Hi Neighbor!

Seems like staying balanced requires a little more effort during these uncertainty-filled days. Here are a few ways I’ve discovered to get back to center.

“Life is like clay. It’s up to you to mold it into any form you want.” 
HBO Max’s “Great Pottery Throw Down.”  In order to create, the clay must be centered, the artist must be focused and it has the same effect on me. I have some familiarity with pottery wheel throwing but my husband doesn’t.  However, we both find this series engaging and centering. It’s refreshing to watch creativity unfold with humor and British accents. Guess we’re just putty in their hands!

“Breathe, smile, relax.”
When I need extra support to get to that place of balance, Kimeron Hardin’s “Drifting Downstream” does the trick.  I’ve found it to be an excellent guided meditation, both relaxing and rejuvenating.

“It’s your mind that creates the world.”
Calming thoughts through mindfulness and meditation, even just for a few minutes, helps to rediscover that centered point. What a relief it is to stop judging thoughts as good or bad. I focus on the breath, watching my mind slow down and rest in still, open space. Jon Kabat-Zinn “Wherever You Go, There You Are” and Mindfulness Meditation for beginners.

“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” 
Yoga practice is all about centering, breathing into the balance, uniting breath and movement. “Be the rock in the storm,” one of my yoga teachers shared with the class. That image guides me to center so I can be helpful to others. New to yoga? or  try this.

Recognizing when my thoughts are slipping into the past or creating fears of the future, I practice centering, breathing calmly into the balance, recovering strength and confidence.

Being here now,
Jane