The Practice of Centering Down

Howard Thurman taught that our outer witness is only as strong as our inner work; we cannot fully come alive without coming alive fully to the Divine.

Thurman developed a set of spiritual practices to help him understand his identity, calling, and purpose. We begin this week with the practice he called Centering Down. This practice helps you connect with your inner identity, calling, and purpose. Centering down is about creating intentional space for stillness and contemplation to resist external pressure and connect with deeper spiritual calling. Thurman’s practice of “centering down” mirrors Jesus's instruction to go to our own inner rooms and his pattern of retreat and return.

Setting
Choose a quiet, uninterrupted spot—under a tree or at your kitchen table—where you can sit undisturbed for a few minutes.

Steps

  1. Light a candle as a reminder of God's Spirit

  2. Settle your body by:

    • Noticing your weight and connection to the ground

    • Being aware of physical sensations

    • Paying attention to your breath

  3. Practice deep breathing as a reminder of God's life-giving breath

  4. If your mind wanders, and it will, practice this simple rhythm: notice the thought, pause, release the thought, and then return. You might anchor yourself with a word of intention—love, peace, hope—or a verse of scripture like Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God."

Managing Distractions

  • Anchor Words: Use words like “love,” “peace,” or “hope” to help center your mind.

  • Scriptural Reflection: Consider Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”

  • Opportunity: Remember that each distraction is a chance to return to presence.

Reflection - after your period of silence take time to

  • Write down any thoughts, words, or phrases that arose

  • Consider the question: "What do you know to be true?"

  • Document your reflections and save for the next practice you try.

This practice of Centering Down serves as the foundation for coming alive and living with greater intentionality and spiritual awareness. It invites you to nurture your inner life so you can fully engage with the world around you.

Join us for Come Alive: What the World Needs Now - a worship series February 9 through March 2, 2025 at First Christian Church Edmond.