When I returned from Ghana to the United States, I quickly realized how hunched over; and to be candid how much we mimicked cavemen in our walking and sitting. It was bit of an eye sore, until I mentally re-acclimated into western society. The Ghanians on the other hand, especially in village, stood with elongated spines. Their necks linear and elegant even if unadorned with jewelry. Their chests confidently rested at ease, and the buttocks of both males and females was strong, rounded and naturally sculpted. Certainly not all Ghanians, but enough to distinguish from this “modern” culture’s curved posture and flabby rear-end. Along red earth they walked with such grace and dignity; it was a beautiful site to witness. I recalled the descriptions and memories journaled by European slavers who wrote of how majestic and stunning we moved and stood before them.
I witnessed the African genius, efficiency and strength of carrying goods weighing 40, 50 pounds and greater atop their heads; walking long distances without strain or struggle. These were not purely muscular young men, but children, young women and sometimes elders.
It became evident as ridiculous as it may appear to others in the U.S. I must carry atop my head whenever applicable and restore my African posture and gate. For me this was a struggle requiring conscious effort, yet it has been somewhat been sustained.
I searched the internet for evidence of my thesis on African (Original Peoples) postures, and carrying methods for preventative skeletal injuries and other health ailments and discovered the work of Dr. Esther Gokhale. I was not astonished by her research findings. Nonetheless, I was eager to share this information with my social circle hoping it may too inspire them to restore their African or as she refers to it, “primal” posture for wellbeing.