Centering in Self: The Key to Healing, Awareness, and Authentic Confidence

By Trish Briggs

When I was training to become a Healing Touch Practitioner, one of the first skills I learned was how to center my energy. This meant going inward, connecting deeply with my heart, and aligning with my higher self—or the Divine. In this centered state of focus, I could become a conduit for healing energy. I called this practice centering in self.

Centering in self meant that I became one with my own energy, aligning every part of me with the task ahead: healing. Over time, this practice became part of my daily life—whether I was working with a client or simply moving through my day.

As I evolved in my practice, I began not only centering within but also centering within a sacred energetic space I created around myself. This deeper level of awareness elevated my connection to the Divine even further.

Centering vs. Self-Centeredness

Some people use the term self-awareness interchangeably with centering in self. I won’t argue semantics—because as you learn to do one, you naturally cultivate the other. Both involve doing the inner work that helps you understand who you truly are and what you embody.

But I do want to make an important distinction: being centered in self is not the same as being self-centered.

A self-centered person tends to put their own comfort and desires above all else. They often dominate conversations, crave attention, and lack genuine interest in others. There's usually an inflated sense of self-importance and little room for empathy or shared space.

In contrast, centering in self and practicing self-awareness involve a balanced relationship with oneself and others. A self-aware person recognizes their own needs and desires, but they also consider the needs of those around them. Sometimes their own priorities come first, and other times they step back to support someone else—always with conscious presence and compassion.

Confidence Through Centering

So, where does confidence fit into all of this?

Interestingly, a self-centered person may appear confident on the outside, but it’s often a mask for a lack of empathy and emotional maturity. They may struggle to handle criticism, show gratitude, or offer genuine apologies.

A truly confident person, however, is comfortable in their own skin. They are grounded, secure in who they are, and genuinely interested in uplifting those around them. They lead with both strength and humility. This type of confidence is built on a solid foundation of self-awareness and energetic centering.

They know how to center in self—not to shut the world out, but to show up fully and authentically within it.