What would it mean to stand your ground? Would it help you set healthy boundaries? feel respected? know what’s important to you?
If you’re someone who gets knocked off balance easily or feels you don’t have the courage of your convictions, take a moment and stand up. Notice what it feels like to plant your feet solidly on the ground. Close your eyes and think of the phrase “stand your ground”. Let your body settle into that feeling and see if you can embody the position of standing your ground.
Here’s what I noticed when I took the posture. I imagined that my feet were really planted on the ground. I thought: I know what I want, I know who I am, I know my boundaries and I respect myself. And, just with this stance, I command respect. As I stood, I realized that it was as if I had drawn an imaginary line that I would not cross, a place where I would not compromise or negotiate. In that place I felt powerful and strong. I felt solid. I exuded certainty.
On a physical level, your stance is your posture. Your stance is also the position you take, whether that’s being open-minded, critical, wary or enthusiastic. When you want to take the stance that says, “here’s what is important to me, please respect it,” consider trying on the posture that says you are standing your ground.