#cupped hands

(via Hand earrings Statement jewelry for artist Boho chic Unique | Etsy)

I don't mean this in an ugly way at all, but when I read your ask, I laughed out loud to the point of wiping away a tear. I read it out loud to my husband and he laughed, too.

This is a great question, don't get me wrong.

The answer is this: A LOT. Even twenty years later.

But, to give one example. Just one:

I still walk with my hands cupped, meaning that my hands are always in neatly-formed loose fists with stiff wrists when my arms swing during walking or running, rather than letting my fingers sway loosely or flop about from the wrist.

Cupped hands while moving from place to place looks better in uniform. Soldiers are known for being vain, some units more than others. They want to look squared away, competent, & professional.

They train this into every soldier in basic training and they continue this the rest of their enlistment/commission. I can't speak for all soldiers, but the ones I know still do this even in the civilian sector.

Looking back, self-control begins with your hands.

the way

the shadow

lets you see

inside the light