Hi all,

I haven't had time to read all of this thread until now - it just kept getting too long to read in one go.

I'll apologise for the thread creep about beta blockers but I hope you'll forgive me for that, since it was about my mother. Thanks 'Spaw, kat, Jeri & BK for your thoughts on that.

Now, back to the regular programme: when I did a conflict resolution course about 10 years ago the trainers taught a method called getting or being "centred" ("centered" for you guys across the other side of the world). It's a bit complicated to explain here but you focus mentally on the area of your body immediately below your navel, and you can place your hand there if you need to (refrain yourself from any of those comments, 'Spaw) and after a few seconds or a bit longer you feel very focused and calm. It's almost like a super-fast meditation. The trainers used the exercise of asking us to stand still, without being centred and having someone else try to push us so that we stopped standing straight, i.e. not push over, but just push at an angle. After being centred it was a lot harder to be moved by the other person.

It becomes an attitude when you use it regularly. As long as I remember to do it I find my whole attitude being very calm, with a sense of being in control. And that attitude seems to convey to other people, too, somehow. I actually envisage a white light radiating from that part of my body - but that is just my way of doing it).

It works in all kinds of situations, including confrontations/explosive situations with your boss.

If I am being unclear and you want to know more you can send me a personal message if you like.

Helen