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Want to know one of my favorite pastimes while in Paris (especially during Fashion Week!?!?) People watching. (isn’t it so much fun?) You can tell a lot about a person by how she carries herself. Let’s analyze. Why do you think models are so captivating? Sure, they’re 6 feet tall and wearing the latest trends, but it’s about so much more. She is trained to walk like she’s royalty. It’s fascinating to watch how she carries herself.
tYet, I’m not interested in being a model, and I know that many of them are full of insecurities and body image issues. I am, however, intrigued with her posture.
On my most recent visit to Paris, I took note of the everyday people walking down the streets. They possessed the same kind of elegant posture that you see on the runways of Paris Fashion Week without the odd outfits and stiletto heels.
From the 60ish year old woman who was opening the doors to her flower shop to the debonaire man who was walking out of the bakery, they exuded so much confidence and that bien dans sa peau (to be comfortable in one’s skin).
They had a style that went far beyond clothes.
Style is about so much more than what you wear;
it’s about how you wear it. {tweet it}
There is nothing more elegant than a woman who carries herself well.
….not just in her posture but with her attitude too.
Here are a few examples:
One of my dear friends is very uptight. Her posture reflects it; she tends to keep her arms crossed and takes short, tight strides.
When you see someone slouched over with her head down, you assume she’s depressed, tired or insecure.
When you witness someone sashaying down a street full of energy with a smile on her face, you assume she’s French Kissing Life (oh, you know you do!).
I remember watching a Peanuts cartoon where Lucy sees Charlie Brown standing around with his shoulders slumped and his head hung low. She asks him, “Why are you standing like that?” He replies, “If I straighten up I can’t stay depressed.” {tweet this}
Our minds and bodies are connected.
It’s a great practice to play around with your posture to influence your mind and vice versa.
In fact, I’ve been sitting at my desk all morning. Ironically, I had scheduled to write this post on posture. When I took note of my own, I noticed how I was slumping over my computer. I also realized that I’m tired.
It was a great reminder to sit up and project the feeling I want to have through my posture.
Just in the time I’ve written this, I’m feeling a bit more energized. It works! It really does!
So . . . shoulders back, head up and let’s look the world straight in the eyes.
Saunter on….down to the comments and answer this question:
If my posture could talk, right now, what would it say?
Love,
The Self-Image Manifesto
You’re Invited To Live An Extraordinary Life!
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My posture would say either "Don't worry; I've got this." or "Look out world, 'cause here I come!"
Love this topics as I have been, until recently, quite lazy about paying attention to my posture unless I was in an interview or meeting a new acquaintance. This past summer, I overheard my mother-in-law explaining how to have proper posture to my 9 year old daughter. My mother-in-law grew up in an affluent family in Chicago and actually had classes in things like deportment! She told my daughter that you need to line up your hip bone, shoulder, and ear so they are in one straight line. Before then, I had found that making my back ramrod straight and striving to sit as tall as possible to be exhausting! However, with this new bit of insight I've found that correcting my posture is much less strenuous and is easily remedied. I hope that helps other ladies out there as well, who, like me, never had training in personal care such as this.
Hi Yael! So great to see you here.
What a great suggestion from your mother-in-law.
Another point I didn't make in the article is that staying aware of your body is another way to stay connected to it in all manners — how is she feeling, what does she need, what's going on with her.
Look out world, here Yael comes! xoxo
My Posture would say let's dance.
Dancing makes me happy.
It is all good energy. You can dance alone or with others.
Not to mention that those who dance tend to have incredible posture because of their body awareness. Thanks for your comment Elba!
My posture says--Ballet dancer! I studied ballet for 14 years! My posture says--strong, elegant, athletic and graceful! I get a lot of compliments on it. Practicing yoga and barre have made me more mindful of my energy and my feelings and what my body and posture will project out into the world.
Regina, I have always admired the posture of ballerinas. They seem to float through the world with such ease. I've also noticed their standing position. No matter the age, they still stand in first position.
In case there are any research geeks like me out there, there's actually a scientific basis to how our body language, including posture, influences our moods and wellbeing. Amy Cuddy is a pioneer in this topic. Interesting TED talk here:
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?language=en
Thanks for sharing this Catherine. I watched it a few years ago and really enjoyed how she explains using your posture as a way to impact your mind. Good stuff!
It says "I matter and I feel fabulous"
I love that Moira! And, yes you are!
My posture says that I am too fucking lazy to sit right. LOL
My gosh!! We are soul sisters, I couldn't put it better - check out my free ebook 'Your posture talks. What do you want it to say? A guide for cultivating good posture.' in my website postureawareness.co.uk
It would say that I am tired, depressed and insecure, most definitely.