Martha Graham's quote highlights the importance of conserving energy and choosing the most comfortable option available. By advocating for sitting or lying down when possible, Graham reminds us to prioritize our physical comfort and well-being. This quote serves as a gentle reminder to listen to our bodies and take care of ourselves in small, everyday moments. It encourages us to be mindful of our energy levels and make choices that support our overall health and comfort.
Martha Graham's quote about not standing when you can sit and not sitting when you can lie down highlights the importance of prioritizing rest and relaxation in our lives. In today's fast-paced world, where there is often pressure to constantly be on the go, it serves as a reminder to take the time to recharge and take care of ourselves.
One of Martha Graham's famous quotes is "Don't stand when you can sit; don't sit when you can lie down." This simple yet profound advice reminds us to conserve our energy and prioritize rest whenever possible. Here are a few examples of how you can apply this wisdom in everyday life:
At work: Instead of standing at your desk all day, make use of your chair and take breaks to sit down and relax. This can help prevent fatigue and improve productivity.
During exercise: If you're feeling tired during a workout, don't push yourself to stand or sit up straight. Instead, listen to your body and find a comfortable place to lie down and rest for a bit before continuing.
At home: When watching TV or reading a book, don't feel obligated to sit up the entire time. Take advantage of your sofa or bed and lie down to fully relax and unwind.
Martha Graham's advice to not stand when you can sit and not sit when you can lie down may seem counterintuitive in a busy, fast-paced world. However, taking the time to pause and rest when needed is essential for recharging and fostering overall wellness. Reflect on the following questions to explore how you can incorporate this principle into your own life:
“Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can”
“You can be Eastern or Burmese or what have you, but the function of the body and the awareness of the body results in dance and you become a dancer, not just a human being. ”
“Looking at the past is like lolling in a rocking chair. It is so relaxing and you can rock back and forth on the porch, and never go forward. ”
“At the time I started in ballet they were dancing 'The Spirit of Champagne' on pointe, in Paris. I thought, 'I don't want to dance the spirit of champagne, I want to drink it!”
“I feel that the essence of dance is the expression of man--the landscape of his soul. I hope that every dance I do reveals something of myself or some wonderful thing a human can be.”
“Don’t stand up when you can sit down and don’t sit down when you can lie down.”