> The purpose of the centering practice is to shift from being reactive to being resourceful, from being closed to being open, from being separate to being connected. We make that shift by focusing on the space around us and changing the muscle groups we are using. Activating certain muscle groups releases chemicals that change the way our brain functions. When we activate the flexor muscles we use to bend parts of our body, the hormone cortisol is released. An excess of cortisol shuts down the creative, big picture, risk-taking part of our brain. When that happens, we focus on security and survival – our small life. > >When we Center, we sit up, and extend out, focusing on the space around us. That activates our extensor muscles, releasing the hormone testosterone. Testosterone gives us access to bigpicture thinking, creativity and risk taking. Focusing on the space around us gives us a feeling of openness and expansiveness. Another element of Palmer, Wendy. Dragons and Power: Embodying Your Noble, Awesome and Shiny Dragon Spirit (p. 26). Leadership Embodiment. Kindle Edition.