The Art of Listening

For the last few months my mantra has been "Listen". Practicing the art of listening in nature is magical. Birds, trees, bugs, neighbours, my own breath...there's so much to listen to! And then of course there is listening to others, my partner, students, friends, my little dog Roxy, my body, my intuition...

Listening is simplex. Its simple in the way that there is only one instruction, one focus...listen. Its complex because there seems to be many many distractions that can get in the way of really listening. My body sometimes wants to fidget and my mind tracks other stories of past or future possibilities.

To help in my practice of listening, I have been using Nia's RAW state of being as a way to drop into a deeper relationship with listening.

TRY IT!

Relaxed refers to the body, either standing or sitting, with an upright spine. Your chakra centers are aligned and open. Relaxed is marked by an absence of tension in your body.

Alert refers to the mind and means that while your body is relaxed, your mind is not sleepy. Instead, your mind is alert--not preoccupied with thoughts or opinions, but simply curious about the different sounds and spaces of silence that come and go.

Waiting refers to the attitude of your spirit. You are waiting in wonderment, open and curious to whatever arises in the music, rather than passing judgments such as "this isn't good," or "I can't dance to this." Waiting is a spiritual attitude of complete acceptance and open-mindedness. It keeps you centered and focused on allowing sounds to come, instead of seeking, thinking and judging.

(From Nia Newsletter)

Listening is key to any human relationship, and it is certainly a key to deepening into your relationship with music and the dance.

Here's a link to listen to Nia music online...for FREE! Use this link to continue dancing through the summer, and to practice the Art of Listening.

I also use the music of Andre Nobels quite often in class. His music is an instant "Heart Lock-in" and his smooth voice is so fun to ride with movement.

Enjoy!

Exercise: RAW

Sometime today or tonight, put on any piece of music and practice RAW. Sit upright, relax your body, keep your mind alert...and now wait. Wait for the magic to begin. You will be amazed at how you feel after you listen wholly, giving your complete attention to your music-muse.

Embodied Prayer

I am Sacred. My body is sacred. My dance is sacred.

The definition of sacred : devoted to or dedicated exclusively to a single use, person, or purpose.

It's not about any specific religious belief or practice.

My body is just for me, it is my person, therefore it is sacred.

This is the basis of Nia's new Principle #11 Creating a Sacred Livelihood. Creating a Sacred Livelihood is about living into your purpose and into the unique way you exist in the world.

This concept has been very inspiring to me. It has come at a time when I am remembering why I dance, and why I love to share dance in community. It is my unique way of connecting to Self, Other, Community and the Divine.

At the end of the last Move Freely, Live Deeply workshop, Andre and I shared an embodied prayer with the group. The intention was to use our unique and sacred vessel of the body to "bring more life to" our journey of living into our brilliance. We started at the back of the studio, and together like a river moving with purpose, we danced towards the altar.

This week Andre and I were inspired to video the dance and share it with you. Clear some space, light a candle, or just take a few breaths. Ask yourself, "What is it that I am moving towards in order to live into my own unique brilliance?" and dance it! Try on the movements I suggest, and make them your own.

Listen to the message that pours into your heart. Open your wings and fly freely with passion and purpose. Honour the medicine that has brought you to this moment, and step with grace into the ever present NOW.