10/23/2013
FOCUS: Awareness of the Head
The head is one of the three body weights, which include: pelvis, chest & head. It sits on the top, resting over the shoulder girdle, above the chest and pelvis. It is the heaviest of the three weights, weighing approximately 8 to 10 pounds.
In Nia, we perceive the head as the place where energy is directed; the chest where energy is exchanged; and the pelvis where energy is contained.
The head is also where we gain knowledge through our senses; using our ears to hear, our mouth to taste and nourish, our nose to breathe, eyes looking to see and hands touching to feel.
In order to maintain a healthy head: one that can freely turn, move up & down, while integrating itself with the whole body without hesitation .... we use the head & eye movements of the 52 moves of Nia .. the most natural way to move your body is by using your eyes!
Lead with the eyes; your head and whole body follows. The act of looking directly through our eyes connects our energy body to the physical world around us, deeply increasing what we feel and sense.
Play with allowing your eyes to follow your hands while they move up and down the front of your body: imagine juggling balls. Notice how that releases tension in the neck and shoulders.
Integrating the head into movement can be disconcerting at first. Take it slow and easy in order to feel safe in your head movements which will allow your brain and body to learn while relaxed ... it will help you have more fun in the Nia playground!
INTENT: Imagine a feather lengthening along the back of your neck through the crown of your head ... now tickle the clouds as you move your head (like a bobble head doll) while elongating and lifting your spine upward.