Blog
Stillness from Within
Sep
2021 September Blog by Anne Duchez ~ “In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” – Deepak Chopra
Centering Space sounds like the name of a pottery studio. To potters, centering has a specific meaning and purpose. Centering is the act of pushing the clay into place on the wheel as it turns so that its mass is evenly distributed. If the clay is centered it can be formed into a balanced vessel; if not the clay will wobble as it spins and eventually collapse.
The act of centering requires potters to be completely focused with an inner calm so that eyes and hands can make assessments of the clay. Does the clay pass by the hands evenly? Is the clay too wet or dry? Is the mound being formed too tall or flat for the next series of steps? Being attentive is the key to success.
And so it is with centering ourselves: when we create conditions for stillness from within we can be attentive to our developing hearts and minds.
About six months ago, I was invited by a friend to gather virtually with others for a series of Lenten reflections. I was presented with passages and songs and input from others, and most importantly – time to reflect. During each session I felt centered enough to be contemplative, and as such, experienced small but definite transformations. To my delight I did renew, refresh, and refocus myself.
I am grateful to have found Centering Space where I can journey with others with the same aspiration: to grow. I look forward to participating in future activities where I may center myself amidst the churn of life to become who I am to become.
Thank you for your blog reflection here Anne. Pottery making is a beautiful way to physically experience the need for balancing. This such a good metaphor for the spiritual life. Looking forward to seeing you at Centering Space sometime soon.
Thank you. I look forward to meeting you and others at Centering Space someday. For now I can only participate through ZOOM…I have picked up knitting needles recently for the first time in a couple of years and am finding that my success requires me to find that inner calm that helps me focus on the task at hand. Perhaps I pray with my hands busy?
Hi all! A key word is missing from a middle paragraph; with it the statement is clearer:
“And so it is with centering ourselves: when we create conditions for stillness from within we can be attentive to our developing hearts and minds.”
May we find stillness and attend to growth. ❤️