Center

When we pull our focus back to Self/Center we reconnect with the source of our personal ethics and integrity. From here, we fund the will to do the next right thing.

When we are not centered we find ourselves easily moved into a tangent, an obsession, addiction, depression or projection.  When relating to others from an off-center place we are irritable, anxious, insecure, jealous, controlling, disingenuous, fake.  From here, we make decisions which are not in alignment with our core.  From here we make mistakes which can cost us our relationship, reputation, income or integrity.  And, if we are accustomed to operating from off-center, we may not understand what is happening to us.  We honestly do not know how we may have contributed to things becoming such a mess.  When we are confused, procrastinating or just plain distractable, it is safe to assume that we are off-center.  Come back.  Follow the breath home to your body.

Let's step back and ask ourselves, what does it mean to be "centered?"

Primarily, it means we are inner rather than outer focused.  To be centered, first and foremost, begins with paying attention to our Selves.  Starting with breath and then paying attention to our other physical cues is the simplest place to begin.  Once we are focused and have brought the physical body into center, we can address emotions.  Once emotions are addressed and calmed we are able to give attention to thoughts.  And when thoughts and ego are resolved, we can engage with Spirit. 

Here, once more, we are making attempts to align the Wild with the Genius and the Divine within us.  From here, the center of our universe, we are able to make sound decisions and take the necessary steps necessary toward doing the next right thing from a place of integrity.

The word integrity implies integration of the seemingly disparate parts of the Self.  To be centered means to be Self aware or Self-centered.  Self-centered is not the same thing at all as selfish.  When we are Self-centered we are aware and taking into serious consideration our body-emotion-thought processes and aligning them with our highest will--that part of us which is Divine.  From Center, our choices are aligned with our actions.  This may not be entirely comfortable at first.  Not for us and not for those we love.  This putting the Self first is fundamentally about putting our horse in front of our cart.

When we put the cart first, it cannot go anywhere. We find ourselves spinning our wheels or making only sporadic movement.  Putting ourselves first, the horse before the cart, we can go where we want to go at the rate we'd like to travel.

What is keeping you off-center right now?  What is the primary obstacle preventing you from gathering your focus and bringing it all right home to the center of your body and your breath?  Where is your cart stuck?   It's okay if you don't know or cannot name the obstacle.  Simply follow your breath.  Find your feet.  Notice the edges of your skin.  This is a fine place to start.

If you are able to, Align.  Begin with the breath.  Bring your whole self together.  Be the center.  From here, all things proceed.

If you are unable, watch the Daily Commitments for some steps on how to come to Center.  It is easier than you think.  It feels better than you imagine.  It's results in your life are immediate and profound.