The Core – Pelvis, Chest, and Head
The Core, Pelvis Chest and head is one of my favorite principles to use as a focus. The number one reason being I get to really move my hips!! It also helps me to keep an even greater awareness on the delicate balance of aligning my pelvis, chest and head while moving my body.
In Nia, the Pelvis is described as a contaniner of energy, imagine your pelvis as a large mixing bowl, this large mixing bowl having the ability to host energy. Using your hips to swirl the energy throughout your body. The chest is described as the exchange of energy. Often you will hear myself, or fellow Nia teachers say ‘open your heart’. It is a way to express oneself and create movement in your upper body. Then there is the head. I love that Nia really incorporates the use of ones head. It allows for greater movement throughout the spine. Did you know the spine goes all the way to approximately between your eyes – so when you do move your head and neck, you are limiting your spine mobility. So….move your head!
While you move around during your day, or are in a Nia class, I invite you to become really aware of where your pelvis, chest and head are in space, just witness. No criticizing if it is not aligned, just take note and begin to move you body in YOUR body’s way, with an intent of creating better alignment through your core.
EnJOY!
I love that you’re hitting on the principles of Nia. Principle #8, The Core (Head Chest Pelvis) is one of my faves, too. Since I’ve been having some hip pain due to a recent injury, I’m MUCH more aware of the LACK of movement in my hips. Bummer. However! I have a breakthrough just recently and today in class this morning I was able to fully utilize both of my hips and it was HEAVEN!! One of the things that I like to do is a movement called “pulsing” the hips. The arms swing across the front of the body and the hips pulse front and back. In doing this movement, one can also nod the head “yes” which then activates the whole spine (you mention the spine goes all the way up to between the eyes). This is a great spinal movement and I appreciate you reminding me of the importance of awareness!!
I love this concept to become aware of my skeletal posture and to align for the flow of energy up and out and energy in for grounding myself.