Make this moment a Ki Moment.

And...

Make centering a habit, so that when life throws a curve, we're ready.

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Making Centering Automatic

We are what we do repeatedly ...
~ Aristotle

The repeated practice of centering, of balancing, of flowing with an opponent causes a gradual change in the person doing the centering, balancing and flowing with.
~Terry Dobson (Aikido in Everyday Life)
 

"Does centering ever become automatic?" asked a workshop participant.

The answer is yes, if we practice.

Sharon Eakes, a trainer and executive coach with Hope Unlimited, says that we can create new neural pathways through repetition. The brain never stops learning, and "like a river cutting through a valley," when we repeat a new thought pattern, physical activity, or emotional attitude, we gradually deepen the groove. We create a new habit. According to the research, just thinking about being centered in a difficult situation strengthens the new habit.

I offer ideas about how to make centering more automatic in my book on Aikido and conflict, Unlikely Teachers. Here are a few examples:

Center now.

You can train yourself to center by standing in a relaxed posture and directing the weight of your body toward your physical center--an internal point about an inch and a half below your navel. Breathe into this center point of your body. Breathe out from this same point. You will begin to feel more composed, confident, and in charge of yourself, both physically and emotionally.

Start your day centered.

Physical exercise, deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and quiet reflection are tried and true centering practices. You may have your own. By starting your day with a centering activity, you will return to the centered state more easily as the day's events unfold.

Create triggers.

Triggers are objects, behaviors, people, or events that remind you to re-center periodically. Place posters or quotations on the wall that reinforce your vision. Keep a book of affirmations close at hand, or a picture of a loved one to help you remember what is really important.

Choose one practice.

Incorporate one practice into your day, and make a promise to do it for 30 days. Keep track and be specific. For example: each time the phone rings, I will take a breath and exhale before I answer it.

My 30-day practice:

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In my workshops, I use a centering bell to help participants practice this new habit, because the sound of the bell is centering, plus it reminds us to do it. So many people have asked me where to find the bell that I placed it on every page of my website. You can listen to it anytime.

Take a moment now to listen and center.

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What Are Your Hot Buttons?

Hot Buttons are emotional triggers. Typically an irritation, style, or language that rubs the wrong way, when our hot buttons are pushed, we react quickly and in ways we later regret.

The Center for Conflict Dynamics at Eckerd College offers a way to assess your hot buttons and cool them. If you're curious about yours, take the Center for Conflict Dynamics Hot Button test.

Building Conflict Competent Teams

The "Hot Buttons" assessment is just a small part of the offerings available through the Center for Conflict Dynamics (CCD). I've become a certified trainer in their Conflict Dynamics Profile instrument, which helps individuals and teams measure constructive and destructive conflict behaviors as well as hot buttons.

I'm also part of a collaborative effort at the CCD that is developing a new training-Developing Conflict Competent Teams-that will help teams and team leaders better understand how to use the energy of conflict to improve working relationships and outcomes.

The course is an opportunity to teach team members that conflict can be a positive catalyst when managed skillfully. Let me know if you'd like more information.

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Contact Information
Judy Ringer
Power & Presence Training
76 Park Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
voice: 603.431.8560
website: www.judyringer.com

Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training, a Portsmouth, NH company specializing in unique workshops to help you and your organization manage conflict, communicate effectively, and co-create a more positive work environment.

E-mail Judy at judy@judyringer.com for a free initial meeting to discuss your training needs. Ki (from Ai-ki-do) is Japanese for life energy. Ki Moments is a complimentary monthly "e-zine" with tips and how-to articles to help you manage the key moments in your life.