One of the more popular ways to increase self-confidence in recent years has been power posing, thanks to Amy Cuddy's TED Talk called Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are. What is the basic science behind it? Why does it work better for some than others?
Postural Feedback Postural feedback is the new & evolved name of power posing. Power poses were all the rage in 2012 before Amy Cuddy's research was smothered in controversy in 2016. In 2018 she released an academic paper that not only replied to the attack of validity of her research, but showcased the clear evidential value of it. What does all this mean? Power Posing is back, baby! Woo!
What is Power Posing? Now called postural feedback, it is a way of posturing or posing your body in a more expansive and open structure for the purpose of gaining more confidence. The idea is to strike a powerful pose like a superhero or badass CEO for 2 minutes. It's usually done in front of a mirror & right before an interview, presentation, or other situation in which you could use a confidence boost.
How Does it Work?
Here are the basics. All cells vibrate. Cells are made up of many layers of particles that each have their own particle field.
When we add energy to these fields they excite & expand. (Think boiling water.) When we remove energy, cells move closer together & vibrate less. (Think taking a helium balloon outside on a cold day.) Our bodies do the same. High energy states like love, joy, and confidence are more expansive than lower energy states of fear, grief, and worthlessness.
"High energy states like love, joy, and confidence are more expansive than lower energy states of fear, grief, and worthlessness."
Signals are constantly being sent throughout our body. When we're curled up in a protective ball, everything is squished, lines get crossed, miscommunication happens, and functionality slows. Opening up our posture, breathing into this open space, and being mindful of this experience changes the signals that tell the body to release various hormones. Hormones are the chemical communicators that tell cells & organs what to do. "It's such a good vibration! It's such a sweet sensation."- Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch
Am I Doing It Wrong? - The Mental Connection
You struck a big pose for 2 minutes in the mirror yet you feel no different. Why don't you feel more confident?
Posing doesn't stop at a physical space or posture, you need to FEEL it.
1. Posing doesn't stop at a physical space or posture, you need to FEEL it. The experience should be expressed in your mind & spirit too, not just your body. Pick a pose you resonate with, is familiar, and actually means something to you.
Ex. If I'm anxious about being hurt, exposing my belly in Superman pose may just trigger feelings of stress or in some cases, even past trauma. Trying a superhero landing pose & slowly, powerfully getting up may just be more your thing. 2. Include as many of your senses as possible to create the feeling and mental state you want. This connected sensory feedback helps build a more solid memory from which to build upon. Ex. Citrus smells like lemon and orange are great at uplifting and energizing. Keeping an orange in the room may even have you tasting it in the air. Holding something warm in your hand (like tea or coffee!) keeps you feeling grounded and less fidgety. Wearing certain colours, fabrics, and fits of clothing can keep you more comfortable or feeling bold if that's what you're going for. Try complimenting yourself out loud.
"Nobody sits in an office chair and decides to stand up and pretend to fly in the middle of a meeting. I mean, you could..."
3. Do it in stages so it feels more natural. You are trying to embody a feeling you want more of, too many steps at once may give you the opposite effect. Nobody sits in an office chair and decides to stand up and pretend to fly in the middle of a meeting. I mean, you could... Ex. Next time you're in a meeting, try resting your elbows on the arm rests. Then, try opening your hands, uncross your feet or legs, avoid having your feet or knees touching, keeping your chin up, spine straight, shoulders back, chest open, etc. Keep opening up and breathe from your diaphragm.
Try It Try it right now. Use the tips from the example for number 3, above. Wherever you are whatever you're doing, you can always open yourself a bit more. Breathe in and feel your belly and lungs expand. Breath out and settle. Breathe in, grow taller & expand. Breathe out, relax. Right now I love making a big X, getting up from the superhero landing pose, and warrior 2. What are YOUR favorite poses? Share using the hashtag #BEDMASlife on social media! Learn, Love, and keep your Momentum, Laura Lake <3 Facebook.com/LauraLakeDesigns