“A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.”
~ Morihei Ueshiba
I used the quote above in the first chapter of my book ‘One Habit At A Time’. Our body language often reflects our inner state of being. If we are self-confident and in a good mood then chances are, we will carry ourselves with pose and grace. Why? Our bodies follow the direction of the mind and spirit. If the mind and spirit are feeling down, our body adopts the same downward disposition. The shoulders, head, eyes and lips all droop.
Some experts, such as Amy Cuddy, recommend that we should force ourselves to carry our bodies in an upward position because it can improve our mood and make us feel more empowered. The idea here is more of a ‘fake it until you make it’ kind. Other experts say that this strategy is only superficial and a waste of time. These experts recommend focusing on solving the inner issues so that our upright posture is more natural and authentic. As a V10 Health Coach, my position is always a holistic one. Why not do both?
Besides, carrying your body in a good, upright position is good for your body. There is less stress on the spine and joints. You place your rib cage in a better position for breathing. And even if it helps you feel just a little better about yourself then why not use it? At the same time, you should not ignore any inner-turmoil that may be at the root of the slouched posture. After all, your goal should not only be to look good but to feel good as well.
It is easy to forget, but the way you carry yourself sends a message to the people around you. Upright posture promotes strength, trustworthiness and competence. Let’s imagine you owned a business and you had to choose between 2 salespeople with equal qualifications. The first walks in slowly and timidly with their chest sunken in and a somber face. Their voice is very soft and they have difficulty maintaining eye contact with you as they speak. They give you a limp hand shake and introduce themselves. The second person walks in with their head held up high and a big genuine smile spread across their face. They introduce themselves while maintaining eye contact and offers a good, firm handshake. Which one do you think you would hire? Which one would you want to represent your company? Which one would you want to work with on a daily basis?
At the beginning of a client’s journey, I take a photo of them. It’s not only to see the difference in their weight or body composition. I love to see the transformation in their posture, facial expression and overall presence. Genuine upright posture is a combination of physical, mental and spiritual strength and power. This is why I am so passionate about what I do. My teachings help people positively transform themselves inside and out in all aspects their lives. As an added bonus, their transformation is free marketing. My clients are my walking billboards. They’re the proof that V10 Health can take you to any level you desire. Remember, your posture is your billboard. What are you announcing to the world around you?
Your V10 Health Coach,
Sal Crispo
P.S. If you are interested, I also make a coaching video for each of these posts on YouTube. You can subscribe to my YouTube channel so you do not miss out on any of the valuable content I share. Here is the link for this post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYVe6a_PACc