Following an ancient custom, many people cover their eyes when reciting the first line of the Shema so as to eliminate any possible distractions and concentrate intensely on the words. Some follow the custom of taking three small steps forward at the beginning of the Amidah, as one might approach a monarch to ask for favor. At the end of the prayer they take three steps backwards. The first paragraph praises God for being the God of our ancestors and promising us redemption. Reconstructionism is egalitarian and at Shir Hadash we add references to our foremothers as well as our forefathers.
Some people use the traditional formulation but understand it allegorically.
The second section celebrates God's power. This is done partly responsively and partly in unison. Some prayer books refer to the Amidah as a silent prayer, but it is more accurately described as a private prayer. Some people pull the tallit over their head to block out distraction. There is a tradition that after completing the Amidah prayer, one may add private prayers.