Strategies and Tips on How to Build a Daily Centering Practice

Would you like to feel centered so you can be* Chanting
more clear, focused and intentional everyday?* Singing, dancing etc
In this article I will share with you some strategies* Listening to a repetitive gong, bell or chime
and tips you can use to help you in feeling* Listening to inspiring music
centered daily. Not only can this support you in* Polarity exercises
feeling focussed, it can also help you relax (this* Reiki
works especially the more you develop this* Even routine cleaning, organizing activities such
practice).as cooking, gardening etc can be utilized in a way
One of the most important ways to beginthat can be centering.
anything new is to choose, declare and developThe Six features mentioned below are some
your intention (in this instance-to be centeredcommon threads in the examples mentioned
everyday).above as examples of activities used as centering
Now just setting and declaring an intention ispractices:
obviously not enough.* The essence is the intention,
What are some things that can be powerfully* That the activity feels calming to oneself &
propelling and helpful in choosing and movingcan potentially contribute to others too * That
forward with your intention?o being conscious ofthe activity nurtures one
your motivationo being conscious of the impact of* That the activity feels enjoyable
not having a centering practiceo being aware of* That one engages in it mindfully
your desire to be centered ando being intentional* That this activity helps one focus
of how centering can impact your lifeo developing* When developed as a discipline and practice, it
the discipline, practice and habit of daily centeringohelps one in feeling centered
developing the supports and support systems toOne could possibly utilize one's choice of any such
sustain this practice everydayactivity and develop it mindfully into a centering
Also, before developing a centering practice, Ipractice.
invite you to first and throughout this process askSome additional things to consider: - Its usually
yourself simple, yet empowering questions suchbest to choose a regular time for your centering
as: * What makes me lose my center? * What ispractice, - Find a comfortable place where you
the impact for me and my work when I feel lostknow you will be undisturbed, - Inform your loved
and off-center?ones living with you about your schedule and -
Look out and notice how this impacts youRequest their support to be undisturbed, - You
mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually etc Bemay wish to enhance your environment with
present and open to the answers that come toscented candles and or soothing calming pictures if
you, even if they aren't pleasant. Then decide andthis works for you.
commit to begin living from your decisionRemember, we do have a choice in every
everyday This will support you to choose wiselymoment. After you have chosen and decided to
and in alignment with your desire to feel centered.develop a centering practice, don't just set that
Once you are decided about finding andaside and run through your daily list of tasks to
developing a daily practice of centering, you havedo. I invite you to become one with your intention
just set the basis for a positive and strongerto be centered daily.
foundation by your decision.Well, how does one do that? By internalizing your
Now is a great time to explore and choose adecision in ways that works for you. Its kind of
practice or set of practices that you like and thatlike downloading your intention and decision
works for you.mentally, emotionally and spiritually into your
Perhaps you could look at this exploration ofsystem and being in action about it everyday.
finding a practice for you as similar to visiting aSome examples of consciously internalizing your
buffet or playing an discovery game?intention include:
I invite you to sample different practices you are* Visioning yourself being centered daily
curious about. See what works for you. Choose,* Engaging inspiring and positive support people
then learn and practice it daily, through the regularyou can be in regular contact to support and build
days and through the challenging days. And if youaccountability around your decision
get off track sometimes, notice and just get* Having pictures, words, poems, songs, fabrics
back on track releasing any judgmentsand other stimuli that remind you of your decision
Here are some examples of centering practices :And to those who are so stressed and who are
Use wisdom, choose a practice you like and thatwondering about whether centering is worth it, -
works for you and modify as needed.consider both the pain you may be experiencing in
* Focusing on the breath. Example-yogic practicethe absence of a centering practice. - Also
of Pranayama (a breathing practice)re-consider, read, learn about, learn from the lives
* Yoga. Example-the tree posture and Shavasanaof people who center. - Look again and notice the
can help one feel centeredopportunities for growth, peace and abundance
* Meditationwhen you learn and develop a centering practice
* Guided Imagerythat you enjoy and that nurtures, centers and
* Visualizationsustains you in your life journey.
* PrayerSo, no matter where you are in your
* Spiritual inquiryconsciousness, I invite you to practice centering
* Moving practices such as walking mindfully indaily to support and align yourself and to positively
nature, Taichi, Qi Gong, Labyrinth walkingimpact your life and that of others around you.
* Repeating a word that's particularly centeringNamaste!
for you (ex: love, peace, abundance etc)In love, light and joy, Namaste Tejashree Chawla,
* JournalingM.A., M.S.
* Repeating a phrase or affirmationNote: this article is for informational purposes only.