CENTERING

Many of us are familiar with grounding and might even be aware that it is something we can all benefit from. If you aren’t, it might be a topic worth looking into. The thing is the important step of calling our energy back and becoming centered in the present is overlooked when grounding is discussed. We tend to skip right to connecting with the Earth’s energy. The old “Take a walk in nature” etc., etc. type of tutorials and suggestions as to how to go about grounding always seem to bypass the imperative first step to becoming grounded.

Centering is an invaluable part of the grounding process and takes a great deal of mindfulness to master. Centering is the act of calling all of our energy back to us, becoming aware of it all and being totally present in our current reality. Without this step, it is not really possible to achieve a stable and grounded state of being.

While I believe all spiritual practices should be tailored to the individual’s needs. There is a basic idea to how centering works. How I like to do it can be modified by whomever chooses in a way that feels right to them. I will share my techniques and please feel free to make them your own and apply it to your personal practice.

TECHNIQUE FOR WHEN WE FEEL CALM

The first technique I will share is for those times when you already feel in control. Maybe you are feeling a bit funky, or even a little bit overwhelmed. I am talking about those times when a simple deep breath can help calm your being. In times like this I do the following:

1. I take a deep breath and feel the air go in. I notice how the air feels in my lungs, and then I breathe out slow and controlled. The goal is to breathe out for longer than you breathe in.

2. I notice my heart. Is it pounding or calm? If it’s pounding, I breathe again and focus on slowing my heart rate, really focusing on how I am in control of my heartbeat.

3. The next thing I do is focus on the area in the center of my forehead. I think about what I feel like, and I know that I want all of my energy to come back to that exact spot. Like one of those retractable dog leashes, this is like pushing that button and reeling in the line. This action is calling my energy back to me. Depending on how scattered I am, this can be quick or can take a couple moments.

4. I take notice of my body and feel my energy field tighten and shrink back to my physical body. I want all of my energy condensed and close. If you aren’t comfortable yet with visualizing or feeling your energy, simply imagine that your energy is coming back and in time, you will feel what feels right to you.

Centering is so important. Our mind wanders more than we realize sometimes; subconscious desires mixed with to-do lists, accompanied by minor irritants we may have encountered all own some of our energy. If we want balance, we must be aware of all of our energy. If we are aware of it, we can control it. From this state of knowing where my energy is, I then proceed to grounding and shielding.

TECHNIQUE FOR WHEN WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL

Now sometimes we are not calm. This is a huge reason why practicing centering and grounding when we don’t need it is so beneficial. If it is second nature, it is much easier to help ourselves when we encounter those moments that are overwhelming. For the times we are out of control, manic, or in the midst of an anxiety attack or other extreme emotional state; it is helpful to apply a different technique. For those moments when control eludes me, I apply the following technique.

The 5,4,3,2,1 TECHNIQUE

Here we are going to employ our physical senses and gain control of them. It helps to have a starting place, somewhere to build a foundation of stability. When we are unable to easily gain control of our energy, it is often much easier to begin with our physical senses. So, I like to name:

-5 things I can see as I look at them slowly taking a deep breath with each item I see.

-4 things I can touch as I touch them, slowing and deepening my breathing further with each thing I count.

-3 things I can smell, really focusing on the smells.

-2 things I can hear.

-1 things I can taste -typically a glass of water, because all that deep breathing makes my mouth all sorts of dry.

From here I am in control and then can do the first technique. This is a bit of a process, but it has saved me during legitimate anxiety attacks the same as it has helped in times of extreme anger or psychic attack.

Finding your way to exhibit control over your own energy field will prove to be a skill that leads to personal growth, emotional stability and all-around wellbeing.

HEMATITE

Crystal Information

Known for being one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, the iron ore known as hematite forms with appearances that vary widely. Identification of this mineral by the naked eye can be a little bit tricky because it can be found with lusters of metallic to earthy, in colors ranging from red to silver, and forms like micaceous, crystalline, botryoidal, massive, oolitic, fibrous, and more. One thing that many believe is an indicator of hematite is magnetism, however, hematite does not gravitate to magnets. Some specimens have a high amount of magnetite in them and this can cause the piece to be magnetic, but typically magnetism is not an identifier of hematite. The best way to identify this mineral is the streak test. Hematite will always give off a reddish streak when tested.

