Yikes! Such a stance is one that is yielding, one that is not invasive to those around. Holding your arms to your side allows those you are with create any needed motion/emotion, where they can reach out to you, as opposed to stepping back or staying in place while your arms and body are moving about.

It is how you approach a child, a stranger, or, a person with a fearful nature.

I thought his stance was much a bow forward, in deference. He gently clasped his hands in front of his body He used humor in starting his speech.

Methinks you may be trying to instill fear, where there is none.

Have a heart. That was only day one.

The lifestyle of this man, who is described to be most humble, is about to change in ways he has spent a lifetime resisting. He is stepping onto the world stage. I think his first minutes with us were soothing.

AND, mind you, I have had no use for the church for many a year. But, this man interests me. He immediately made me feel a connection.

Since yesterday, I cannot get the hymn version of St. Francis' Prayer out of my mind:

Lord, make me an [channel] of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.]

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I may have walked away, but, I have never forgotten the better aspects of Christian loving kindness.