Verified by 
We usually talk of posture in the physical sense. Are there ways to use the concept of posture to enhance our psychological and emotional well-being?
Let's start with the more traditional way of thinking about posture - our physical posture. In both meditation and yoga, practitioners are advised to sit or stand with a relaxed, yet dignified posture. The spine should be straight, but the rest of the body soft and relaxed.
During our day-to-day life, it is helpful to frequently tune into your body, reminding yourself to keep your spine dignified, yet your other muscles relaxed. While you walk around, let the muscles in your face, jaw, and shoulders relax. When you relax your body, you will find that your mind also relaxes.
The posture of a relaxed body with a firm spine can also serve as metaphor to improve our psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Good psychological posture involves meeting each moment with a softness. The present moment can only be as it is; why waste time or effort wishing it different? As discussed in my previous post "The Only Thing to Fear is Fear Itself", the more we wish our emotions were different, the more we get sad about being sad and stressed about being stress. As discussed in "The Challenge of Living in the Present" and "Decenter to Be Centered", resisting our thoughts can make us just as miserable. In fact, obsessively wishing anything be different in the present moment sets us up for suffering. By meeting the present moment with a "softness" and welcoming attitude, we reduce our suffering.
However, being soft without a "spine" might leave us like a slug. As an invertebrate, we may lack the drive to make important changes in our life. Therefore we need a strong spine of compassion, ethics, determination, and wisdom. Just as you keep our spine firm, be firm in your resolve to pursue your goals - firm in your ethics and values. Act compassionately and wisely, and in the vernacular "have a spine." Of course, if your spine is totally inflexible, you will likely be in suffer. As we learn more about ourselves and our world, we also need flexibility in our goals, and values. However, a core of compassion still needs to run through our deeds.
Let's explore the metaphor of posture a little further. How do we become practiced at being soft to the present moment? The obvious answer is by practicing - by practicing in both meditation and in the rest of our life.
How do we strengthen our metaphorical spine? Just as a physical therapist may recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles around your spine, there are a variety of ways you can strengthen your intention to be ethical, compassionate, and wise. Seeking knowledge and education can help. Regularly praying for the well-being of others can also strengthen your metaphorical spine. In the Buddhist loving-kindness meditation, one visualizes a scene that brings forth compassion and then wishes health and happiness to people he deeply cares about. The well wishes gradually expand to include all individuals.
In summary, it is important to regularly tune into your physical posture, letting your most of your muscles soften, as your spine keeps your head high. Concurrently, utilize the metaphor of psychological posture to, with a softness, accept all that arises in the present moment. As you do so, have a backbone of compassion and wisdom.
