The Definitive Guide To Perfect Posture
WHAT TYPE OF ‘DEFINITIVE GUIDE’ IS 2 MINUTES?? well, it’s simple…
Define ‘weird shit’ to be something most people don’t do.
Out of all the weird shit I do, nothing gets me more compliments than being able to sit with a straight back.
Unlike freestyle rapping, jumping over stuff, and vagabonding, sitting straight is a universally recognized positive activity. Yet it is something that many neglect.
This is the definitive guide to perfect posture, from my meditation, yoga, zen, and qigong studies.
Disclaimer: Jonny Hung is not a licensed medical practitioner in any discipline whatsoever. In fact, Jonny didn’t even graduate from college. So as with everything in life, take it with a gallon of salt.
1. Be Relaxed. Release tension, especially in your back, neck, shoulders, legs, hands, and belly. If you’re struggling to keep your spine straight or if your face is stern, you are trying too hard. Take a deep breath, loosen your sphincter (a.k.a. butthole), and let your stomach hang out. You should be completely comfortable.
2. Weight should mainly be on your ass (yoga: sit-bones). Put less pressure on your feet and back. You actually don’t need a seatback at all. Zen says, ‘a butterfly landing on your leg should make it collapse”. Exaggeration, but aim for that sort of lightness in your body.
3. Stack your vertebrae. Your spinal discs should be aligned, from lower back to upper neck. Don’t overarch your back and puff your chest out. That is the biggest mistake because it seems correct, but is uncomfortable and unsustainable.
4. Little things. Keep your head level, chin slightly tucked. Shoulders down and back. Legs bent approximately 90 degrees, hip distance apart. Hands resting in a gentle clasp, or palms lightly on thighs. Eyes closed or open with no strain. As natural as it gets.
Two things to be aware of:
- It takes time and regular practice. Don’t expect to sit perfectly and comfortably right off the bat. Be patient.
- You do NOT have to sit like this all the time. Do it when you feel like it.
That’s it. All the same principles apply to standing as well (with knees slightly bent). Practice in class, work, while waiting, or at the computer.
Die slower! You can do it.
