thing about centering yourself is that all you need is you.
xo
Corinne
This post was inspired by one of Corinne’s theme-words for the year, Self.
Reference
Walach H., Ferrari M.-L., Sauer S., Kohls N. Mind-Body Practices in Integrative Medicine. Religions. 2012; 3(1):50-81.
I love this! I learned the art of centering through Yoga practice and it has been invaluable. It really calms things down when I am all over the place. I just need to remember to center myself more often.
Thank you so much, Stacey! I’m happy that you have found Yoga, and hope that you continue to receive benefits from it.
Corinne recently posted..The Tuppy Chronicles – Part One
Great Article…. Funny that before I realized you had written it, I was reading and thinking that at a minimum, I need to do this before clinical and before exams!!! So important that we are “centered” so we can take better care of others, whether it is family, friends, or patients! xoxo
Thank you, Lori
Yes, please try centering before clinical and exams. I would forget sometimes and it was evident in how I felt afterwards. Thank you for your comment!
Corinne recently posted..The Tuppy Chronicles – Part One
I’ve only dabbled in yoga, never spending enough time to become a devotee. And I really want to – as with so many other things, it’s a matter of making time and discipline. My sister’s practice has done great things for her, helping her calm herself and put things in focus.
Mrs. Jen B recently posted..Change is Hard
Yoga isn’t my thing, as I find it more frustrating. Everyone has their own way to center! I think we all need to make time for ourselves, as we make so much time for others. Thank you for your comment, Jen!
Corinne recently posted..The Tuppy Chronicles – Part One
I feel more centered already! This is something I need to focus on more, because right now, I feel pulled in so many directions and something’s gotta give. Perhaps focusing on myself and getting centered each day would help!
Alexa recently posted..My Sweet, Imperfect Child – Raising Imperfection
Yay! Yes, try it before you even get out of bed. Some mornings I wake up feeling as if I am all over, like you said, and I have to spend a few minutes just to myself.
Corinne recently posted..The Tuppy Chronicles – Part One
I took yoga in college to meet my health/pe credit. I actually enjoyed it. I love the idea of centering myself every morning.
SAM recently posted..Trifextra: Road Kill
I’m so glad you found your method, SAM! I also love centering myself first thing in a very long day. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Corinne recently posted..The Tuppy Chronicles – Part One
I love the idea of drawing my energy in. I’ll have to try that. Lovely post!
Robin recently posted..Exercise 30 Days Straight: An Update
Thank you, Robin! Our energy is everywhere all at once, sometimes, and to bring it all in means that we can regain ourselves briefly.
Corinne recently posted..The Tuppy Chronicles – Part One
I love the idea that our bodies can heal ourselves and transform ourselves. I’ve been coming around to that belief for a year or so now. The body is an amazing thing and we need to give it the credit it deserves! Thanks for this!
Missy | The Literal Mom recently posted..Literal Mom Newsletter, Volume 2, Edition 1 – Winter 2013
Thank you, Missy, for your comment! I’m still learning about inner healing and it’s just amazing stuff. I appreciate you taking the time to read!
Corinne recently posted..The Tuppy Chronicles – Part One
I live a high stress life. But I know that I must de-stress. I love the idea of just a couple of minutes to center. I function much better as a balanced self. When things begin to feel out of control, a little bit of effort to pull it all in, breathe within it, may make all the difference.
Kimberly Rues recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Cherished