A collapsed posture embodies despair and withdrawal; shoulders dropped forward, the torso caved in, a bending over the diaphragm. This is a surrendering stance. As a result, we commonly work with people in a standing position to assist them in becoming aware of these behaviors. Standing up forces your muscles to work against gravity, so they can’t fully soften. When they are seated, they are significantly more susceptible to collapsing. This pattern helps to analyze and evaluate the sensations and perceptions of despair.

Step 1: Stand up as you normally do. #

Step 2: Take note of any areas of your body that feel particularly sturdy as you change your posture to get up from your seat. #

Perhaps you’ve noticed increased strength in your knees, hips, buttocks, shoulders, forearms, or upper back.

Step 3: Pay attention to experiences that differ from powerlessness and collapse. #

In other words, notice which muscles felt dormant while you were sitting down and were activated instantly as you stood up.

Step 4: Spend some time investigating your body’s feelings… #

Temperature Texture Degree of adaptability Vibration Pressure Tension Movement Breathing Weight Confinement Change Of Size Or Shape Direction Triggers

Step 5: Now, imagine a spring coming down from the ceiling that is attached to the top of your head. #

The spring is stiff but allows for some flexibility, so as you stand taller, the spring pulls your head a little bit higher, changing your posture so that your ears are in line with your shoulders and hips, your shoulders are resting down and back, and your balance is centered in your core.

Step 6: Anchor this position by touching the tips of your non-dominant hand’s thumb, middle, and ring fingers. #

Step 7: Break state and take a seat. #

Step 8: Stand up again, imagine the spring attached to the top of your head, fire the anchor and notice your posture changing. #

Step 9: Once again, map the kinesthetic sub-modalities, th… #

Temperature Texture Degree of adaptability Vibration Pressure Tension Movement Breathing Weight Confinement Change Of Size Or Shape Direction Triggers

Step 10: Future pace. #

Think about an upcoming challenge you must face, perhaps a difficult interaction with another person in your life or an important exam. Fire the anchor.

Step 11: Test. #

How does it change your expectations for the outcome of the challenge while you’re in the empowered posture?