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RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
What do being
“centered” and “grounded” really mean?
Becoming un-centered and ungrounded describes what happens when we feel
out-of-control in the face of a threat or challenge. We feel numb or
over-emotional, our thoughts race, and sometimes we feel alone.
Being centered and grounded means keeping your self-control by staying in
the present and managing your emotions, thoughts, physical center of
gravity, and spiritual connectedness. The result - you feel stronger and
more balanced and act more effectively.
In a difficult moment, feel whatever strong emotions arise but don’t hang on
to them. Ask yourself what your emotions are trying to tell you, and then
allow them to pass. Emotions inflated and magnified by hauling up old pains
and fears can unseat us but if we experience them as they are, our emotions
will arise and pass away. Dismiss any harsh inner dialogue that arises in
your mind. Not only can it be unkind, it is usually distorted. It is not the
way you would speak to someone you care for. So become like a traffic cop in
your own head, waving through the thoughts that are clarifying and
productive while halting the harsh inner-critic.
To get centered in the heat of a bad moment, get grounded by moving your
energy down to your center of gravity - a location two inches below your
navel. Put your hand on this spot over your belly and take a couple of deep
breaths and see your energy move downwards. In Shamanism, this point is
called the Shamanic Root of Power. When your energy is anchored in this
point, you can regain and remain in your centeredness.
In the longer term, you can increase your ability to be physically centered
and grounded by beginning a step-by-step course of intelligent co-operation
with your body. Notice what you eat and drink, how much exercise and sleep
you get, and whatever bad habits or addictions you may have. Then make
changes towards more health and stability.
And what about feeling separate and alone? Brighten your spirit by talking
to a friend. Ask someone knowledgeable for ideas about how to meet a
challenge you are facing. Take walks in nature. Dispel the illusion that you
are alone!
It is by flowing with your emotions, disciplining your mind, holding your
energy at your physical center of gravity, and re-connecting spiritually
that one becomes centered and grounded.
Gael Carter runs the Shamanic Coaching & Training Program in Calgary.
To come to a free open house e-mail
info@shamanicmedicine.ca
For more information, visit
www.shamanicmedicine.ca
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