centrarnos

Centrarnos is a Spanish reflexive verb phrase meaning to center ourselves. It refers to the action of focusing attention, stabilizing emotions, and aligning body and mind, often in the pursuit of calm, composure, or effective performance. The phrase can apply to individuals and groups; in everyday speech, one might say "nos centramos" to indicate collective action to regain balance.

Etymology and form: centrarnos is derived from the verb centrar (to center), with the reflexive pronoun nos (ourselves). The root centro derives from Latin centrum meaning "center." The corresponding non-reflexive form is centrar and the reflexive infinitive is centrarse; the phrase centrarnos commonly appears in present and imperative forms like "centrémonos" or "centrándonos."

Contexts and usage: In psychology and self-help, centrarse is used to describe techniques for regulating attention and emotion, such as focusing on the present moment, breathing, or body awareness. In sports and performing arts, athletes and performers use centrarse to improve concentration and reduce performance anxiety. In education and workplace communication, it can refer to pausing to refocus before proceeding with a task. In casual speech, it can simply mean regaining calm after a disturbance.

Relation to related terms: centrar, centrado, mindfulness (atención plena) and regulación emocional are related concepts. While common in Spanish-speaking contexts, centrarse is not a clinical term in itself but a general expression for self-regulation and focus.