Posted by Nancy ~ Lotusbud on May 23, 2001 at 19:43:57:
Centering means remaining calm and at peace in the midst of everyday clamor or turmoil. Being centered helps us remain in control of our thoughts and teaches us to not allow our inner being or intent to be overshadowed by stressful circumstances or negative thoughts and/or emotions.
When we are centered we are in a state of clarity, peace, balance and harmony. When we are not centered, we feel stressed, foff balance, our engery is fragmented and depleted and we are filled with negative emotions.
Centering techniques require little time or attention. These techniques give us the time we need to return to a calm peaceful state of mind. Here are three easy and effective methods.
Breath Awareness
While involved in whatever you are doing, bring some attention to your breathing... not your full attention... just enough to bring you back to focusing on your breath, now breathe a little more slowly and deeply.
You can also try this one...Breath Awareness ~ One of my favorite!
I really like this one because it takes little effort and can be easily done anywhere, even while sitting in your car waiting for the light to change or in the grocery store when there is a long line-up and you are losing your patience.
When feeling stressed, take several slow, deep breaths. With each in-breath, imagine you are pulling all of your scattered energy back to your Self... your calm inner center. As you exhale, let go of all stress and negativity.
Actually, I suggest this particular method when I am working with clients who have anger management problems. Breathing helps them refocus and think before they respond.
Inner Light ~ another real cool one! This one is used in many schools of meditation.
Visualize a bright sun filling your heart chakra...Imagine the rest of your energy field as a clear blue sky. When stressed thoughts or emotions arise, view them as clouds floating in the sky, moving away from the sun.
Enjoy...Lotusbud