Put Your Best Self Forward
Melissa White, second violinist in the
Harlem String Quartet, uses
tallstanding while performing on the
national public radio program,
"From the Top".
Do you have an important event coming up? Appearing calm and collected can be challenging at such times, especially if we are feeling anxious or nervous. Let the Gokhale Method help you glide into your next presentation, interview, or social gathering with ease and confidence. Recent studies show that maintaining an elongated spine with your shoulders rolled back allows more testosterone to flow through your body, which might be just the boost you need to not only appear, but also feel and be unfettered and focused.
An aligned structure allows your muscles to naturally relax and lengthen, which goes a long way toward feeling comfortable in your own skin. Gokhale Method students consistently report on their increased energy and improved confidence and appearance after implementing the Method in their lives. Here are a few tips to look and feel your best:
Tread Lightly
Glidewalking eliminates the excess wear and tear on your joints and can provide a smoother, more confident stride. Rather than landing heavily with each step, engage your glutes to soften the step of your forward leg. Glidewalking is a regal, stately way to make an entrance and walking with a light step will also lighten your mood!
Esther and African villagers glidewalking in Burkina Faso.
Stand Tall
Next time you find yourself in a room full of people, use tallstanding to boost your self-confidence. Place your weight over your heels, antevert your pelvis, anchor your rib cage and elongate the back of your neck. You'll feel more secure and those around you will regard your stature as confident, trustworthy and reassuring. Your positive stance will effortlessly add weight to your words.
Women suffragettes used their tall, confident stature to help convince the
public that women, as well as men, should have the right to vote.
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress
Just Breathe
Begin any presentation or conversation by taking a few deep breaths. Cultivating deep breathing in your chest and back nourishes your spinal tissues and hydrates your discs. A larger lung capacity can also give you the stamina you need to withstand challenging situations or long workdays. Take 10 long, sustained, deep breaths throughout your day and notice the difference in your energy, concentration and mood.
Though she was never able to see herself in a mirror,
Helen Keller maintained her regal posture throughout her
life. Her speeches on living with disabilities inspired
the world. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia
We've all got valuable contributions to make to our fellows and our planet. Here's to putting our best selves forward!
Esther
Join us in an upcoming Free Workshop (online or in person).
Find a Foundations Course in your area to get the full training on the Gokhale Method!
We also offer in person or online Initial Consultations with any of our qualified Gokhale Method teachers.