Centeredness Within

A while back I posted a list entitled Symptoms of Inner Peace by Carolyn Kell, and said I'd like to discuss each one in a little depth.  The first one on the list was: 

A tendency to think and act deliberately from a centeredness within, rather than from fears based on past experiences.

I'd like to think that this is an accurate description of me, in general, but I know that there have been some situations where I have allowed fears based on past experiences to cause me to think or act in a way I'm not proud of.  I do, however, generally try to be very deliberate in word and act, especially when dealing with something weighty.  I have never been one to habitually speak without thinking.  When I do, it is the exception, not the norm.  And I have been known to ponder some decision or other for weeks before making a final choice. 

So, in general, yes, I am usually at peace with myself and my loved ones.  And when I find the need to draw deeply on inner peace to help me deal with a difficult situation I do tend to think and act with deliberation, not on impulse.  But I have to be honest and say that I have set limits on myself at times because of fears based on past experiences.  I do pull myself up short sometimes instead of pushing myself to move out of my comfort zone and take a chance.  So, although I would describe myself as a fairly centered person, and although I believe people who know me would describe me as such as well, perhaps I'm not as centered as I could be?

Well, of course I'm not.  I have allowed outside forces or past experiences to be the impetus for some words or acts.  But as a rule I am able to come to terms with things from the past.  I don't have a lot of demons inside.  I think the family I was privileged to be born into accountsfor much of the calmness I usually can count on to hold me up when things are rough.  They and my own family here at home are my safety net.  And a strong faith and proof of answered prayers can not be discounted either.

I also learned at a young age, from my sisters in particular, to talk about things and not to keep everything inside.  I can remember talking to a couple of work mates years ago about OCD and anxiety issues and depression, and I was very open about personal experiences and experiences of family members.  One of the ladies listening told me how surprised she was that I was talking about it, and how impressed she was that I wasn't treating the subjects as taboo. 

I guess the questions I'd like to ask pertaining to this first "symptom of inner peace" are these:

Do you feel like you usually act from a centeredness within?

How do you achieve that centeredness within if you've never had it or if you don't have the right kind of encouragement/environment?

To whom or to what do you turn when you find that your efforts to develop that centeredness are being put down, de-valued, by the person or persons who really should be building you up?

How do you instill that centeredness in your children?  How do you raise them with the self-assuredness and self-contentment and self-awareness needed to engender their own inner peace?

One of the definitions of the word "demean" is "to lower in character or dignity".  If you've been demeaned in your life, how do you raise yourself in character or dignity in order to have inner peace?

I'd really like to have your thoughts.

Tags: Symptoms of Inner Peace, Carolyn Kell