Between yoga weekend classes: homework

What is a good study course without homework? Ours, between weekends 1 and 2, was to carry one focus from class out into our lives for two weeks. 

And so I was plumb focused. Aware, that is, of our plumb line exercise, where with classmates' help we began increasing our self-awareness in the matter of postural alignment. 

I found -- surprise! -- that my lower back, instead of having the usual curve, is pretty darn flat. While standing next to the plumb line, I began experimenting with the feeling of putting a little curve back into that area. It felt so sway-backey!

Since that time, while standing or walking, I've occasionally kept experimenting. One result, almost as surprising as the flat-back discovery, is that replacing a lower back curve tends to lift the ribs up and out -- and lift the shoulders back. A bit. Gently. But perceptibly. 

Aha.