Gravity might pull you down, but it can’t stop you!

Once we’ve spent some time working with the Foundational Method of Grounding (Here I stand, not falling down) we might be asking:

“OK, I’m standing on the ground, so now what?”

But that’s great, because we can build upon the thought -- “I’m standing on the ground, so now what?

Remaining aware of gravity and our connection to it will allow us to move in relation to that pull -- that irresistible pull.

Being mindful of our movements, of gravity, and the constant interplay between them will allow us to take the next step and examine the Foundational Method of Centering.

Imagine if you will, the point on your body where your mass is centered -- the location from which all quadrants of your body are equally distributed -- your center of gravity.

You’ve probably heard of this area generally referred to as your core, perhaps more specifically as your Lower Dan Tian, or Hara, but we will label it simply as our “center.”

This point can be found a couple of inches below your navel, in your lower abdomen.

A classic method used to find our center is to locate the point 2-3 thumb widths below our navel and then 2-3 thumb widths straight back, inside our body.

You can also try this: From a standing position, lean your upper body forward and back and from side to side. See if you can feel the point around which everything else seems to move.

(Tip: If it helps, when I identify my center, I find it to be more of an “area” that a “point.”) 

Once we are able to identify it, we can begin to practice our awareness of being “centered.”

To do so, continue to move in relation to the ground. Feel your feet pressing into the Earth, and your body pushing back against gravity. Feel your legs supporting your hips, and your hips cradling your center.

Keep your center solidly between your feet. Feel the power and stability inherent in your body.

Be mindful of these points as often as possible, and practice this exercise regularly.

Awareness of our center and its relation to grounding and gravity will provide a high degree of integrity and security to our movements, and give us a stable foundation from which graceful and effective actions can flow.

Experiment with these ideas. Expand your understanding of what it means to feel your movements.

Be aware of how it feels to be centered and grounded.

How it feels to plant your feet and rise from bed in the morning.

How it feels as you go through your exercise routine.

How it feels to … well, you get the picture!