Last week, we talked about how to get back to our center when life disrupts us. This week, let’s dive a little deeper: How do we really live from that centered place? How do we make choices that feel right for us and help us find lasting peace inside?
It's one thing to find your balance when things are chaotic. But living from center, day after day, decision after decision, that’s where the true practice lies.
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Photo by Nils Leonhardt on Unsplash |
Develop Faith: We must believe everything will work out, even if we can’t see it now. Faith gives us inner peace to move past chaos. I remember feeling down and wanting to cry. I felt drained but didn’t want to stay stuck.
Instead of giving in, I chose to dance. I put on my favorite upbeat Pandora station and danced around my living room. The music lifted my spirits. I was still sad, but I had taken a step to make myself happy.
A friend called and asked if I wanted to grab a bite. I was tempted to say no, but I chose to say yes. The company was a wonderful distraction, and I felt a shift in my energy. We laughed, shared stories, and the weight lifted.
I realized I needed to keep taking positive steps. I held onto faith that dancing, connecting with friends, and seeking joy would slowly pull me out of the funk. This belief gave me strength, reminding me that light can always shine through even in the darkest times.
Focus on Purpose: In moments of chaos, hold tight to your life purpose. It's a core part of who you are. When I focus on adding value each day, it gives me a sense of calm and grounding.
This morning, my purpose was to find balance, not just in the future, but right now. Balance means finding harmony between work and happiness. Yesterday, I picked lunch with a colleague instead of eating at my desk, turning a regular break into a chance to connect and laugh. Later, I made game night with friends a priority over endless chores.
Every small choice shows how much I care about what truly matters. By keeping my purpose in mind, I become more aware of the decisions that feed my soul. This intention acts like my guide, helping me navigate through chaos and making sure I not only survive but truly thrive.
MAKING DECISIONS FROM CENTER
When I catch myself spiraling into fix-it mode, I've learned to pause and ask: "What would my harmony self do?" This simple question helps shift my perspective and changes the way I make decisions. Sometimes the answer is ‘nothing; not yet.’ Other times, it might inspire a small, grounded action. Importantly, these decisions come from a different place, not from fear of what might happen, but from a place of trust in what’s unfolding.
For instance, I ordered a couch cover online but soon found myself in a predicament. I received an email confirming my order and tracking number, but as a month flew by with no updates, I began to feel a sense of panic set in. I couldn’t call, only email the company, and when I did, I was met with silence. Red flags popped up all around me, making it easy for fear to take over.
Instead of reacting impulsively, I paused and took a deep breath, remembering my commitment to staying centered. I allowed myself to consider different possibilities. Rather than fixating on the worst-case scenario, I allowed new ideas to surface. I sent another email to the company, laying out my situation clearly, but I also reassured myself with a note: if I don't hear back soon, I’ll contact the ordering company for further assistance.
The moment I took that grounded action, I felt my anxiety start to dissolve. On the exact date I reached out to the original company, I received an immediate email response stating that they would contact the facility on my behalf. A few days later, I was relieved to have my money returned without further complications.
This experience reinforced how being centered influences my decision-making. Rather than reacting from a place of fear, I chose to trust in the process and engage with the situation calmly. By grounding myself in harmony and clarity, I navigated the uncertainty with grace and allowed solutions to unfold organically. This approach not only eased my concerns but also empowered me to take thoughtful actions, ultimately steering me toward resolution.
LIVING THE PRACTICE
This week, notice: When do you feel centered? What throws you off balance? And most importantly, what brings you back?
The practice isn't about never losing your center. It's about recognizing when you've drifted and knowing the path home. When you feel your energy shift, pause. Is it a stressful email? A chaotic commute? Something deeper? You have the power to respond differently.
Your centeredness is always within reach. Start with one practice from these two weeks, just one. Notice what shifts. The outer chaos doesn't have to change for your inner peace to take root.
Inspirational Quotes to Reflect On
“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” — The Dalai Lama
“Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh
