Body language
Our body is the «instrument» through which we enter into contact with the environment and with the others. It hides and very often reveals our thoughts at the same time and it expresses our emotions in a more sincere way than words. This is why we should be aware of our body language to express more clearly and to have a better relationship with ourselves and with the people around us. For example, when we fold our arms we may want to unconsciously indicate protection against situations where we do not feel at ease.
On the contrary, when arms are held behind our back we indicate feelings of confidence, power, superiority and authority. Facial expression is integral when expressing emotions through the body. Combinations of eyes, eyebrow, lips, nose, and cheek movements form different moods of an individual (e.g. happy, sad, depressed, angry, etc.).
For example: eyes cast down and possibly damp or tearful, head down or to the side and lips pinched are indicators of sadness; eyes wide and staring, eyebrow pulled down (especially in middle), wrinkled forehead, flared nostrils, mouth flattened or clenched teeth bared, jutting chin and red face are indicators of anger; eyes wide open, eyebrows raised high, mouth dropped wide open with consequent lowered chin, head held back or tilted to side are indicators of surprise.
Knowing how to recognize these indicators it means to realize a person’s inner feelings, in order to hold a dialogue and to achieve an atmosphere of mutual trust by calibrating our personal involvement. See also Gestures, Expressive activities, Empathy.
