Posture clarification in the abdomen area

Body: 

Hi everybody,

I am having difficulty understanding the posture details in the abdomen area. I have the book, I have also read the description in the FAQs. How does one "have a sense of pulling belly up by the last pair of ribs"? Do I consciously try to pull up my belly? But this is almost like contracting my muscles there (which I think I am not supposed to do)? I also have trouble understanding how I keep my belly "relaxed , but slightly firm".

I think the section in the FAQ is a lot more clear than the book, so I think I have it all down, but I do not think I understand the belly/abdomen area properly. This concerns me because I think this is probably a crucial part of the posture.

Also, should I be contracting the pelvic muscles?

Thanks in advance for any clarification anybody can offer...

Grace

I've been meaning to have the web techs delete that instruction (squeezing the ribs) because it is very confusing...I'll send the work order today.

The posture is so very relaxed but also...well...pulled up! I need teachers to open WW centers around the world! All I have is words right now to give you, so I will say that when you are fully stretched into the posture the belly is relaxed, but there is also a firmness to it because it is being stretched nice and long. It is relaxed but not flopped out. It can't flop out when the shoulder girdle and spine are fully extended. Well, if it does then focus on diet and exercise. I have a fair amount of belly and it stretches long in the posture.

The pelvic floor will take care of itself. It's continually contracting with this work! The keys are an extended spine (tailbone up), long hamstrings and strong buttocks which leverage the organs into their correct positions in the hollow of the lower belly.

Hope this helps.

:-) Christine

Thanks a lot for the clarification, Christine. I think I understand now -- this is a lot more clear than the rib description.

And yes, you guessed it right, I do need to work on my belly :)... I lost quite a bit of muscle there after my pregnancies.

Thanks, again.