THE WAY WE CARRY OURSELVES ON THE WAY BACK HOME: FROM PUBLIC POSTURE TO PRIVATE SELF

There is a subtle but deep transformation that happens on the journey home. After hours spent managing the rhythms and expectations of public life, where every gesture and glance is carefully chosen, we begin to shed the layers of performance and return to a quieter, more honest version of ourselves.

In public spaces, like crowded buses, busy streets, or bustling markets, we carry ourselves in a certain way. This behavior is shaped by social norms and the need to seem confident, polite, or composed. Our shoulders may be squared, our voices kept moderate, and our expressions guarded. We play the roles that the context demands: the diligent worker, the respectful child, or the friendly neighbor. Each step and smile is measured, creating a dance of self-presentation.

As familiar sights of home come into view, a change occurs. The body relaxes, and the mask comes down. The careful posture of public life shifts to the subtle, often unconscious expressions of our private selves. Slumped shoulders replace rigidity. Soft sighs escape. The smile changes from one offered to the world to one reserved for comfort and belonging.

This journey home is more than just a physical route; it is a passage from the external to the internal. It is where we reconcile the person the world expects with the person we know we are. In Nepali culture, where family and community matter greatly, this shift feels especially meaningful. Home is not just a place; it is a sanctuary where the complex social dance can pause and authenticity can grow.

However, this transition is not always smooth. Sometimes, the tension between our public and private selves lingers. We carry this in silent fatigue or unspoken worries. The way we hold ourselves on the way home shows these unseen burdens and the relief of finally putting them down.

Recognizing this daily journey helps us feel compassion—for ourselves and others—as we navigate the delicate balance between who we have to be and who we really are. It is in these quiet moments of return that we find the space to breathe, to heal, and to simply be.