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. . .

Numbers. . .

Last night's class focus was shift with the intention of intrinsic releasing and gathering. When we moved into floorplay we invited in awareness of something to release as well as something to gather. As I asked, I sensed the fear of numbers in my body - number on the scale, number of students, number of classes, number of friends, number on evaluations, number on tests. . . As I rolled, pushed, pulled, and then remained in stillness, I sensed the threat of losing my job (NOT my sacred livelihood) this week over a number, the fear of a high number on the scale, the judgment placed on my worth based on a number. The dots connected and I released the power I have given to those numbers and to those who value numbers over people. All this occurred while sharing the space with my gift of a desk guide, Rachel. Everything was exactly as it needed to be.

The profound simplicity of Energy Allies

1. Speak With Impeccability
2. Don’t Assume Anything
3. Don’t Take Anything Personally
4. Always Do Your Best

Without them, I create a wall that limits my view as well as my range of motion. With them, I move with joy along the spectrum of endless possibilities.

"be who you are and say what you feel

because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)

This quote greets me each day from a whimsical maroon mirror that hangs in my office. It captured my attention at an Austin art festival and I purchased it as a tool to invite reluctant students into reflective conversation centered around conscious choices. Some days I am kept busy talking to myself . . .

sitting with an empty plate

Am I truly receiving? If I respond immediately, or even a beat before the speaker ceases, am I truly present for the message or am I formulating my response to deliver on cue? I sense my need for immediate response like a hungry child fearful of an empty plate. Piling on top of that which is already full robs nutrients and wastes food. Empty place offers space to digest and sense nourishment from within, to consciously choose (or not) whether more is necessary.

My adult will be joining me at the next meal. And that empty plate will sustain the intention to receive.

El Tango de Witness

At the beginning of Green Belt, I set an intention to meet and embrace my witness. This speaks to White Belt Principle 4, Stage 6 - witness/ manipulate, judge NOT! - observe. Imagine, if you will, the scene from Moulin Rouge "El Tango de Roxanne". This is what came to me as the sensation for my relationship with my witness. We move throughout the space as one and then part, sustaining the intensity through eyes as the bodies yearn for reconnection through touch. Each reconnection illuminates a bit more information and I sense my body responding and tweaking to receive more.

The most recent information was received during "No Quiero Nada Mas" from Aya, Carlos' latest routine. While stepping onto whole foot at 3 and 9, I was aware that what I was sharing wasn't what I was sensing. If I had shared what I sensed it would have sounded like this: step out at 3 and slide ribcage and elbow, as if hitting an energetic wall that limits your range of motion. I checked in the mirror and sure enough, that's what the move looked like. Here's where I truly sensed my connection with witness - I made the conscious choice to observe without judgment. I was then able to tweak from sensation rather than manipulate from judgment.

Now, where's my corset????