It is my intention as I leave Midland, to create a space for others to step through the doorway to deepening their Nia practice in whatever way is sacred to them.  I have asked a departed member of our Nia community, Kathleen de Miranda, to share her journey of becoming a Nia White Belt in hopes of inspiring each of you to consider the possibilities this space might mean to you...

Joyful. Sensation. Energized. Playful. Fluid. Stable. Balanced. Free. Warm. Light. Purposeful. Aware. Calm. Peaceful. Creative. Mobile. Strong. Open. Healthy. Whole… Nialicious!

What a gift I gave myself when I went to the Nia White Belt training! I had no idea what was in store for me, but I was ready. Led by Nia Black Belt Teacher and Trainer, Winalee Zeeb, I experienced a magical week of somatic learning, playing, becoming connected to my body and the physical sensations it uses to communicate with me, and lots of JOY-full dancing. I laughed, cried, moved in new ways, acquired new skills—tools for Nia and for life in general—and let go of habits that no longer serve me.

The Joy of Movement
Learning how to listen to my body’s voice and feel its sensations was the greatest gift I received during my Nia White Belt. I had to work hard to get out of my head and into my body, to “get out of my own way,” as Winalee said.  And I did. Once I was able to access a place of stillness and listen to my body speak to me, I could truly feel the sensations in my body. I asked my body to tell me what it needed, where it felt pleasure, where it needed to heal. Then I responded by choosing to move, eat, play or rest accordingly. Surprise: Joy became instantly available to me! If I felt pleasure I continued moving in the same way. If I felt uncomfortable I tweaked my movements to maximize the sensation of pleasure and feel only the joy of my movement. What a gift to feel the freedom and bliss of moving when full of joy!

I loved that we began each day with 5 Stages and the 52 Moves that constitute each routine. This early-morning Nia practice that allowed me to really sense my body and respond to any kinks and soreness that had accumulated during the night. I was amazed that each day after the 52 Moves, my body felt fluid, energetic, and free of pain. After ten years of back pain, I didn’t know what to do without it. And no jaw ache either. What a welcome change! I am indeed healing my back and stress with Nia. Also, as I began to embody each of the nine movement forms from the martial arts, dance arts and healing arts, my body continued to release pain and tension. Some movement forms are easier than others for me, and those that do not feel comfortable to me are the ones I need to work with most. But as I moved and meditated, I felt my body release, grow strong and steady, and open itself to a world of possibilities.   

Learning to Listen—and I Mean Really Listen—to the Music
I love the music we dance to in Nia! I feel such joy during Nia class, and I know that this is thanks to the combination of the movement and music! During White Belt training I learned to listen more attentively to the sounds and silence in music, something that is a challenge for me because I am such a visual learner. I discovered that listening to music is a meditative practice for me, or it can be if I so choose. When I practice RAW and listen to the rhythms and instruments closely with my “beginner’s ears,” I am completely present in the moment. My body and mind become still, calm, and relaxed. This practice cultivates sharpened listening skills in my daily life; and in Nia, gently pushes me toward a more intimate relationship with the music, which in turn leads to a more fluid, joy-filled dance!

The Link Between the Body’s Design and My Dance
The introduction to the structure of the human body and how it is designed to move fascinated me. I live in my body, yet I did not really understand its structure. I am in awe of how masterfully this movement art was developed in accordance with the body’s unique design to help individuals move in health as well as for pleasure. Now when practicing Nia I can feel my bones, my muscles, my tendons, my ligaments and fascia as they come alive with various movements—and if a bone or muscle is uncomfortable it lets me know and I adjust. In essence, I use what I learned about the structure of the body to move my body in its own unique way and to create my dance in the Nia studio and in life.

To teach or not to teach?
The White Belt training does not require anybody to teach or to obtain teacher certification. Rather, it invites trainees to purposefully reflect and choose one of two paths, either personal development or teacher certification. The people in my training group came for both reasons. I chose teacher certification because I desire to share my joy and love of this movement art with others.

My journey continues: Life After White Belt
I am loving every step of my Nia journey! As I dance through life, I am more connected to my body, mind, emotions and spirit. I am more self-aware, and the Nia White Belt skills have proven to be invaluable life skills. I continue to practice Nia in my new country and am taking steps to eventually teach Nia here. With no classes near my home, I travel one-and-a-half hours each way to take Nia in Stockholm. My fellow dancers can’t believe I travel that far while I am grateful I don’t have to travel farther (I would!). I am even more grateful to have been so warmly welcomed by the growing Nia community in central Sweden as I integrate into a new culture, learn a new language and adjust to the rhythm of a new life.  

I am filled with love and gratitude for this movement art, and all my Nia teachers and fellow Nia dancers who have opened their hearts to me on this journey. Those of you in the States, know that I miss you and I dance with you each time I step into the space! My journey with Nia has been transformational physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I recommend it to everyBody!

Love and JOY to each of you!

Kathleen

P.S. The next White Belt training with Winalee is February 12-18, 2011.  For more information, click here .