Americans have every freedom a First World nation can afford (in some cases, more than we can). Yet, for all we’re free to do in our nation, we’re still not completely safe. We still face doubts, stresses, uncertainty, and being overwhelmed. This is not an uncommon thing that persecutes the few. This is a struggle everyone faces, and race, gender, religion or socioeconomic status ensures nothing. The fact that life is universally hard for everyone doesn’t offer comfort, though. So, if there is chaos all around, then how can we possibly find our emotional center? No, I’m not suggesting that you live by Eastern mysticism. I’m definitely not saying there is a way to only experience positivity. Anyone who promises eternal happiness has not experienced much life. Before you tell my dad I’ve forsaken my faith, let me share with you what I mean by “emotional center”.28
Emotional Center
To clarify, when I speak of finding your center, I’m not talking of crystals or following what your horoscope says will make you happy. I’m talking about finding stillness. The world has chaos and it seems to be screaming at us every day. But then the Bible tells us we should be saying, “be still, my soul.” Stillness. A quietness that allows us to simply ‘be’ for a moment.
Finding Your Center
Okay, stillness. That’s a lovely thought, but how does that happen? I’ve certainly not mastered finding my center. I’m much too Italian for that (you think we talk over you while you’re talking you should hear what goes on in our heads). While this remains a work in progress, here are some ways that work for me:
Tips
- Location, location, location. Obviously, the end goal is to find your center wherever you go. But you never really start at the end. So, make it easy for yourself and find a quiet place to pause. I find that sitting on the floor in a quiet room of my house (with no one running around me) is the best place.
- Have a place for all the thoughts. Italians always have a lot on our minds, and most of us find the need to share a great many of these thoughts. I grab a notepad, so I can jot down the to-do items that come to mind or the thoughts that are simply distracting.
- Filter any incoming thoughts. True and complete silence isn’t always possible. So, you have to pick and choose thoughts. You have to make sure that they are peaceful and calming thoughts. Philippians 4:8 is a great place to start.
- Create an atmosphere. Sometimes, I just crave a moment in a silent room. Other times, I want a certain atmosphere around me so my soul can simply rest. Worship music, being outdoors… find a way to make the air around you peaceful.
- Have a mantra. I’m scaring you, again, with the idea that my next item is going to be yoga and you’ll have to admit that you can’t even reach your knees. When I say ‘mantra’, I mean a simple phrase that can keep you grounded, and after much practice, it will instantly help you center.
- Make these frequent. As I said, no one can create silence simply by sitting cross-legged in a dark room. Like any other skill, it takes practice to hone and develop an ability to create peace and stillness.
Create Your Own Centering
Those are my ways of centering my soul. But you might know your own ways to find your emotional center. Please comment below with your tips and guidelines.
