At least 3 times per meal for the last 18 years I have been telling my children, other people’s children and myself to sit up straight. It is not just that I think this is good manners and a good way of presenting ourselves to the world but I think it also affects how we live. It is not just a way to be, it creates the way we are, the way we live and how things go for us. It both reflects us and reinforces us. Isn’t that the coolest thing?
I was talking to my daughters the other day about meetings that go sour and why they do. It could be a job interview, it could be a first date, it could be a committee meeting, or a meeting with a prof. If you imagine it going wrong, if you don’t bring your best self to the table, if you slide into the bad or less than good that is being exchanged, if you slouch– the whole experience can be eroded from what it could have been.
I have been experimenting with turning these moments around through being aware of my body language and the way I think about how it is all going. Part of it is the gift of not caring too much- just thinking that I am me and no matter how it all goes I am still me- part of it is knowing the other person is just human with all of the complexities that go with that. If you believe we receive as well as transmit energy then you must pay full attention to what you are putting out there.
Watch this and pay attention to your day and how your body announces what will happen next in your day and your life.
For extra deep and lasting power over your life, reach out and touch the person across from you and let them into your heart. What happens next will astound you. I would love to hear your stories.
Nancy, this was fascinating research – well worth the seventeen minutes. Thanks for posting.