Vibrant Nation

spirituality

5 ways to stay centered and present in critical times
posted 03/26/2009, 09:23PM new!
As Carol Osborn recently wrote in her Vibrant Nation blog, these critical times can actually be the Boomer woman's finest hour. We are survivors of many life challenges such as career changes, job loss, personal or loved one’s illnesses and shattering events such as death of parents and relatives. More than that, we are learning to thrive in difficult times and discovering ways to share our inner wisdom with others.

Staying centered and present in critical times is one of the Boomer woman's greatest gifts. It brings us to the spiritual wisdom that allows our energy to flow from within to help others. We can be the caring presence for others in the center of the storm.

Energy psychology offers numerous easily learned tools to experience our very own center which is really as close as the next breath. Here are five steps you can use one at a time or all together as your time permits:
  1. Take a deep breath and let go of the tension you feel after hearing an upsetting news item, diagnosis, report or trauma.
  2. Note your emotion and acknowledge it directly by stating, "Even though I feel___(state the feeling), I still deeply and profoundly accept myself."
  3. Touch or gently rub the heart area in the mid-chest while repeating the statement above. Repeat it as often as needed until you feel less caught up in the traumatic event and more connected to yourself.
  4. Acknowledge your gifts and strengths by listing who you know you are and what you might offer to the person who is in need or affected by the trauma.
  5. Choose to be present with your center intact when you approach yourself or the person in need. Listen to your inner voice of calm. Trust that you can attract the resources, including your patience and persistence, necessary to resolve the situation and assist with healing.
As you go through the steps, you may notice a shift in your perceptions. There may be room for more clear thinking and knowing what to do.

I recently taught a class to a group of Boomers that included several who had adult recently laid-off adult children. The centering steps helped them to move quickly from fear for their loved ones to affirming their own and their children’s strengths. One participant observed with tears in her eyes, "My daughter has already survived cancer, I know she can find hope and another job. I know I can actively support her in affirming her gifts and talents and being present for her."

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Dorothea Hover-Kramer Ed.D., RN, RC, is the author of six books about energy therapies and her most recent is Second Chance at Your Dream.

responses (2)

Blanca said to Dorothea Hover-Kramer 03/26/2009, 09:23PM new!

Hi Dorothea, I think what happens with me in my big transition that I am going through career wise is that ultra need to HAVE TO stay centered. Everything is moving so fast in this world. I am by nature an emotional person. I put my intention in these last years to only follow my heart 100%. But that also makes me much more sensitive. So I now find that the more I meditate, the stronger my heart becomes. Are you familiar with the people at Heart Math? They talk about the heart having its own kind of brain, much more intelligent than  our head brain.

So that visual that the heart has a better intelligence helps me to actually know that my heart is not just mush and touchy feely emotions. My heart is also a pillar of strength that I can use at all times and combine it with the intelligence of my left brain to then make better decisions. It has been a long process for me to get to this point. Now, I no longer dismiss myself as being "too emotional". I actually empower myself for having great feelings which finally I have learned to harness and balance.(as long as I stay away from those men that get me out of whack. hahaha. )

But seriously, regarding the men thing, it has helped me alot more as well. I am single now, but I feel a very mature relationship that will be fulfilling is on its way.

Dorothea Hover-Kramer said to Blanca 03/26/2009, 09:23PM new!

HI Blanca,

Thanks for your response! Yes, HeartMath is very interesting in showing how all parts of the body interact. Even your genes respond to your thougths and attitudes. Research show that when we are worried, anxious or angry the sheath around genetic material constricts; when we are relaxed or happy the protein sheath expands and releases genetic material to nurture well-being within the cells. it is an ongoing, dynamic process and I describe it more fully in my book in chapter 2.

Best wishes in attracting someone with your energy and vitality! Dorothea.

Pure and Natural