We are tactile, sensory beings. Life on this amazing planet is sensory.

Sensation is a way that communication & information is received in the body, via stimulation. Sensation may be gross (dense, overt) or subtle (soft, almost imperceptible). Most of the energy/information, the stimulation that we’re aware of in our day to day lives is of a gross level. Is all this means is that it’s overtly perceptible. Traffic noise, TV/ radio, technology in general, people’s voices, activities, etc. This stimulates our nervous systems and when not balanced out with conscious quiet & stillness, creates a dullness in perception to the power of the subtle, as I call it.

We learn through yoga and meditation practices how to draw our energy, our awareness, into a more quiet center of our being. We come home to the subtle. This includes hearing our breath, seeing the color & glimmer of leaves of trees more acutely, being able to listen both inwardly to our inner voice, or to the songs of the birds flitting to & fro. Often times, we leave those subtly connected places, returning back into the realm of overt stimulation that takes us once again out of our center and energetically out of our body.

Nia Technique is based on the martial arts system of advancement. There are 5 belt training levels. The White, Blue, Brown, and First & Second Degree Black Belts. This gives a peek into the depth & girth of this holistic dance/movement & lifestyle practice.

The White Belt is rooted in The Art of Sensation. This is an on-going practice in which we deepen into an intimate relationship with sensing & feeling, within our body & being. We begin to attune to the voices of the physical body, as well as energy bodies.

Looking at this triangle, see at the base points the words: ‘Awareness’ at the left and ‘Sensation’ at the right. At the top, we add ‘Self-Healing.’ This is the skeleton outline of the Art of Sensation teaching. The more in touch, the more aware we are connected to the subtle sensations of both pleasure & discomfort, we are empowered to make moment to moment, day to day, choices for our wellness.

Awareness + Sensation = Wellbeing & Self-Healing.

I love how dancing with Nia teaches me to hone my Sensory IQ, to listen to my body & feel even subtle sensations while in motion. It lets me know if whatever move I’m actioning is good for me or not. The more awareness I have, the easier it is to tweak my choices earlier before greater discomfort, to bring balance & harmony through my entire system … And all of my life.

Art of Sensation guides me consistently through my day to day. It informs me of my energy level, whether my daily rhythm & flow is being adhered to, if the work I’m doing is causing me harm and what do I need to do to support myself. I then make choices to honor that information, which supports a level of sustained wellness.

When we’re in class, this is an intrinsic practice. When you listen to your body, to what it needs moment to moment, the relationship being created is one of sacred intimacy, trust, and empowerment. We get to practice being a part of the group energy of dancing together while simultaneously, taking self-responsibility to move at the level (1,2, or 3) which serves our highest good at that time. Our awareness is connected to the whole of experience, the macro, and also listening internally and choosing our own unique movement experience, the micro.

Like any mind-body-spirit practice, Nia is a practice. Developing deeper sensitivity to our own inner communication is a fascinating process that takes time and devotion. It takes practice to learn the moves, to connect to the music, to hear how your body-being expresses, and to embody the dance on & off the dance floor!

What I’ve found, is that while there are teachings, techniques, and sometimes it feels serious, that most important is to just feel enlivened & free coming home to this amazing vessel that can deliver us into play & joy! All of these qualities have sensations … next time you dance, listen to them express through you!

In-Love & In-Joy,

Lotus