You know those moments when you blow up and say or do something you’ll regret later? Or when you withdraw, sulk, and become distracted by resentment and judgment?

This is reactivity in action. This kind of reactivity is in our mammalian nature; we’re wired to protect ourselves against perceived threats, often by attacking or withdrawing to create a sense of safety and control.

Yet, we also have the power to interrupt this pattern, and course-correct, by calling on our centering power.

Cultivating our inner witness is an essential ally to help us bolster this power. Each time we neutrally and compassionately observe our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we make space to consciously choose rather than react from subconscious and habituated operating scripts.

Strengthening our centering power doesn’t mean we’ll feel centered 100% of the time. It means we’ll be more able to recognize when we’re off center, and have tools, practices, and discipline to call ourselves back home into a grounded and connected way of engaging with ourselves and others.