"Only a few generations ago, every well-bred young girl was given lessons in poise and posture. Her first introduction to classical literature was never allowed to enter her head until she'd mastered the art of balancing it on top first as she walked the room in an upright manner. Today, some parents send their young daughters for dance lessons or gymnastics in the hope that they will grow up to be graceful young women rather than couch potatoes.
Have you ever wondered why there are so few women who possess a quality of poise these days? Perfect poise involves the ability to sit upright, pick something off the ground and still look good when bent, get into or out of a car or stride a windy sidewalk without showing all onlookers everything a lady's dress is supposed to conceal. Perhaps it is because we no longer highly value proper poise, elegant carriage or good posture.
It may sound far-fetched, but did you know that to be an honest person requires learning to stand upright or that straight talking will never come out of the mouth of a crooked person. There is a procedure in Relaxation and meditation practice which is known as 'centralising one's force.' In short, this means finding the centre of gravity in the soles of one's feet and standing upright in a manner that keeps one anchored to the ground. Learn to adopt this posture and not only is it physically more difficult for a bully to push you over, but you will be more able to express your view while withstanding your ground, and you will have less inclination to run away or avoid your future responsibilities in frightening and tense situations.
When a woman is natural in poise, nothing seems capable of knocking her off balance. I'm inspired by the way that poise maintains its stance, even under attack. This is best seen when the woman is insulted or when she is caught in a potentially embarrassing situation. No polite lady scratches an irritable itch in public unless she wishes to draw attention to herself and look an ass in the process. When under fire, women with class and poise focus single-mindedly on what to do and how best to do it. They forget mistakes, forget failure, forget everything that has gone before, except what they are going to do now, and how best to do it! Their breeding and innate belief endows them with a philosophy that tells them everyday is a good day; everyday is Ladies' Day!" William Forde: October 21st, 2016.