Center yourself

     When was the last time you noticed the ground under your feet and how your feet rested on top of the ground?  When was the last time that you felt the chair supporting you?  When was the last time that you sat so quietly that you could hear the tiniest gnat flutter past your ear? When was the last time that you recognized and acknowledged that as you take oxygen into your body, your rib cage actually expands;  and as you exhale, your chest once again falls to resting position?  When was the last time that you were so in tune with the earth that you could hear the steady rhythm drawing you to your center?

If you don't remember the last time, then I invite you to pause now to feel, recognize and acknowledge all of those things aforementioned.

Go ahead...it's your time.  Take a few moments to engage with what you've just read.

Nope, not ready; you haven't done it yet!

Pause......

Breathe in for 4 counts & breathe out for 8 counts.
Again, breathe in for 4 counts & breathe out for 8 counts.
And again, in for 4 counts & breathe out for 8 counts.
Last time, breathe in for 4 counts & breathe out for 8 counts.

Now take time to notice how you feel.

Feel calmer? Heart rate slow down a tad? Do you feel a little warmer? Feel lighter?

If you said yes, to any of these questions then you have probably begun to move back towards YOUR center.  If you answered no to more than one, then repeat the exercise.

During this tumultuous health crisis in our country and around the globe, it's easy to simply lose yourself in the news and hysteria.  You see people running to the store and hoarding and suddenly the fight or flight system is activated in you and you find yourself acting out of character. When this happens, it's time for you to center yourself.

This is not an exercise intended for you to extract yourself from the world and forget about all of your problems; but it is a time to say "I will create a space for myself in this world to recognize and appreciate that I am here and fully engaged".

Just a brief pause...
A moment of recognition...
A glimpse of gratitude...
A time of solace and stillness..
A meditative moment...
A time of tranquility...

And if ever you feel yourself over-stimulated by the latest news reports, repeat this exercise and choose: Faith over fear, Peace over panic and Harmony over hysteria.

God sees, God knows, and God loves...now take comfort in that and walk it out...


Not too far left...

                                                                                                                               ...Not too far right

CENTER