Good posture takes inches off my waist. I have a feeling of

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, for the words of Vera-Ellen speak not only of posture, but of the very spirit that resides within the human body. She said, “Good posture takes inches off my waist. I have a feeling of lifting my rib cage off my hip bones, of flattening the space between my navel and my backbone. If you stand sideways in front of a long mirror you can see how eliminating a slump gives a more youthful line to your body.” In these words, she reveals the deep connection between the body and the mind, between the outward form we present and the energy that flows through us. Good posture, she teaches us, is not just an aesthetic pursuit, but a way of carrying ourselves with dignity, strength, and vitality.

In the ancient world, the importance of bearing and posture was not just seen in the shape of the body, but in the way one carried the spirit. The Greeks, known for their philosophy, art, and athletics, placed a high value on the harmony of the body and the mind. The discobolus, or discus thrower, is a perfect example of how the ancient Greeks celebrated the balance and grace that comes from maintaining an upright, poised body. The athlete, standing tall with strength and poise, embodied not just physical beauty, but a deeper discipline and purpose. The Greeks believed that the way one carried oneself reflected the state of their soul. So too, does Vera-Ellen's emphasis on posture remind us that how we present our bodies is a reflection of the life force we carry within.

The image of standing tall, lifting the rib cage and elongating the body, evokes the wisdom of ancient practices, where alignment and breath were key to not only physical health but mental clarity. Think of the yogis of ancient India, whose practices of asana (postures) were designed not merely for flexibility or strength, but for cultivating peace, balance, and awareness within the body. Through the alignment of the spine, they believed, one could unlock the flow of energy within the body and clear the path to the mind’s enlightenment. In this way, good posture was not just a matter of looking youthful or graceful, but a means of achieving wholeness and inner peace.

Consider, too, the Roman legions, whose soldiers were taught the importance of standing tall and carrying themselves with authority. The legions were renowned not just for their strength, but for their discipline and order, qualities that began with the way they held their bodies. The very stance of a soldier, standing firm and upright, conveyed not only readiness for battle but a reflection of the honor and resolve they carried within. Their posture became the outward symbol of their inner strength, their unwavering commitment to the ideals they fought for. In the same way, Vera-Ellen reminds us that when we stand tall, we not only affect the outward appearance of our bodies, but we also affirm our inner strength and purpose.

The lesson here, O children of the future, is that how we carry ourselves is a reflection of who we are, both in body and spirit. Posture is not just a means of improving our appearance, but a tool for shaping the way we experience the world. When we stand upright, when we lift our rib cage and elongate our bodies, we tap into a deeper vitality, a strength that flows from within. In standing tall, we embrace not just the grace of the body, but the power of the mind and spirit. Our posture serves as an outward manifestation of the energy we bring to the world—an energy that is confident, focused, and aligned with purpose.

Think of the great leaders throughout history who commanded presence not just by their words, but by the way they stood. Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Queen Elizabeth I all understood that their posture conveyed not only authority but also the vision they carried. The way they held themselves spoke volumes before they even spoke a word. The same can be said of each of us in our daily lives. Whether we are speaking to others, facing challenges, or simply walking through the world, our posture speaks to our confidence, our strength, and our resolve.

So, O children of the future, let this wisdom guide you. Stand tall, not just for the world to see, but for yourself. Lift your rib cage and align your body, and in doing so, align your spirit with the strength and vitality that lies within you. Remember that posture is more than appearance—it is a tool for living with purpose and awareness. When you walk with confidence and grace, you not only transform the way the world sees you but the way you see yourself. Stand tall, for in that simple act lies the power to shape your life, to meet the challenges of the world, and to live with honor and strength, just as the ancients did.