Postures are like doors to your identity. Sometimes you open the wrong door and step into the wrong role for dealing with a situation, causing others to react to you in an unconstructive way and triggering more “reactions” from you. You are constantly opening and closing these doors, moving from one posture to the next, each influencing your behavior and your actions. By understanding these postures, you gain access to roles that each play in your environment, some that you may not have accessed for along time, yet each necessary for a balanced life and better group dynamics.

The Warrior

The first of the 4 postures is the one that accesses the most energy, has the most directed focus and clear in his outcome. This posture is the Warrior, and it takes whatever action is necessary to accomplish a goal. The strength to overcome adversity is natural to the warrior, and so is the need to fight for the values that are central to your identity. The warrior is intense in action and focus, nothing outside of the center of concentration is significant. It is quick to react to the situation at hand and has a heightened instinct to survive. This is great when you are working on an important project with a prompt deadline, or when you are pursuing your goals. But it may not be appropriate when dealing with people, or when you need to make important, long term decisions.

Cultivate this posture by:

• Mouth – Slightly Open
• Breathing – Medium fast and deep – In and out through mouth
• Arms & Shoulders – Tense and Back
• Body – Tense
• Eyes – Intensely Focused

The Child

The second posture is humble and playful; it is without worry and sees the beauty in everything. This posture is the Child, and life is a magical journey. Curiosity and wonder exist in all things. Emotional hurt is only temporary and forgiveness is easy because life is constantly moving forward. The Child can make even the most boring activity exciting and fun; a simple box can inspire creativity and become an emperor's castle. The Child cannot fail because every outcome is a learning experience and every learning experience is another success. Bringing out the child in a brainstorming session or when trying to form new ideas will be a great advantage. Letting the child out in the office now and then to lighten up a day, can make a big difference in rapport with colleagues and create a less formal and more efficient atmosphere at work. It may not be appropriate when you need to “get the job done” or when someone needs to be listened to and supported emotionally.

Cultivate this posture by:

• Breathing – Fast deep and Short
• Body – Loose
• Energy – Chaotic and Abundan
• Legs and Feet – Moving, Hopping
• Eyes – Wide Open

The Lover

The third posture has the capacity to love; love himself, love another, and love mankind in general. This posture is the Lover and is supportive, nurturing, passionate, patient, and can give unconditionally. The lover draws on the emotional center to extend a part of himself to others. The Lover is not hurt if the emotions or kindness are not reciprocated because he gives unconditionally and so expects nothing in return. This posture is very useful when coaching or guiding others in a new task, or when they have made a mistake. The lover shines through when listening to someone, or just being there for them, or sending a thank you card that can mean so much. The lover can also be harsh out of love, in some cases it takes a great deal of love to tell someone the truth (that may hurt) instead of using kindness that does not help that person to grow. The lover has the capacity to determine the course of action that most benefits others.

Cultivate this posture by:

• Body – Relaxed
• Shoulders – Forward
• Breathing - Deep long breaths through nose

The Emperor

The final of the postures is the Emperor, this is the wise one, it sees the good in all and never comes from a position of Ego, it exists quietly and unobtrusively. It leads and supports others to lead, it is caring, practical and responsible. Wisdom comes from the ability to establish extreme clarity of purpose. The Emperor sets an example, Calm and purposeful are the Emperor's normal states. This state draws others to your cause because of its clarity of its outcomes and its clearly structured plans to achieve those outcomes. The Emperor reveals itself in times of crisis to be the role-model because of the ability to make calm objective decisions, and while the Emperor is not always appreciated, it is always respected.

Cultivate this posture by:

• Body - Upright but slightly relaxed
• Shoulders- Back
• Breathing - Long deep in through nose, out through mouth