Cross-Training Body Mind Emotions Spirit | Rachael R. Resch

Blue Belt Principle #12 is Observe, Listen, Guide: Co-Creating Movement Change.  When we did this principle on the final day of Blue Belt, it brought me deep healing.  This was the center of my Blue Belt experience.

Here’s the practice:  As I move, I gather information by observing the teacher but I do not change my own movement as I watch.  I put 100% attention on what the teacher is doing (i.e., I ellipt into the teacher; see post, Split, Ellipt, Blend).  Then I turn my attention inward, away from the teacher (I split).  I take time to listen to my own body and sense my movement — again, without changing the movement at all.  I continue to observe then listen, observe then listen, and eventually, when I’m ready, without looking at the teacher, I gently guide my body to change the movement.  I can then go through the process again to fine tune the movement. 

With practice, Observe, Listen, Guide happens quite quickly, but it still slows down the nervous system and brings the bubble of timelessness.  This practice is for Nia teachers when we learn Nia routines, when we take other people’s classes, and in our own classes.  It’s also a practice students can do.

A teacher with a relaxed nervous system brings grounding to the class and co-creates a peaceful and spacious environment in which everyone’s nervous system can relax, learn, sense, move and heal, especially when the class is in high gear.

On a personal level, this slow-motion learning has brought to my relationship with my mental realm a sweet, healing balm.  (See post, The Art of Intimate Listening). 

I feel the sensation of my nervous system slowing down.  I discover there is time and space to sense, be curious and learn my body’s way.  There is no rush; slower is OK.  My mental realm, instead of perfectionism, now brings patience, curiosity, sensitivity to timing and to the moment.   My emotional realm brings relief, wonder, grief.  My physical realm brings relaxation and settling. 

I discover the bubble of timelessness is not just an idea, but a real place inside my body where I can go to co-create and to live.