Sit, Stand And Speak With Dignity

"Sit with dignity" is advice given by Jon Kabat-Zinn as his students practice sitting meditation. Those three words inspire students to immediately sit up straighter. They don't stiffen their bodies; instead, their head, neck and back come into alignment.

"Everybody seems to instantly know the inner feeling of dignity and how to embody it," he says.

 Daily dignity. I've found "sit with dignity" useful not only for meditation, but for many other situations. 

 In fact, tell yourself right now to "sit with dignity." If you're like me, your mind and body instantly respond, and you naturally correct posture.

Tell yourself right now to 'sit with dignity.' If you're like me, your mind and body instantly respond, and you naturally correct posture.

 Sometimes when hunched over my laptop, I'll remind myself to "sit with dignity," and my body quickly adjusts to a more healthy and less tiring position. Or when I'm taking walks, I'll tell myself to "walk with dignity," and my spine straightens and shoulders shift back.

 Confidence builder. The advice is also helpful when facing an audience for presentations or speeches. Thinking "stand with dignity" signals the body to stand tall and radiate confidence.

 Give this tip a try during coming days. See if it doesn't influence your posture and attitude when sitting or walking, standing or speaking.

Sam Harrison's fourth and latest book— "Creative Zing!" —show readers ways to generate more and better ideas—and how to present and sell those ideas to decision makers.

"The posture embodies the attitude."

Jon Kabat-Zinn