Five Points to Good Standing Posture

Posture influences every aspect of our existence, and it's worthwhile to habituate it well

Posture influences every aspect of our existence.

We exist in our bodies and energy in the form of oxygen and nutrients moves through our bodies which gives us life. That energy can move effortlessly, or it can be strained at knots and regions of tightness within the body.

Good posture is light and alert. We are not slouching, we are not heavy. Good posture is balanced and in natural alignment. There are minimal points of tension being created which are not in harmony with the natural state of our bodies.

And this begins with wakefulness spread across the whole of each foot, rising up an elongated spine, and into free and loose shoulders and a focused set of eyes.

With this, we set the foundation to be alive and free, stable and firm, and nimble. All in one body.

Here are the five key elements to good standing posture:

1. FEET

   are pressing down equally across the whole of each foot, positioned hip-width apart and parallel;

   the sensation here is of wakefulness spread across the whole of each foot.

2. KNEES

   are ever so slightly bent, soft and pliable;

   the sensation here is of bounce.

3. NAVAL

   is delicately pulled in, in the process elongating the spine, and gently tightening the buttocks;

   the sensation here is of balance between left and right, front and back.

4. SHOULDERS

   are lightly pulled back, open and down;

   the sensation here is free and loose.

5. HEAD

   is tilted slightly down, in the process extended the neck, with the eyes looking over the top of the nose;

   with a sensation of focus.

Good posture is about both mechanical alignment and being in tune with how our body feels.

Like a river bed, ensure your posture is right, with a little adjustment here and there, and the water will flow effortlessly through you.