3 things to do in the supermarket queue

Queuing: at least it’s not raining!

As we’re gradually released from Lockdown, we have to learn to do things differently, offering us opportunities for change!

If you can’t go shopping at a quiet time then you’ll probably find yourself in an elongated queue. The automatic response is to look at your phone, and you can see a couple of people in the photo doing just that. Others seem to be chatting; as we’re supposed to shop alone, they’ve presumably been lucky enough to find a friend also waiting.

I’m going to suggest some other activities, one of which is absolutely invisible to others, the other two unlikely to be noticed.

Do you stand with locked knees?

First is to practise knee release. Many people stand with their knees locked, hips thrown forward, and shoulders pushed back for balance. This encourages the lower back to arch and the vertebrae to compress. If you do this you’re making your life harder. Let’s make it easier!

One leg at a time, straighten your leg as firmly as you can, then let the kneecap release without bending the leg. If you can do this without difficulty, practise both legs together. If you find this tricky, then lean against a wall, so your legs don’t need to support you as much.

Find your balance

Second, play with balance. Standing with your legs straight (but kneecaps unlocked!), allow your weight to shift slightly forwards by closing the angle at your ankle joint. Notice what happens as you go forward. Then come backwards and again, notice what happens. How do you stop losing your balance? Then, by gently rocking forwards and backwards, come to a place of ease, head over shoulders over hips over feet. Release tension in your neck, back, buttocks, and legs. Notice your calm self as you wait.

Take up all the space you need

Finally, while you’re standing beautifully balanced, notice what’s all around you by using as many senses as possible. You can listen to voices, notice the breeze, and be aware of the smell of a car engine or the scent of a flowering bush. Without in any way tensing or tightening, allow yourself to expand in all directions, as though you’re creating a bubble all the way around yourself. You’re taking up the space you need and often this will register with other people, even if they’re not quite sure what they’ve noticed about you.

After all this you should have reached the front of the queue! Stay healthy!