"Stay Centred!" But what does that mean?
"Stay Centred" seems to be a new-aged trendy saying. Phrases like find your centred, be grounded, open your heart... are thrown around everywhere.... during #yoga classes, in conversations with friends and reflection discussions about your day. But what do they actually mean?
Had a deep realisation about this and laughed so hard, when listening to a YouTube video from Matt Kahn. If you haven't experienced the blessings of his teaching there is a link to his channel on the photo below. For some context. Matt Kahn is a very wise, enlighten soul, who has an in-depth clarity of the human condition which he shares with humility, humor and grace. Now, taking that into consideration, was listening to Matt Kahn sharing about his experiencing within a yoga class. He was so confused by what the teacher was saying, "Stay in your centred." Matt Kahn was like, "What do you mean stay in my centre... What is my centre and how do I know if I have one?" Laughed so very hard because only the night before had done the exact same thing as this yoga teacher.... and what Matt Kahn was saying was so true. Phrases are so often used without providing the context to create clarity for those receiving these comments.
These #newage catch phrases are said with almost an expectation that they make sense; that people get what is being said. Yet how many of us internally have the same reaction as #mattkahn ? So this #blog is designed to assist in developing an #awareness around such concepts. That way you are able to experience a sensation of these phrases instead of be lost in the confusion of the thinking mind.
The Power of Words
First off would like to share a story from my past that illustrates how shifts within language create a shift within the #consciousness of humanity.
Well over two decades ago, whilst studying at uni and still living with my parents, remember discussing one of my assignments. Dad, who was unhappy with his job, became irritated. Upon asking the reason for his irritation, discovered it had to do with words. The key concepts (or trendy catch phrases for the time) that were written within the assignment description, were the same trendy concepts that dad was attempting to wrap his head around at word.
In hindsight these so call trendy phrases of the 90s are now common practices within modern society. On top of this they have played a massive role in the shift from hierarchy driven company structures to more #collaborative structures. So what were these phases:
networking
outcomes
benchmark
focus learning
goal orientation
emotional intelligence
target
mission statements and vision
In the same way that these concepts are now an integral part of society, they are everywhere; there is a sense that these new trendy phrases are weaving shifts into our way of being to eventually change society at large.
A shout out to Yoga Teachers and Healers
Now for a little insight, in support for all the #teachers and #healers out there, who use these sayings. These sayings are used because we have experienced an inner state that is different from the high-strung busy statue quo that is the norm these days. These phrases are a way of expressing these experience with the purpose of assisting people to also stepping into a state of ease.
To add to this complex mixture of expressing sensations that are different to the norm, is that of the #thinkingmind. As a society we have disengaged from the powerful #expression that comes through #emotions and #feelings. We literally attempt to think our way out of every situation. Phrases like, "Stay centred," are feeling based. Finding words that aid in expression of feelings is a challenge due to the over active thinking mind.
Also in support to all the wonderful healers and teachers, we are attempting to express a sensation, a feeling, a way of being that can not be comprehended by the thinking mind. It can only be felt through the body and perceived through the neutral mind and awakened via #intuition.
Let's now look directly at the concept of "Staying Centred"
Whilst all these new-age concepts (which are actually thousands of years old) are crucial for a life of #fulfillment, would like to focus on the expression of "Staying Centred" as it is most potent for the year ahead. It is our anchor amidst the crashing waves, strong currents and tidal pull that this year will amplify.
So let's use this thinking mind and the power of expression to delve into this sensation of staying centred. This concept of being centre is the foundation for #wellness. Time for definitions, as our thinking mind loves this.
Wellness is the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal. What is good health?
In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health with a phrase that is still used today. "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. What is well-being?
Well-being is the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. What has this all got to do with staying centred?
The definition of centre is the point from which an activity or process is directed, or on which it is focused.
Time to put this all together. Wellness can be looked at the pursuing of a state of being comfortable and happy on all level; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. To pursue a goal requires a focus from which activity is directed to achieve the outcome. This is the centre. The centre is the point of focus that direct and re-directs your actions to assure that they are inline with the goal of living within a state of well-being. Staying centred is allowing this driving force, that is deep within you, to continue to steer you towards well-being. And we all know what is best for us... we often just choose to not listen and turn the other way.
Let's take a moment to reflect here. Regardless of what goals, projects, plans or intent you are working with directly now. Do any of them have a higher importance or priority than being in a state of health, happiness and wholeness? Well-being is the ultimate goal and "Staying Centred" is the tool to actively move towards this.
