Merriam-Webster dictionary equates centeredness with being emotionally secure and stable.
In 2018, psychological academics and researchers proposed a new paradigm they referred to as Centeredness Theory (also known as, CT). This new mental health theory holds as its focus well-being that spans across all life domains: self, the family unit, relationships, community, and work.
The researchers elicited studies aimed at validating a systems-level scale of their work, measuring it against already established tools. By using anonymous online surveys of respondents in Australia, they were able to validate the Centeredness Theory Scale as a reliable indicator of overall well-being.
One of the core tenets of the theory is the notion of an "aspiration-centered self." The aspiration-centered self is grounded i a practice of mindfulness. A state that lends itself to goal creation and adherence.
The researchers described mindfulness as continuous, focused attention on a familiar object or state without distraction.
It sounds a lot like, "meditation," doesn’t it?
Meditation is described as the practice of developing an internal focus that minimizes random thoughts and is intentional in nature.
In his book, Om Chanting and Meditation, Amit Ray wrote: "If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath." And Nayyirah Waheed reminded us that, "if the ocean can calm itself, so can you, we are both salt water mixed with air."
There are many forms of meditation; some are quite formalized and rigid, but perhaps it is better to begin by developing your own practice and make it a regular habit. In a 2011 study conducted by Harvard and MIT researchers, participants educated in aspects of mindful meditation were better able to control particular brain waves called "alpha rhythms." The overall benefits included increased focus on daily activities and improved stress regulation.
Whatever you decide about finding your center, there are a few basics that will help you create and guide your meditative practices.
These include: finding a quiet setting, keeping a focused mindset, and maintaining a comfortable position. Some people find their bedroom to be the perfect setting. Some create a specific place in their home to meditate. Others find that with practice, they can find their focus on the train or the bus.
The place could be almost anywhere, but as for me,
I prefer the oceanside.
About the Artist:
Beth Horton holds a degree in creative arts therapy and majored in health science at Niagara University, located in Lewiston, New York. Beth began working with monochrome imagery in her late teens, but her love for art began as a small child, watching her father paint into the wee hours of the morning. She still enjoys abstract art, but prefers graphite pencil to acrylic layers. On weekends, she ventures out into the world around her to document the shape of her space in black and white.
“The Forgotten,” was published in 2022 in the online journal, Auxocardia.
Link: https://www.auxocardia.com/november-2022/longroadhome
Additional adaptations were published in the Spring of 2023 in the journal, Months to Years. See more here:
https://www.monthstoyears.org/integration/
To read Months to Years, visit them at:
https://www.monthstoyears.org/
For more on the meditation study mentioned above:
The benefits of meditation MIT and Harvard neuroscientists explain why the practice helps tune out distractions and relieve pain. Anne Trafton, MIT News Office. (2011). https://news.mit.edu/2011/meditation-0505
For more information about gallery pieces, email us@
elizabethkirschdehorton@gmail.com
Resources:
Merriam Webster Dictionary
NIH
Good Reads