Healthy Mind, Healthy Body :)
We've all heard this phrase, but I'm not sure how many of us truly internalize it :) The body, spirit, and mind are one. If we truly want to be sustainably healthy, we must nourish ourselves in three separate ways. Of course, we may focus more on one, but that doesn't mean we can neglect the others.
Let's read about how our body affects our mind and our life from Örge Sarızeybek:
Changing posture means changing thoughts. A change in thoughts leads to a change in attitude.
So, if I feel good and my body automatically adopts an open posture, is it possible to feel good by changing my posture when I feel bad, negative, or low? Let's delve deeper and look at some research results.
According to research by Dutch Behavioral Scientist Erik Peper:
People with an open posture* tend to recall positive memories more easily and generally exhibit a tendency towards more positive thinking.
Another finding is that if we move energetically during breaks at work, there is a significant increase in energy levels, leading to increased vitality and productivity when returning to work. Conversely, if we engage in slower walking exercises during breaks, energy levels drop, leading to feelings of exhaustion.
This study was conducted on individuals who already had a tendency towards depression and naturally lower energy levels before participating in the study.
Saliva samples were collected from participants for the study, leading to the conclusion that individuals with an open posture experienced significant changes in hormone levels: testosterone increased, while cortisol levels decreased. It is known that individuals with a high T (testosterone) and low C (cortisol) neuroendocrine profile have high disease resistance, are less likely to get sick, and tend to have high leadership qualities.
When you keep your body in an open and strong posture, your mind instantly begins to shift, recalling more positive memories. The general tendency of a person shifts towards positivity. This means that during meeting breaks, doing yoga can make the entire meeting more conciliatory, productive, and positively elevated. Erik Peper also mentions that at the school where he teaches, he periodically has students stand up, jump around, and do stretching exercises during class.
Training the physical body is essential to comfortably maintain an upright and open posture and carry our body with ease. Moving within our own physical limits is our responsibility towards the body we live in. And making changes in our daily behavior can affect our entire lives.
Of course, we might know that posture is important and still might not give enough attention to posture health. However, simplicity and minimalism should necessarily encapsulate the explanation of something complex.
Training the physical body is essential to comfortably maintain an upright and open posture and carry our body with ease. It is our responsibility to move within our physical limits and care for the body we live in. Changes in our daily behavior can transform our entire life.
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Inner Work (sadhana): To deepen our relationship with our posture, below is a small yet transformative technique for inner work. It is meaningful to incorporate these techniques into daily life: Whether doing housework, working on a computer, feeling alive or sad, remain observant of the posture your body maintains. Let's see what you will hear from it.
For an example of an Open Posture; while sitting on your chair, spread your legs about 1 meter apart, plant your feet firmly on the ground, clasp your hands behind your head, and you may close your eyes. Observe what you feel and the thoughts that pass through your mind.
For an example of a Closed Posture; while sitting on your chair, bring your legs together and slouch deeply without supporting yourself, and you may close your eyes. Again, observe what you feel and the thoughts that pass through your mind. Which thoughts or memories are closer to the kind of thoughts you are experiencing?
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Open Posture: includes strong poses and stances with a naturally straight spine, chest opened forward, legs apart, chin not tucked towards the chest, and arms also used in an open manner.
Closed Posture: increased degree of flexion in the spine (hunched back), shoulders drooping forward, arms closer together, neck unable to support itself, chest closed, legs more closed off, compressed poses.
