How to Centre Yourself?

Introduction

The concept of “centering oneself” involves finding inner balance, peace, and a sense of alignment with one’s true self and values. It typically encompasses practices and techniques that help individuals reconnect with their core, reduce stress, and achieve mental and emotional equilibrium. This concept is often explored in fields related to psychology, mindfulness, meditation, holistic wellness, and personal development.

There are several authors (50 listed below) who have written many books on this topic. I have summarised their teachings into 10 categories:

1. Mindfulness and meditation practices engaging in physical activities that promote balance and grounding.
2. Physical practives such as exercise, Tai Chi, flotation, dance focus on your physiology.
3. Self-care practices which encourage individuals to prioritize their mental and emotional health.
4. Spiritual and holistic approaches delve into matters of inner energy and interconnectedness.
5. Emotional and psychological practices help individuals navigate their inner worlds.
6. Metaphysical and altered states explore consciousness and transcendence.
7. Creativity and expression serve as outlets for emotional release and self-discovery.
8. Energy work and spirituality connect with the metaphysical.
9. Ancient wisdom and philosophy draw on age-old teachings for guidance.
10. Holistic health and wellness underline the importance of physical well-being as a foundational element of overall centeredness and vitality.

Let’s explore some Techniques in each category

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:

• Mindfulness Meditation: Practicing awareness of thoughts and emotions without judgment.
• Deep Breathing: Engaging in slow, controlled breathing to reduce stress and improve focus.
• Yoga: Combining physical postures with mindful breathing for relaxation and balance.
• Guided Meditation: Following a recorded meditation with specific instructions for relaxation and mindfulness.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tensing and releasing muscle groups to reduce physical tension.
• Body Scan Meditation: Systematically scanning your body for tension and discomfort.
• Breath Awareness: Focusing on the natural rhythm of your breath to enhance mindfulness.
• Loving-Kindness Meditation: Sending feelings of love and compassion to yourself and others.
• Visualization: Creating mental images of peaceful scenarios or goals.
• Mantra Meditation: Repeatedly chanting a specific word or phrase to calm the mind.

2. Physical Practices:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity for stress reduction and mental well-being.
• Tai Chi and Qigong: Slow, flowing movements for balance and energy flow.
• Progressive Goal Setting: Breaking down long-term goals into achievable milestones.
• Dance or Movement Therapy: Expressing emotions and reducing stress through dance.
• Floatation Therapy: Immersing yourself in sensory isolation tanks for relaxation.
• Grounding Exercises: Connecting with your senses to anchor yourself in the present.

3. Self-Care Practices:

• Journaling: Writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences for self-reflection.
• Gratitude Practice: Expressing thankfulness for positive aspects of life.
• Limit Distractions: Reducing sources of distraction for focused living.
• Digital Detox: Disconnecting from digital devices to reduce overwhelm.
• Declutter Your Space: Organizing and clearing physical spaces for mental clarity.
• Set Boundaries: Establishing personal and professional limits for well-being.
• Self-Care Rituals: Incorporating routines that prioritize personal well-being.
• Mindful Eating: Eating consciously and savoring each bite for improved health.
• Limit Multitasking: Focusing on one task at a time for enhanced concentration.
• Set Realistic Goals: Breaking down tasks into manageable steps for success.

4. Spiritual and Holistic Approaches:

• Crystal Grids: Create geometric patterns using crystals and gemstones to focus and amplify their energies.
• Energy Psychology Techniques: Utilize practices like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or Thought Field Therapy (TFT) for emotional balance.
• Chakras and Energy Work: Explore the concept of chakras and learn how to balance and align them.
• Reiki or Energy Healing: Experience energy healing to promote physical and emotional balance.
• Holotropic Breathwork: Use breathwork techniques to induce altered states of consciousness and healing.

5. Emotional and Psychological Practices:

• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): Tapping on specific points to release emotional blockages.
• Mantra Meditation: Chanting a word or phrase to calm the mind and body.
• Progressive Goal Setting: Breaking down long-term goals into achievable milestones.
• Journaling: Writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences for self-reflection.
• Emotional Release Exercises: Releasing emotions through physical techniques like dancing or screaming.
• Soul Retrieval: A shamanic practice to reintegrate lost or fragmented parts of the self.
• Study the Enneagram: A personality system for personal growth and balance.
• Chiron Healing: Addressing emotional issues related to your Chiron placement in astrology.
• Learn from Ancient Herbalism: Exploring traditional herbal medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda.
• Dream Analysis: Exploring the meaning of dreams for insight into the subconscious.

