Habits are developed over time in the way we move our bodies. A lean to the right, shoulders up, puffed or sunken chest…physical reactions to life’s challenges. As the body gets into a habit of holding these patterns, we stiffen up physically and metaphorically end up reacting in the same fashion to life’s events even when situations are different. It takes physical awareness to notice what is happening and what leads to a body no longer in alignment. Holding the body outside of its natural design can lead to aches, pains, and chronic pain.
Somatic movement practices are about noticing and developing awareness so that you can then help the body to gently shift back to its natural design and alignment. The Nia practice allows this. Walking into class, students arrive with their own needs (wanting to relax, open the body from too much contraction, release tightness, etc), and by the end of class they walk out with greater alignment, relaxation and energy. At the end of last Sunday’s class, I asked students what they sensed after their Nia workout and this is what they said: calm, relaxed, blissful, ecstatic, and energized. Imagine being in this state on a regular basis. That is the Body’s Way.
Thanks for the post Jas, it’s very timely. I hold tension in my body regularly, it’s a good reminder to let go of it all. Strange how easy it is to tense up without realizing it. When did relaxing become a conscious effort, instead of a natural way of being?
Living a busy life, repetitive movements, and noise (of all sorts) can easily lead to tension in our body. Many of us get so used to carrying it in us that we think it is normal. As I mention, a regular somatic movement practice makes a lot of difference. Also, it is good to be aware of when the tension builds up. There may be external things or mental thoughts which can be changed to create deep comfort more often. Thanks for your comment!