n. a technique whose aim is to increase and focus attention and energy, to provide relief from stress and anxiety, or both. Various practices (e.g., meditation, yoga) emphasize centering as a way of focusing attention on the process of breathing in order to slow it down or regularize it. Sometimes this state of concentration is an end in itself. In other instances, at the point of concentration, negative thoughts and emotions are released and positive thoughts and emotions are encouraged. In sport psychology, the technique is used by athletes to assist them in achieving an ideal performance state.