Back when I was a book dealer we had to process/research a ton of old books that turned out to be worthless. Old books to mean pre-1900. Not all books are worth your time. Just as much bullshit was published in the Victorian Era as is published now. Just prior to the end of the century, the self-improvement industry became a thing, spearheaded largely by the fitness guru Bernarr Macfadden. He was born Bernard McFadden but thought 'Bernarr' sounded like the roar of a lion, and that 'Macfadden' was a more masculine spelling of his last name. (wiki) People are, and always have been, silly. Masculinity has always been silly.

Possibly a lot of the self-improvement stuff came out of all the books of manners from the previous few centuries; how to comport yourself in fancy society. Anyway: I remember a particular section in one old book from, I want to say, the 1880s: it was all about smoothness of motion in your everyday life, with the idea that smooth movement makes for smoothness of temperament. Stopping and starting motions, herky-jerky motions, make for a herky-jerky mind. Probably herky-jerky morals, too, given the Victorian mindset. Exercises were suggested: for example, lay a coin flat on the table and, in one smooth, circular motion, pick up that coin!

Think of the 1999 comedy Office Space. Our protagonist, Ron Livingston, gets hypnotized to be less stressed, and then his therapist dies of a heart attack before he’s able to snap him out of the hypnosis. I’m not sure hypnotism works this way but there’s one moment where our protagonist is approaching his boss and flows right around him, like water. I remember listening to an interview with the actor where he said he studied zen philosophy to help him achieve the inner peace required for the role.

Think of Bruce Lee: “Be water, my friend.”

I try, during the mundane movements of my life, during chores, during… well, everything really, where I can, to abide by this philosophy. Why? Because smooth economical motion is immensely satisfying. Movement becomes a subtle dance.

Think of driving. Down a straight road or gently winding road without stop signs or lights, is very satisfying. Stop and go city traffic is the worst, especially when you have to stop suddenly, then start up again; herky jerk chicken. It’s nauseating.

The same idea applies to all everyday movement. A smooth, circular, economy of motion is stress-relieving. It’s movement with intent. I’m convinced it can help with posture. I’m all about avoiding stress.

My current work environment involves a lot of maneuvering: using pallet jacks to move big boxes around, sometimes in tight spaces, while other people are doing the same.

You can think of it as a traffic jam, or you can think of it as a dance. I much prefer the latter. It’s a simple yet powerful mindshift.