A study was done a few years ago where two groups of people competed in a relay race. One group had to sit in a fetal like position for one minute before the race and the other group had to stand for a minute with their arms stretched out as high as possible, backs straight and legs standing in a “you can’t move me” type position. The results were outstanding with the latter group out performing the first group in a significant way.
On the night of the Seder, there is a rabbinic mitzvah to recline during the eating of the matza and the 4 cups, the purpose of which is to experience and see ourselves as a completely free people and as kings and queens on this night. Like in the study, we are meant to also contort our bodies in a way the chose that we are free (similar to how the Jews left Egypt with their arms outstretched, b’yad ramah).
As we enter spring, we can feel it in our bodies, sense it in our minds and see it in the trees and nature how everything begins to open up and be released from the shackles of a long cold Winter. We are feeling and experiencing freedom. And even if we don’t feel it, we can allow our bodies to help us feel free. We can observe our posture and try to straighten it, we can observe our breathing and slow it down, and we can walk like free people going at our pace rather and being rushed into never ending demands of modern life. All these are actions which can actually prepare us for the feeling and experience of freedom which we embrace on the Seder night.
Shabbat shalom!