Sometimes There May be a Right Way

I have been trying to pay attention more to how I sit, stand and move. I spend too much time sitting in my chair at my desk and on the computer. I find myself, at times, noticing that I am hunched over whether at my desk or over the kitchen sink. I then "stack" my bones on top of one another to stand or sit straighter.

I heard part of a piece on National Public Radio about what's called the hip hinge. This picture illustrates bending from your hips rather than from the waist as we do here in America. Bending from the waist apparently causes damage to the discs in your spine. (This is the link to the piece and a picture of a hip hinge - here.) I don't think, however, that I could do this pose.

I like too think that there are multiple acceptable ways of doing things. Looking at things from a new perspective can help us solve a problem if the usual way doesn't work. But, interacting with people is most likely an area where there is a right way. The right way, in my view, being that of compassion, kindness, caring, and help if I'm not being too preachy. I have trouble conceiving of being mean and bullying as the right way to treat someone. 

I know that I deeply regret it when I have, unfortunately, allowed myself to speak or act out of fear or anger. I mentally chew over it - sometimes for days. It can be hard to apologize if it is something I feel I ought to do. Sometimes, to be honest, if I feel it is not up to me to apologize if I was reacting to someone rather than the initiator of the situation. Relationships can end up in a tangled mess.  

I don't think that the right way, however, is rigid and set. It seems, in some way, to be almost situational. Compassion, kindness, caring, and help can mean different things in different situations. I hope I can make a good call at all times, but in the meantime maybe I'll just practice doing a good hip hinge and "stacking" my bones. Mindfulness about myself may lead to more mindfulness towards others.

The first photograph is by Pana Vasquez. The third photograph is by Matthew Henry. Both were found on unsplash.com. The second image is from my book, Opening the Heart: Meditations on How to Be (here). If you would like to know more about me and my services, you can go to my website for more information.