The power Of posture

pos-ture
Noun

1. the position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting.
2. a particular way of dealing with or considering something; an approach or attitude.

It is mid-March and WOW are things ramping up at home and in the classroom. Talk about cabin fever!! I don’t blame them, as I think we are all feeling the need for sunshine, warmth and outdoor activity.

Movement and exercise is essential to a healthy mind space. Fresh outdoor air is a natural relaxant for many of us, too. It is no wonder that those of us in the chilly U.S. are feeling the restless winter blues.

If your home or classroom is anything like mine, you can feel the energy that is wound so tightly in the little bodies of our loved ones. They are ready to run free...but the weather just hasn’t quite cooperated for that yet. Rather we feel the energy level tides rise up high. And with all of that energy, despite the songs, dances, jumping jacks and mindful practices that we do, there is still so much zest that is left flowing; often uncontrollably. Because of this, it can come out sideways. Behaviors that are not typical for your kiddos will start to rear their ugly heads. As the teacher or parent mixed into the chaos, you may find yourself extinguishing mini fires all over the place due to these heightened emotions.

Today was that day for me. Both at home and in the classroom. This is the day that I had to engage my best “POWER POSTURE.” The talking was continuous, the bodies were energized, and the self-help skills were MIA. Maybe your challenging day was yesterday or maybe it will come tomorrow. Whenever it is, know that there is help. And that help lies inside of you.

It is your posture.

This posture is two-fold. It is in the way that you physically hold your body while standing or sitting, how you carry yourself. It is also in how you approach or deal with a situation. Combine the two in a mindful way and you can survive without losing it! (I can speak from experience! haha)

Tips to engage Power Posture on challenging days:
    Physical Posture:  
    *stand upright
    *shoulders back, chin up
    *smile
    Posture of the Mind:
    *step away from the situation to avoid a knee-jerk reaction
    *take a few deep belly breaths and lengthen the exhale upon release
    *accept that this stressful moment is just that-a moment that can be released
    *reflect on how you’ve responded to such behaviors in the past and apply what you learned.

Once your Power Posture is engaged, you can take on anything--even a roomful of energetic bunnies rustling around! And remember...this too shall pass.  Stand tall, speak strong (yet calm) and be a role model for a mindful, caring response to a stressful situation.

xo,
Christy Lynn



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