6. Metaphysical and Altered States:

• Plant Medicine: Exploring healing with plant-based substances like Ayahuasca.
• Astral Projection: The practice of leaving one’s physical body for exploration.
• Shamanic Journeying: Connecting with the spiritual realm for insights.
• Vibrational Remedies: Using flower essences, homeopathy, or sound therapy for balance.
• Sufi Whirling: A physical meditation practice involving spinning to induce meditative states.
• Explore Astral Projection Techniques: For those interested in metaphysical experiences.
• Learn from Ancient Mythology: Delve into myths and stories from various cultures for personal growth.

7. Creativity and Expression:

• Art Therapy: Express your emotions and thoughts through various art forms, such as painting or drawing.
• Creative Visualization: Imagine and visualize your goals and aspirations in detail.
• Dream Journaling: Record your dreams upon waking to gain insights into your subconscious mind.
• Expressive Dance: Use dance as a means of self-expression and emotional release.
• Laughter Yoga: Engage in laughter exercises to reduce stress and promote well-being.

8. Energy Work and Spirituality:

• Crystal Grids: Create geometric patterns using crystals and gemstones to focus and amplify their energies.
• Energy Psychology Techniques: Utilize practices like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or Thought Field Therapy (TFT) for emotional balance.
• Chakras and Energy Work: Explore the concept of chakras and learn how to balance and align them.
• Reiki or Energy Healing: Experience energy healing to promote physical and emotional balance.
• Holotropic Breathwork: Use breathwork techniques to induce altered states of consciousness and healing.

9. Ancient Wisdom and Philosophy:

• Study Stoicism: Read stoic literature to gain insights into finding inner peace and resilience.
• Learn from Ancient Philosophy: Delve into teachings from philosophers like Aristotle, Confucius, or Epictetus.
• Ancient Wisdom Traditions: Explore teachings and practices from various wisdom traditions, such as Buddhism, Taoism, or Sufism.
• Mythical Archetypes: Study archetypal figures and stories from mythology for personal growth and transformation.
• Ancient Herbalism: Learn from traditional herbal medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda.

10. Holistic Health and Wellness:

• Holistic Nutrition: Pay attention to dietary choices and their impact on mood and energy levels.
• Holistic Psychology: Consider approaches that integrate body, mind, and spirit in mental health.

