Centering

Centering is a meditation.

Step 1 — Slap the ball of clay firmly onto the dampened bat, dead center.
Step 2 — Wet both hands. Start the wheel at medium speed.
Step 3 — Brace your left elbow against your hip. Cup the clay with both palms and lean in — your body, not your arms.
Step 4 — Compress down, then cone up, then down again. Three times.

You know it's centered when the clay goes silent under your palms.