Most of us are not comfortable standing for any length of time.
We shift our weight from side to side; dropping our weight into one leg with the hip jutting out to the side. We fold our arms or clasp our hands in front or in back of us.
Not being comfortable, we seek out a chair that probably won’t provide good back support. Then, we are uncomfortable sitting.
Involuntary breath holding in adults can occur due to stress, anxiety, or intense concentration.
Lower back problems are common in Western cultures. While standing for hours at a time is not recommended, it is important to be comfortable standing. This takes some getting used to but is worthwhile so you are comfortable whenever you stand.
Here are tips to “stand comfortably”:
- Have a slight release in the backs of knees and the front of hips.
- Let your weight “sink” into your lower body.
- Feel a lightness and upward moving energy in your upper body; a lengthening in your spine, as if being gently lifted from the crown of your head.
- Align your head over shoulders and shoulders over hips.
- Relax your shoulders.
- Quiet your “monkey mind” (a state of restlessness and lack of control of one’s thoughts). • Let go of thoughts not in the present moment and let your mind rest on your breath. • Observe your breath without changing it.
- With your attention turned inward, you will notice areas of excess muscle tension or areas of discomfort due to misalignment of your body’s structure. With this awareness, begin to release excess tension and try to correct misalignment.
- Stand for as long as you are comfortable. This is the most powerful qi gong, bringing your body back to its natural state of balance and ease. • Stand and breathe.