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

There is a subtle but profound transformation that occurs on the journey home. After hours spent managing the rhythms and expectations of public life, where every gesture and glance is carefully controlled, we begin to let go of our 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. Our behavior is shaped by social norms and the need to seem confident, polite, or composed. Shoulders might be squared, voices kept moderate, and expressions held back. We play roles demanded by the situation: the diligent worker, the respectful child, or the friendly neighbor. Each step and smile is measured, a careful act of self-presentation.

But when the familiar sights of home appear, a shift happens. The body relaxes, and the mask lowers. The careful posture of public life gives way to more natural, often unconscious expressions of our private self. Slumped shoulders replace rigidity. Soft sighs escape. The smile changes from one offered to the world to one meant for comfort and belonging.

This journey home is more than just a physical route. It marks a passage from the outside world to our inner selves. We reconcile who the world expects us to be with who we know ourselves to be. In Nepali culture, where family and community take priority, this change is especially significant. Home is not just a place; it is a sanctuary where the complex social dance can pause, allowing authenticity to grow.

However, this transition is not always smooth. Sometimes, the tension between our public and private selves lingers, showing in silent fatigue or unspoken worries. The way we carry ourselves on the way home reveals these hidden burdens and the relief of finally letting them go.

Recognizing this daily journey encourages compassion for ourselves and others as we balance who we must be with who we truly are. After all, in these quiet moments of return, we find the space to breathe, heal, and simply be.