After I wrote this headline, I realized it could be taken two ways. “Center,” as in balance, balancing your life’s activities or the mind/body balance. Those topics deserve their own entries.

Today I wanted to address center as location or community. Ann Arbor is rich with meditation centers. Just Google “meditation Ann Arbor” or click here and a map with 10 different centers comes up. At least half of them offer free programs open to the public. And don't overlook temples and churches that offer free meditation services.

If you’ve never been to a group meditation, I encourage you to try it. When you enter a meditation hall, become aware of the feeling of the place. For me it’s like turning onto the country road to my house. I sense my heart rate, as well as my car, slows down. The wrinkles on my face seem to smooth out and my shoulders release whatever burden they've been carrying.

As I sit in meditation with others, there’s a shift in energy to a deeper quiet. Just as a yawn is contagious because of our ability to empathize and mirror each other, so is meditation. So, don't be surprised if you find yourself meditating when you never thought you could! Some of my most profound meditations have happened at a center.

The community can be a great resource for learning more about how to meditate deeper and for feeling you’re not alone with your challenges. Of course, it’s also rewarding to meditate with others who enjoy silence and want to go inside themselves to a peaceful place.

My friend Richard Mann, psychology professor emeritus from the University of Michigan, regularly suggested his students attend a meditation center. I’d like to follow his example and invite you to do the same.

As a mental health professional, an owner of a fitness studio, a writer and a wife, mother and grandmother, I have found meditation to be helpful in every aspect of my life. Let's talk... To learn about my meditation classes you can reach me at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or check out my websites: susanscottmorales.com and bodiesinbalancefitness.com