I randomly came across a link on Twitter last week about a simple way to improve your posture. As a person with mild scoliosis and a genetic predisposition towards osteoporosis, I decided to follow the link and check it out. The advice was very straightforward, "whenever...doing something that doesn't require use of your hands, turn them so
that they’re palm-side up."
It sounds strange, but try it. See...immediately you can feel the difference.
I admit it looks funny, because it is so different from what others in a crowd are doing...but you cannot argue with the effects. It actually feels better. My chest is more open, making me feel more relaxed and like I can breathe more fully.
And because I am nothing if not a metaphor girl, I couldn't help but think about this 'posture' as an approach to life. Open hands pointed up towards the heavens whenever possible. Hands that are positioned to both give and to receive. Hands that aren't always clutching something else. Hands that are courageously and expectantly turned differently than those of the majority of the population.
I have been trying to turn my palms frequently because it works for my spine, but each time I do it I am prompted to think of the posture of my heart in the same way...open, facing up, different than the ways of the world. (and in keeping with the post from Tuesday, it is hard to do it with my phone in my hand :-)
EDITED TO ADD: Thanks to Casey for pointing out in the comments that Bob Goff's new book Love Does (at the top of my Summer reading list) actually has a chapter about this. I had no idea but LOVE what he adds to this thought process.
"When their palms are up they have an easier time being calm honest,
and accurate..... When people are angry or defensive they tend to make
mistakes. But nobody can be defensive with their palms up. I learned this technique from Jesus actually... But He (Jesus) taught me to palms up like He was. Palms up means you
have nothing to hide and nothing to gain or lose. Palms up means your
strong enough to vulnerable, even with your enemies. Even when you've
been tremendously wronged. Jesus was palms up, to the end." -Bob Goff
6 comments:
Love this!! And loved Tuesday's post as well. You've inspired me on both counts. I'm now challenging myself to keep my phone plugged in in the bedroom when my son is not napping. It's hard breaking old habits, but I highly doubt when he's starting kindergarten I'll look back on our sweet days at home together and think, "I sure wish I'd checked more Facebook statuses." =)
I just can't resist commenting and sharing....
Bob Goff's (foreward by Donald Miller) new book, Love Does, specifically has a chapter titled - Palms Up.... 'When their palms are up they have an easier time being calm honest, and accurate..... When people are angry or defensive they tend to make mistakes. But nobody can be defensive with their palms up.'
' I learned this technique from Jesus actually'... and it goes on to say, ' But He (Jesus) taught me to palms up like He was. Palms up means you have nothing to hide and nothing to gain or lose. Palms up means your strong enough to vulnerable, even with your enemies. Even when you've been tremendously wronged. Jesus was palms up, to the end.'
I highly recommend this book, its chalk full of amazing real, life stories and analogies that have you nodding and 'uh-huh'ing' your way through.
Casey! I love that! I actually purchased the Bob Goff book but haven't had time to crack it open yet. Love that he thought the same thing...and hope no one thinks I plagiarized him!!!
I think you're going to love it!
Ok, I just tried this in front of a mirror because I also have bad posture (which leads to discomfort in my back) and it works!! I look kind of funny doing it, but oh well!
I love your metaphors!! My brain doesn't turn common things to metaphors so I love reading yours. :))
Have a great Mother's Day!!
Ashley
AshleyonIsland on twitter
Have you ever heard of T-Tapp? (Exercise program designed by Theresa Tapp) She does a fun little 3-minute exercise called Hoe Downs where you turn your palms out that works great for posture! You can google it to find a youtube video showing how it's done. All her exercises are great!
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