A person with normal muscular ability might, due to certain psychological reasons, experience unnecessary muscle tension or uncontrollable trembling when maintaining a posture or performing a movement, making it difficult to move freely and naturally. In such cases, attempting to control it with greater force only exacerbates the stiffness and trembling. A more rational approach would be to release the energy of control imposed by self-awareness on the muscles and guide it towards the relaxed and comfortable state the person is avoiding. The reason for this avoidance often lies in the presence of an internalized oppressor within, who does not allow the person to express the dignity of life through their posture and movements.

The factors influencing the quality of bodily movements can be divided into several layers: surface-level muscular movements, breathing, imagination of the movement, purpose of the movement, and the person’s inner mental structure (the oppressor resides at this level).

True change begins with exploring the purpose of a person’s movements and their inner mental structure. Faced with the same situation, a person who slouches and acts timidly has different movement goals and inner mental structures than someone who stands tall. Similarly, a soldier standing tall and a general standing tall also differ in their movement goals and inner mental structures. The inner mental structure determines—and is determined by—who you are.

When I sit here and feel my trembling, I no longer try to suppress or control it. Instead, I ask myself how I wish to exist here. When I start caring for myself rather than scrutinizing or criticizing myself, I begin to feel my existence, the weight of my body, and the space within and around it.

Try to feel your sense of subjectivity and rediscover your autonomy. Ask yourself, “What kind of inner experience do I want to embody?” Attempt to change the habit of excessive focus on your external presentation—a habit of self-objectification.

How does my body carry my dignity? How does my dignity direct my body? Try to sense the integration of dignity and the body. When dignity and the body reconnect, the self can truly exist. This way of presenting oneself is a natural occurrence, not the result of control.

When I begin to focus on my inner feelings and emotions, when I pay attention to my internal and bodily needs, I feel the presence of my dignity. I believe that truly connecting with oneself is, in itself, the process of reclaiming, establishing, restoring, and welcoming dignity. It brings me a sense of stability and grounding. I know this is the right direction.

Abandoning the need to please others at the expense of one’s dignity is a challenge for those who have internalized the image of an oppressor. Yet, it is an essential step in reclaiming the self. Moving with ease and flexibility is an affront to the oppressor. The question lies in why the self submits to this oppressor and why it dares not resist.

Trembling signifies energy. Trying to control it through excessive muscle tension or distorted body posture signifies suppressing this energy. This approach cannot lead to true control, improvement, or growth.

Muscular tension is a response to internal tension, while bodily trembling is a reaction to inner fear. When bodily postures and movements evoke or enhance a sense of dignity, the internal oppressor feels offended. The self begins to suppress this sense of dignity, manifesting as an inability to complete movements smoothly.

True change, therefore, requires breaking the identification with the oppressor within the mental structure. Only then can the self begin genuine resistance, and the energy of trembling can be redirected towards maintaining dignity rather than suppressing it.

Do not obstruct—feel, exist, and express. This allows the energy of trembling to transform into the foundation and driving force for self-esteem and confidence. The growth of self-esteem and confidence requires the support of this energy. Conscious or unconscious tightening of surface-level muscles is the first layer of obstruction to energy. Tightness in the throat and restricted breathing represent a nearly unconscious second layer.

Becoming aware of restricted breathing and consciously deepening and lengthening it is one way to improve. Another way is through cognitive and purposeful changes—consciously allowing and encouraging oneself to release the energy constrained by the inner muscles. Direct this energy outward to help express dignity: the dignity of life, of all beings, and of the universe. When the energy suppressed in the surface and inner muscles is released, the body can gain the vitality it needs to express life, and its flexibility will be better unleashed.