Testing the Stance

Stiff joints. Locked posture. Not acceptable. I forced tension into my shoulders and drew a sharp breath. The air had weight. Real weight. I extended my left arm, rotating the wrist until the lock broke. Solid motion. Then I stepped into the ground, driving my heel down to gauge the resistance of the earth beneath my boots. Firm enough. My knuckles brushed against a thick palm frond beside us, feeling its coarse, waxy edge give slightly under my weight. My fingers gripped it, then let go. Full motor control confirmed. I am ready.