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

A member of the Nia community has asked, “You already have a Brown Belt and you’re now doing White. Would you explain how that works?”

Two years ago, when I was auditing two days of Sarah’s Blue Belt training in Portland, Carlos asked that I consider repeating my White and Blue Belts before continuing on to Black Belt.  My body said, "Yes."  That is the somatic answer, the Nia way to sense and respond.  The objective answer is that as Nia teachers we are encouraged to audit sections of previous belts and to repeat entire trainings, especially the White Belt since it is the foundation of all the belt levels.  

The purpose for me in choosing to repeat my White Belt this week has been:  First, to integrate and embody the material more fully into my present state of being (I took my first White Belt nine years ago); To be in the presence of and to receive transmission from the Nia founders; Since Nia is an organic, living system I want to experience the sensation of how Debbie and Carlos are articulating the practice of Nia now; I want to review the material, and catch up on and receive inspiration and guidance for the practices I have not yet fully embodied; And to be available for what Nia wants me to put my attention on so that I am fully prepared to take my practice to the next level at Black Belt.  I know from being in the Karate dojo that there is a great deal of precision and training asked of the student in the process of moving from Brown to Black Belt; it is developmental leap in the practice and in the individual.

I was successful in all these.  

In addition, I received:  Touching the beauty of the Mystery; Friendship; Love; Healing; The opportunity to step up and be of service; And the light of the attention of my teachers shining on me, changing me, watering the flower of my being and inviting me to continue blossoming and opening to the path.