Centered and able.

In the last article (Safely connected to Planet Earth) we discussed grounding and our connection to the attraction of gravity.

With this in mind, we can look more closely into the Method of Centering.

Remember that our "center" is our body’s center of mass, or center of gravity.

This point is found in our lower abdomen, a couple of inches below our navel. (Reference the Article Gravity Might Pull You Down ... for more detail if necessary.)

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

Awareness of our center is essential to maintaining our structural integrity and developing movements that are strong, balanced, and healthy. 

Visualization techniques are often very handy in pursuing some of these ideas. Try this exercise:

Imagine, if you will, an invisible magic rope. One end of this rope is firmly attached to your center; the other end is securely fastened to the center of the earth. (This is a very long magic rope!)

This rope constantly pulls from your center straight toward the earth’s core with a consistent tension that is two to three times your body weight. (You can decide how much extra weight you want to move around.)

Whether you are standing, sitting, bending -- whatever -- this additional load is with you, starting from your center, pulling straight down.

Feel the changes that must take place in your body to respond effectively to this added stress.

• You may need to tuck in your pelvis a bit more than usual, and find that tightening your abs helps to keep your core strong and stable.

• Perhaps it helps to straighten your back and keep your head upright and shoulders open to properly stabilize and balance your body.

• Increased attention to your footing, and the alignment of your ankles, knees, and hips, will surely be necessary as well.

This is one of my favorite visualization techniques. Regularly engaging in this awareness will absolutely increase our understanding of proper body alignment!

Engaging in this exercise frequently will develop our understanding of grounding and centering and the power they hold.

And the more we practice this technique, the more our body mechanics will improve.

So have fun with it, be creative, and enjoy being mindful and deliberate in your movements!