Now that we can identify it, where can we find the understanding of how hematite works with energy? We can find it in all of the things mentioned above. Iron has long been associated with protection of many forms. We use it to defend and shield ourselves from danger just the same as we use it for shelter. Being one of the most abundant minerals on the planet, when we look for where it can be found we see it is all around us. This recognition anchors one to the very thing they seek. By connecting to the energy of hematite, we connect to all the energies of hematite and because it is found in such vast quantities within the crust of the planet the energy we connect to is the Earth’s energy. This is where we find the centering, grounding, and stabilizing powers that hide within this stone.

There is one more quality hematite typically lends and that is found in both its appearance and identification. Regardless of the outward appearance, the true color of hematite is red. Red is the color of the root chakra and as such is associated with safety, stability, and our knowing that we are enough just as we are – we have a right to occupy our space. Whether or not we flourish, grow, and have harmony is all dependent on the foundation we build upon. That foundation is not in outward appearances but what is found within. Hematite embodies the idea that whatever it is we are faced with, we have the power to stand and face it.

A few applications for this mineral are:

-Facilitates centering and grounding

-Aids all meditation efforts

-Amplifies manifesting efforts

-Aids all healing efforts

-Stabilizes and harmonies the energetic system

-Helps promote understanding and acceptance

-Promotes healing of traumas

-Helps address and understand karmic lessons

-Helps one embrace their true self

-Promotes confidence and self-acceptance

-Helps release fear and anxiety

BIOTITE MICA

Crystal Information

Known as “The Stone of Life”, biotite is a very common form of mica. What is mica? And why would I want anything so common? Common things are not special, right? This is kind of the logic that ran through my head the first few times I encountered micas. The thing is my logic was flawed, and it took a bit of growth to get to that realization.

First things first, what is mica? Mica is a group of minerals that forms in thick elastic sheets. It can be found in other minerals, (like tiny flakes of glitter), or in massive books with layers upon layers all bonded together. These layers can be peeled back, revealing a transparent single sheet. One thing it does very well, is it bends. This mineral has many practical applications from drywall to cosmetics. On an energetic level it works in similar fashion. Ready to do any job it is presented with. It is changeable, not set on any one task and it promotes this energy and willingness to bend to a certain point.

Let’s think of a trampoline for a moment. When pressure is applied the surface of the trampoline bends. It doesn’t bend forever though, only to a certain point. Once the surface reaches the maximum bending point it bounces back to its original shape. Granted eventually all trampolines might tear but that is not part of my comparison here today. Biotite works in similar fashion. It promotes the will to bend, but only to the amount that is actually helpful for us. As we approach our boundaries of comfort, biotite becomes rigid and reminds us to push back. This is one of my favorite stones for protection. I prefer to tackle protection from the inside these days and this crystal puts the control in our hands.

Protection isn’t all it does though. This crystal contains a bit of Earth magic. Just as dirt is a very common thing, it is still precious and crucial to our survival. This same logic applies here with the commonality of this crystal. It is common, but its attributes are invaluable. Common sometimes gives the idea of lacking value, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. From the dirt grows life. A wide variety of life comes from this common and plentiful stuff. Without it though, no life would be growing at all. Biotite mica holds within it the energy of centered growth, and the wonder of nature. It brings out the sparkle within, like the glisten of dew on the grass in the morning, or inspiration of the rainforest, or the beauty of a field of flowers. The power to defend, create, and adapt lies within this plentiful crystal.

Some applications for this crystal are:

~Provides grounding energy

~Stabilizes the auric field

~Promotes adaptability

~Reinforces strong boundaries

~Facilitates energetic protection

~Inspires the will to create

~Promotes the flow of life force energy

~Promotes methodical thinking

~Aids manifesting efforts

~Strengthens the connection to the higher self

~Heals or repairs the auric field

~Aids meditation efforts

~Promotes a sense of calm as it activates all energy centers

~Promotes patience

~Promotes personal growth

~Inspires the will to release toxic thoughts and behaviors

~Helps remove obstacles the prevent growth and healing

~Promotes acceptance

~Helps combat symptoms of anxiety and stress

~Promotes passion in an emotionally stable way

~Helps one to feel totally present

~Inspires confidence

~Helps one to see their own worth and the worth of others