FIND YOUR CENTER

“Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.

My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:7-8

Ballet class has ENDLESS benefits. One of the most vital benefits is how it CENTERS the dancer. When a dancer enters the studio, their body may feel sore, tight, weak and tired. They would not dream of throwing on their tutu and pointe shoes in that physical state.

Before class begins, a ballet dancer gets cozy in their favorite warm-up attire, finds a spot at the barre, and begins to warm up their body. For me, I like to put my headphones on and do my little stretching and conditioning do-op in order to “find”, engage, and wake up my muscles. After some abdominal and inner thigh exercises, I move on to an easy set of push-ups which gets my blood flowing and my heart rate up. Lastly, I move on to all kinds of stretches that prepare my muscles to work hard and help prevent injuries. As I go through this process, physically, my muscles become engaged, and mentally my mind starts to focus and get into a peaceful zone of concentration. It’s a good feeling!

As class begins and the teacher leads the dancers through each combination of plies, tendus, degages, and rond de jambes (or rootie toos – as my sweet husband  likes to call them), the dancer’s body begins to lengthen, strengthen, and the muscles loosen up and find their range of flexibility. Through this the dancer finds their center of gravity. Getting there is a process, but it feels so good to feel centered, long, tall, and grounded all at the same time. After barre, dancers move to the center of the studio. Now they have to depend fully on their center of gravity by engaging their core abdominal muscles and lengthend bodies from all of the preparation at the barre. After an entire class, the dancer is centered and ready for rehearsals or performances.

No matter the busyness or stress going on around us, we can always go back to Christ who centers us. This place of rest in our souls keeps us strong and fulfilled. Remember that going back to spending time with Jesus, is where you will find the nurturing, encouragement, joy, and fulfillment you need for your day. When you feel depleted, go back to Him, and He will CENTER you – He will set your heart, thoughts, and emotions right again, and you will leave that time refreshed, ready, and rejuvenated.

Just like dancers finish class feeling energized, strong, and centered, ready for rehearsals and performances…

Christ energizes, strengthens, and centers you.

ARE YOU CENTERED ON CHRIST TODAY?

Prayer: “Thank You that You are my help and that I can come to You for soul-strengthening. May my soul cling to You and enjoy the quiet, deep soul rest that comes from centering my life on You.”