Friday 17 June 2016

Re-Belted in White (a shinier shade)

I spent last week in Budapest retaking my White Belt, the first belt of the system we use in the Nia Technique to indicate the degree of depth into the practice. 
Having said that, I have moved with White Belts who have inspired me more than Brown Belts, so the degree of depth and understanding is very personal, however a formal gradation system exists.

Quite a few of my friends and students have asked me 'why do you take a training that you have already under your belt (pun intended)?' The answer is: to learn more, to go deeper, wider, to relax in my beginner's mind.
I have heard so many new things, my body has understood so many new things, my thinking mind has assimilated so many new things... Now I sense my White Belt is shining anew, and I am relaxed, alert, and waiting, doing my best to deliver inspiration and relaxation just like I have received.

What a gift, retaking a training and allowing my thinking mind not to get in the way. Thank you everyBody for making it a sensational week for me. 

Saturday 14 May 2016

Drinking in the wisdom


I only have one body, and I have made a conscious decision to love it.
The conscious love process began when my body was far from the expectations of shape and fitness levels that media tells us are desirable. I didn't know if I ever was going to be a size 12, but I did know that this body would be my lifetime companion, and I didn't want to spend that lifetime in judgement and disgust.

I am fortunate to have found the spark that ignited my fire, the Nia Technique. From the simplicity of stepping with my heel first, rolling my body weight off the whole plantar fascia and off my big toe, to the more complex patterns that keep my brain engaged and stimulated. If you have found your spark, keep it alive and honour your precious lifetime companion. If you haven't, there is no time like this moment to step into a movement practice suitable for every body, every age, that could literally change your life.

Here's to love and joy.