Yesterday's Wall Street Journal weekly podcast featured a story on the importance of listening to mom's advice about why you should focus on good posture and standing tall. This is hardly rocket science but a recent study documented the impact of "standing and sitting tall" for job interviews. Experiments suggested that job candidates who made a point of standing and sitting tall significantly increased their confidence and effectiveness during job interviews.
I was puzzled that this common sense finding was featured on the Wall Street Journal podcast - I guess it's something I have taken for granted for years - especially since doing yoga. It occurred to me, however, why standing tall is important (even for shorties like me!) and how it boosts confidence and energy. When you stand or sit up straight keeping your spine erect but not rigid, you allow your energy to flow fully through your body. More energy leads to more confidence....If you slouch, however, you are compressing your spine and it's like stepping on a water hose - you block the flow. Some water or energy may get through - but not the full flow. Lower energy leads to dragging around and to lower confidence. I am always amazed at the number of people I see daily on the metro who slouch over and walk with their heads and eyes fixed on the ground. What do they find so fascinating about the sidewalk or floor of the train?
Of course, hatha yoga poses are invaluable for elongating your spine and improving your posture leading to more energy and confidence. A regular home practice of hatha yoga poses such as the backward hand clasp and arm and leg stretch can help broaden your shoulders and strengthen the carriage of your body. The result? You will feel more energized and look your personal best!
Wisdom of the Day: ~"Yoga teaches you to stand and sit tall for maximum energy and confidence." Laura Venecia Rodriguez
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