Distinguishing Center

For over twenty years, I’ve worked with Tom Crum (Magic of Conflict, Three Deep Breaths) as he has taught the art of centering to thousands of people. I look upon centering as a core skill for living life to its fullest. So, it was a real delight to have one of my aikido students share a book with me that totally related to the work I have been so involved with.

The book is Zen Body Being by Peter Ralston. Peter is a martial artist who had developed his own model for mind/body coordination based upon his extensive years of training in varied arts. The book offers many ideas that I could write upon (and am sure I will in the coming weeks). However it is always good to begin with basics.

Peter offers “Five Principles for an Effortlessly Effective Body:”

• Relaxing
• Feeling the Whole Body
• Moving from the Center
• Being Grounded
• Being Calm

In the models of Tom Crum, these five principles result in what we call ‘center.’ Tom uses his Three Deep Breaths tool, particularly the Centering Breath, to heighten our awareness of these principles. As we breathe deeply from our center, we notice that our mind and body begin to relax. We become aware of all the places where our mind and body are holding tension. We feel more grounded or in touch with the earth and a feeling a calmness prevails within us. If we wish to physically move, we discover that movement most naturally begins from our center.

Peter emphasizes possessing this mind/body state to achieve results with what my Aikido Sensei calls ‘Minimum Effort, Maximum Effect’ and Tom Crum often says is “Minimum Effort, Maximum Joy.” All three acknowledge the potential power of this mind/body state and the importance of that state is to quality of life.

I trust as this blog continues that Judy R., Ellen and myself will continue to be able to offer you hints and stories that inspire you to strive for a centered life.

Judy Warner