50 Famous Authors in this field

1. Jon Kabat-Zinn: Author of “Wherever You Go, There You Are” and creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), emphasizing mindfulness for stress reduction.
2. Eckhart Tolle: Known for “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth,” Tolle explores presence and consciousness as keys to inner peace.
3. Thich Nhat Hanh: A prolific author with works like “The Miracle of Mindfulness,” Hanh focuses on mindfulness, peace, and compassion.
4. Pema Chödrön: Author of “When Things Fall Apart” and “The Wisdom of No Escape,” Chödrön explores embracing difficulties for inner stability.
5. Deepak Chopra: Known for books like “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success,” Chopra covers holistic wellness, spirituality, and mind-body balance.
6. Tara Brach: A psychologist and author, Brach emphasizes self-compassion and radical acceptance in books like “Radical Acceptance.”
7. Joseph Goldstein: A prominent teacher of vipassana meditation, Goldstein’s writings offer insights into mindfulness practices in “Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening.”
8. Jack Kornfield: A meditation teacher and author, Kornfield’s work explores integrating mindfulness and spirituality in daily life, as seen in “The Wise Heart.”
9. Ram Dass (Richard Alpert): Known for “Be Here Now,” Ram Dass emphasizes self-realization and inner transformation through spiritual awareness.
10. Don Miguel Ruiz: Author of “The Four Agreements,” Ruiz’s work delves into personal freedom and transformation through spiritual awareness.
11. Brené Brown: Researcher and storyteller, Brown explores topics like vulnerability, courage, and resilience in books such as “The Gifts of Imperfection.”
12. Erich Fromm: Known for works like “The Art of Loving,” Fromm explored the concept of love and its role in finding inner fulfillment.
13. Marianne Williamson: Author of “A Return to Love” and other books, Williamson emphasizes the transformative power of love and spiritual growth.
14. Krishnamurti: Jiddu Krishnamurti’s writings focus on self-inquiry, meditation, and understanding the nature of the self.
15. Mark Williams: Co-author of “The Mindful Way Through Depression,” Williams explores mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for emotional well-being.
16. Sharon Salzberg: A meditation teacher and author, Salzberg’s work emphasizes loving-kindness meditation and its benefits for inner peace.
17. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama: The Dalai Lama’s teachings encompass compassion, mindfulness, and finding inner peace through spirituality.
18. Richard Davidson: A neuroscientist, Davidson’s research on meditation and the brain sheds light on the physiological effects of mindfulness.
19. Napoleon Hill: Known for “Think and Grow Rich,” Hill’s work delves into personal development, mindset, and achieving success.
20. Louise Hay: Author of “You Can Heal Your Life,” Hay’s writings explore the mind-body connection and the power of positive thinking.
21. Daniel J. Siegel: A psychiatrist and author, Siegel’s work bridges neuroscience and mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness.
22. Toni Morrison: Though primarily known as a novelist, Morrison’s works often explore themes of identity, self-discovery, and inner strength.
23. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Author of “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience,” Csikszentmihalyi discusses the state of flow as a means of centering oneself.
24. Michael A. Singer: Singer’s book “The Untethered Soul” explores the concept of inner freedom and spiritual awakening.
25. Pico Iyer: Known for contemplative essays and travel writing, Iyer’s works touch on the search for meaning and stillness in a busy world.
26. Alan Watts: A philosopher and writer, Watts’s writings delve into Eastern philosophy, meditation, and finding inner peace.
27. James Redfield: Author of “The Celestine Prophecy,” Redfield’s novel explores spiritual awakening and personal growth.
28. Eknath Easwaran: Known for “Passage Meditation,” Easwaran teaches meditation practices for inner peace and self-awareness.
29. Eileen Caddy: Author of “Opening Doors Within,” Caddy’s writings focus on inner guidance and spiritual transformation.
30. Ken Wilber: Known for “The Integral Vision” and “A Brief History of Everything,” Wilber explores integral spirituality and personal growth.
31. Eben Alexander: Author of “Proof of Heaven,” Alexander shares his near-death experience and spiritual awakening.
32. Elena Brower: A yoga and meditation teacher, Brower’s book “Art of Attention” explores mindfulness and yoga for self-discovery.
33. Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche: Author of “The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep,” Rinpoche explores dream yoga for self-realization.
34. Kahlil Gibran: Known for “The Prophet,” Gibran’s poetic work delves into various aspects of life, love, and spirituality.
35. Jiddu Krishnamurti: Reiterated due to his profound contributions, Krishnamurti’s writings focus on self-inquiry, meditation, and understanding the nature of the self.
36. Anthony de Mello: Author of “Awareness” and “The Way to Love,” de Mello’s writings explore spiritual awareness and personal transformation.
37. Barbara Ann Brennan: Known for “Hands of Light,” Brennan explores energy healing and the human energy field.
38. Kabir Helminski: Translator of Rumi’s poetry, Helminski’s works provide insights into Sufism, spirituality, and self-realization.
39. Charlotte Joko Beck: Author of “Everyday Zen,” Beck emphasizes the practice of mindfulness in daily life.
40. Neale Donald Walsch: Known for “Conversations with God,” Walsch explores spirituality, self-discovery, and conversations with the divine.
41. Swami Satchidananda: Author of “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,” Swami Satchidananda’s teachings focus on yoga philosophy and inner peace.
42. Susan Piver: Author of “The Wisdom of a Broken Heart,” Piver explores the healing process and finding wisdom in heartbreak.
43. Shakti Gawain: Known for “Creative Visualization,” Gawain’s work emphasizes the power of visualization and intention.
44. Gary Zukav: Author of “The Seat of the Soul,” Zukav explores spirituality and the alignment of the personality with the soul.
45. Eli Jaxon-Bear: Author of “Sudden Awakening,” Jaxon-Bear shares his spiritual journey and insights into awakening.
46. Dale Carnegie: Known for “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” Carnegie’s work focuses on interpersonal skills and personal growth.
47. Rick Hanson: Author of “Buddha’s Brain,” Hanson explores the intersection of neuroscience and mindfulness for well-being.
48. Mooji: Known for “White Fire,” Mooji’s teachings revolve around self-inquiry and discovering one’s true nature.
49. Parker J. Palmer: Known for “Let Your Life Speak,” Palmer explores finding one’s true vocation and living an authentic life.
50. James Hollis: Author of “Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life,” Hollis delves into self-discovery and growth in midlife and beyond.