5 markers better than 4. There's a lot of potential movement in the upper body so it is possible to align the pubic symphysis, navel and xiphoid process (aligning the linea alba between the rectus abdominis muscles) with the external occipital protuberance without the jugular notch aligning.

I'm try to get people to think about their body's relative positioning and state of physical alignment. These 5 midline anatomical markers (4 bony knobs and a squishy bit!) are easily palpated - a simple introduction to begin mentally mapping the body's relative positioning - to sow the seeds of thought as it were. More on our midline anatomy and using the median plane for body alignment here .

More on mental mapping here: conscious proprioception - our sense of position, movement and balance and the body map in the mind.

I don't know what the military teaches about good posture (I image a lot of shouting about standing up straight) and a internet search hasn't left me any further forward but if you've any links to lessons from the military I would be interested to see. My thoughts on posture are here, but summarised as: It's muscles that create our posture. We should focus on the 5 'main muscles of movement' for better posture. 5 main muscles made easy.

As for relaxation, using my body better, releasing physical tensions and regaining my natural range of movement has left me more relaxed than I ever remember!

My intro. post to LW said I've got something to share and 'please rip to shreds' - I meant it - so thank you for reading and questioning! Did you think about your midline markers?