Essence

By definition, core means: central or innermost part; basic or most important part; hard or fibrous central part of certain fruits containing the seeds. The "earth's core" or "core subjects" are points upon which we layer. In Nia we address the three body weights - pelvis, chest, and head as the core and invite them to unite in alignment. Moving and strengthening our core can open channels of energy. Hip circles can spark creativity from our sacral chakra. Inviting the belly button to chew can provide nourishment from seeds of strength in our solar plexus. Sensing our intercostal muscles remind us that our heart space has the capacity to radiate love and acceptance. Connecting our three eyes to fingertips, directions, and others can reveal new pathways that broaden our horizons. This is the week's focus - Connecting to our essence, the core, with the intention to align as we broaden our horizons.

Leaps and parachutes

"Leap and the net will appear" - Zen quote
My absolute favorite quote. It is part of a collage that hangs on the office door, inviting all those to enter to be prepared for anything and to welcome change with wondrous excitement. I find myself the one most frequently accepting the invitation.

I've heard it called "leap of faith". Whatever the phrasing, this perspective (that I have adopted as my mantra) has proven itself without fail each time I have tested. Sometimes, the leaps are ones realized in retrospect. Others have been tiny jumps when I wasn't able to fully trust the net. And then there are those that manifest from conscious choices grounded in clarity of what I want.

Woven into the present tapestry of my parachute are threads of sound and silence. My former pattern of movement was cued only by sound, sometimes so much and so often that I felt unsteady, unsure of where or if I would land. The leaps felt as though they were launched from a precipice and mid-flight, I'd grasp at the air with doubt. Through my Nia practice, I have learned to listen to the silence for flight cues. RAW - Relaxed Alert Waiting guides conscious choices of movement. In a state of RAW, I am present to receive and respond. No guessing is required as I trust the innate wisdom of my body to guide me. Doubt floats by as I mingle with clouds headed towards my net of abundance secured by cheers of excitement. I land, receive with appreciation, and listen. . .