Centered

I am drawn to people who are centered - people who can be themselves no matter what, and can handle very emotional and stressful situations because they know who they are and what they're doing. This often seems like an idea reserved for Eastern religions and philosophies - you know, enlightenment, or the Buddhist monk who burned himself alive to protest the Vietnam War.

This idea pops up in psychology, too, in Maslow's self-actualized individual, and in Bowen's differentiation of self. It's the ability to be yourself and be purposeful despite massive opposition and/or pain. It's the highest form of being.

I have a feeling Jesus was just this type of centered. He was able to be exactly himself even when he was hated. He stood next to the most powerful and influential people of his day and was able to speak the truth. And he did not exercise his power in a dominating way. He endured torturous suffering when he could have chosen to retaliate. I'm drawn to Jesus because he's centered.