Centering is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of throwing a good pot. It’s a weird journey when you first start, you think you have it but then you don’t! You get the hang of it with 1lb of clay and then you try 2lbs and it’s like starting over. It goes on and on as you experiment with more weight and different clay bodies.

At this point in my journey with clay, I am pretty comfortable with up to 5lbs of clay. But honestly it depends on the day. It has become obvious to me that throwing is 40% process and 60% emotional. If I am having a bad day or if I am interrupted or distracted by something I might as well step away from the wheel.

I think it’s interesting how we can go about our day not realizing we are upset or distracted by worry or running a list in our head about things that need to be done. The clay will always let you know if things aren’t in order. It will demand that you breathe, focus, and find your calm self before it will play nicely! It’s kind of like a good friend that will always give it to you straight!

When I sit down at the wheel and the clay is centered it feels like it is at rest in my hands. No wobbling, just a still quiet piece of clay ready to be shaped. It reminds me of life, when we are fighting and wrestling with challenges, disappointments and all of the ups and downs we are not able to move. We must find that balance and rest before we can truly develop into who we strive to be.

_{Cindy xo}