CENTERING...A technique that can give you a professional edge and the hub of your world.

By Linda Shelton, Fitness and Wellness Educator; Beamfit™ Communication Director

If we look at the definition of the word center, it's most commonly referred to as the middle or midpoint, or "dead center" as in bull's eye of a target. An expanded definition encompasses the center as the core, hub, focal point, axis or nucleus. In other words, the world, in a sense, revolves around you! Not to be self-centric, but think about how we get pulled out of our "center" and get drawn away by demands and chaos of our external environment. This leads us to feeling scattered, frazzled, out of synch and out of sorts with ourselves so something that is innate...to be centered, now becomes something we need to learn or re-learn how to do.

In Beaming™ we use the physical movement on the Beam as a catalyst to engage and enhance an individual's attentiveness, focus and concentration to re-group and therefore, return to our center. On the Beam, Centering cultivates this focused awareness to keep our minds here in the present moment, to bring us back into the space of being conscious right now, in the moment to the experiential senses of Beaming™. Today's lifestyle moves at a fast pace for most people. Beaming™ trains us to adapt on the Beam, similar to the changes one must make to react and respond in this fast-paced world while still maintaining a more mindful, centered state.

In essence, Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi, all bring one to be more centered. These disciplines train the mind, similar to Beaming™ while moving, enhancing the mind-body connection to oneself and the ability to return to the centered state at will. In Beaming™ it is the IMMEDIATE and consistent adjustments that have to be made as you work on the Beam, shutting out anything else but what is going on between you and the Beam, otherwise you'll fall off and literally lose your Centering ability...exactly what happens when you allow the outside world to bombard your space.So what is the ultimate benefit?

By learning how to Center, when you need to Center, allows you to handle whatever tough situations you encounter with grace and wisdom. Centering is a process you practice, ideally everyday so eventually, you get to choose when you want to let the environment that surrounds you, enter your world.