Some pointers on"Staying Centred"
Staying centred:
refers to that state of being which directs you towards your optimum state of health. It is having that focus on being the best version of yourself.
is the foundation for building a life where you are fulfilled.
is focusing on the activities, #mindsets and interactions that best serve you.
ensures that your cultivate and stock-take your time, #energy and inner resource to best serve your Self.
is crucial for 2019 due to the #optimistic feel of this year, with so many possibilities and opportunities. The pull of the current will be to shout, "Yes yes yes yes" to everything that comes. But there is only 24 hours in a day. Only so many events you can fit into one weekend. There is a limit to the level of social connections you can maintain. So somewhere you will need to stay no.
ensures that you are making the correct decisions. It stops the flipping from yes, no, maybe.
Words of wisdom around "Staying Centred"
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence." #Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
"Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate." #Zhuangzi
"Real Peace is always unshakable... Bliss is unchanged by gain or loss." - #YogiBhajan
"Silence is not silent. Silence speaks. It speaks most eloquently. Silence is not still. Silence leads. It leads most perfectly." - #SriChinmoy
Experience the sensation of "Staying Centred."
Guided #meditation.
To deepen the experience record the journey with the voice recorder on your phone than play it back to yourself. Otherwise read through the meditation and than allow your inner knowing to guide you. Ensure you are comfortable and will not be disturbed for a few minutes. If you like to journal take notes afterwards about the experience.
Recall a time where you were present in the moment. You were not worried about future fears. Consumed by the busyness of the thinking mind. Not dwelling in a past negative experience or hurt. Not absorbed in the dramas or neurosis that can exist in interactions. Just fully in the moment.
It maybe a memory of watching your kids play at the beach. Or sunrise, sunset, grazing at a lookout. A beautiful meal shared with your loved one. Cuddling your puppy. Your favourite form of recreation or exercise - yoga, fishing, running, swimming, walking.
It doesn't matter how long ago this memory is, or whether you have a lot of memories or just one. The point is to really feel into a memory of being fully in the moment. This is what is called an anchor point. An experience that serves as a reminder of how it feels to be free of all the demands, pressure and pulls of your life.
Sitting with this memory. Start to notice the breath. Notice particularly the point of stillness that happens after each inhale just before the exhale. Than extend out your awareness to also note the point of stillness that happens again after the exhale just before the inhale. Keep aware of the feeling that the memory has created and allow the breath to enhance this feeling. Focus more attention on the breath as you let the memory go whilst still holding onto the feeling and sensations that this memory has created.
Once the memory has gone but the sensation remains you are experiencing your centre in this moment. Stay here for as long as you need to really experience this feeling. This is creating another anchor point. One though not reliant on a past memory.
Now before leaving the visualization do one more little thing. Continue to sit with your breath and the feeling of being within your centre. Start to think of situations, circumstances and interactions that are current within your life.
Some will increase this feeling of being centred whilst others with create other feelings. Don't judge them. Don't attempt to change your feeling. Just observe the shifts and changes of your feelings.
Here are some pointers to briefly contemplate: work load; interaction with your significant other; family life; your pets; the most recent interaction with your children or parents; money; deadlines; projects; house cleaning; holidays; health; fitness. See what other situations or circumstance come to mind as you continue to observe the sensations within.
The more fulfilling an activity is ... the more inline it is with your what fills you, what drives you, the feeling of being centred will amplify. Than there are circumstances that pull at your centre. Just observe.
Than let those thoughts of circumstance go and return back to the feeling of being centred by using the breath. If needed you can also recall the memory which was the anchor point to re-awaken the sensations within. Take a few breaths than gentle open your eyes whilst still staying connected to the sensation of your centre.
It is important to consider that life pulls on your energy, demands action, requires responsibility and asks a lot. There are things in everyone's life that pulls at the #centre. This is the polarity of life. The above visualisation assists in understanding what some of these situations maybe. It does not mean that you stop doing these things as it is impacting on your centre.
#Stayingcentre allows an awareness of such demands and assists by providing more energy and inner resources for when these events arise. The awareness that comes from staying centred ensures that activities inline with your centre can occur prior or after the activities that are demanding. At the end of the day #selfacceptance and #selfawareness are the strong players within the process of "Staying Centred."
Thank you for reading the blog. Trusting you found some insightful and useful #wisdom among these words. Would love to hear your views so please #comment And if you feel that others will benefit from this blog please #share.
Sat Nam
Keep beaming your beauty