A symmetrical posture is an attitude in which the arms and legs are held in identical position on the left and right. Someone who adopts a symmetrical attitude shows respect or submission to something or someone else. For example, people who pray, from whatever culture, always assume a symmetrical posture. For example, they are kneeling with folded hands or standing with their hands raised.
When we feel comfortable in a person’s presence, we adopt an asymmetrical posture. So sometimes we cross our legs, we lean towards one side, or we hang out a bit.
(Roebers, 2013)