Unfortunately that's how Bitsy's controls work - I have no way to override it, it's baked into the game engine. It does frustrate me too but when one plays enough Bitsy games one learns and anticipates and compensates (most of the time). I do wish the developer would change this, though, in the engine.
I am happy to hear you found it meditative. It is a story of a strange change in life that leads to acceptance - and embracement - of a new life.