The Joy of Movement
The Joy of Movement is the thread that runs through of of Nia. The Joy of movement is a SENSATION. Sensation is how our bodies speak to us. For example, when I am hungry, I get the sensation of hunger, when I scrape my knee, I get the sensation of pain, and in Nia, I often get the sensation of Joy (that is if I choose Joy). Joy is always available to sense in my body and in yours. The trick is, YOU have to choose Joy. If Joy is missing, tweak your movement so that Joy becomes present again.
It is quite amazing how a Nia class can change depending if Joy is present. If I have Joy in my body, I do not look at the clock, if I do not choose Joy, time seems to go by very s l o w l y. Luckily, I through awareness, I have developed the knack of inviting the sensation of Joy into my body.
What I love about Nia and The Joy of Movement is it’s application to life outside of Nia. I am a Belted Teacher of Nia, but I will always be a student of Nia learning from various principles daily. I invite you to take the sensation of Joy into the rest of your life. Maybe when you are waiting in line, choose Joy. Choose Joy when you are walking about, in conversation, and even working and see the difference it makes in your experience. Notice what this may do to certain occurrences in your life that may be ‘boring’ or you do not want to do…It may just make some mundane activities much more enJOYable! I would love to hear what choosing Joy does for you….
You’ve been busy!!! I love it!! The Joy of Movement is probably my most favoritist principle!!! And ;you are so very right about applying this principle to life outside of Nia, too. Joy is a choice just as you say…it’s such a honor and privilege to teach a dance exercise that embodies such a choice. So many people throughout the day walk about grumbling about this or that…and don’t get me wrong…there IS lots about which to grumble!!! And there’s also an abundance of joy to choose to alter that grumbling into something more positive. If I choose joy, and pass it on, someone else will choose joy and pass it on, and so it goes!!! Joy to the World!!! Thanks for stepping up to the plate and offering yourself to the world…I’m grateful to be a part of it!
Thanks for the great reminder about CHOOSING joy in each moment. I could choose it right now, sitting here typing
I’m teaching Nia in Kingston, Ontario, and searched wordpress for some other Nia peeps. Hope you are still dancing!