How to Find Your Center

“Stand with all four corners of your feet on the floor. Rock a little forward. Then rock a little backward. Then forward again, and backward again, a few times. Find your center.”

Sound familiar?

It’s something I’ve heard many yoga teachers say, particularly as we come to the mat and begin our practice.

Today I’d like to encourage you to try the same thing when you meditate.

Let’s say you’re sitting as you start to meditate, instead of standing as we do to start a yoga class. Imagine sitting upright, with your legs crossed, spine straight, shoulders down, and in that sweet spot between effort and ease, between being alert and being relaxed.

Now that you’re comfortable, and you’ve taken a few breaths, find your center.

For me that means rocking a little bit forward at my hips, then rocking a little bit backward, a few times back and forth. I usually also rock side to side a few times, especially if I notice that my hips feel tight as I sit.

I’m looking for my center.

It’s a gentle motion, this rocking back and forth for a few moments. It’s a little like I’m coaxing my center out of hiding, and I don’t want to scare it away.

When I find it, I inevitably notice the corners of my mouth edging upward. That’s because I’m glad to be home, to be grounded, and to hang out there for a while.

Which eases my way into the meditation time, too. It helps to make sitting in meditation a place I want to be.

I hope this works for you too.

Namaste,

Cathy