Learning Harmonious Unions, Through The Nia Technique, With Debbie Rosas.

Nia Movement Arts draw from three practices, which are Martial Arts, Dance Arts, and Healing Arts. Each offers us a different way to sense and express. Each has its own unique energy, personality, and chemistry. Together they offer energy movement variety, which is endless. The myriad of ways to shift our body, mind, emotions, and spirit through personal ranges of motion, speed, and intensity, stimulates our imagination and creativity.

Nia students enjoy a unique opportunity to move systemically, while practicing elements from three specific movement forms in each of these three practices, which are together; Tai Chi, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Duncan, Jazz, Modern, Yoga, Alexander, and Feldenkreis. Rather than focusing on the entire spectrum of these movement forms; specific techniques from each provide an opportunity to focus and assimilate elements from all of them in one class.

Martial Arts have long been a source of wisdom and inspiration; offering lessons far beyond the physical practice of them. While each form offers its own unique gift, for me, the practice of Martial Arts — specifically the movement forms of Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, and Aikido — has vastly expanded my understanding of how to both direct and use my attention in a way that supports my body and life with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wisdom.

Tai Chi is sensed as moving in slow motion, while offering flow and centered balance. Tae Kwon Do, with its dynamic and agile movement form, demonstrates sharp focus and precision. But Aikido is sensed as harmonious and spherical, while unveiling the art of blending with energy to create movement that follows the path of least resistance. It is the integrated wisdom of Aikido, founded by Morihei Ueshiba, that resonates most deeply with me.

Aikido, rooted in the principles of Buddhism and Taoism, centers itself in the belief that there are no opponents. In Aikido, there is only the Uke (attacker) and the Tori (defender), whose role is to redirect the attack harmoniously, rendering an opponent harmless. This principle has become my personal prescription for every direction of my attention. Rather than resist, my chosen path is to harmonize conflict, move fluidly, and embrace a union of energy.

This practice extends into The Nia Technique, where Nia Faculty and Teachers integrate the wisdom of Martial Arts with Dance Arts and Healing arts. The rotational, flowing nature of Aikido has shaped my understanding of how to support others in sustaining their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It has taught me the value of directing attention as a tool for creating powerful and seamless movement, while living a life of harmony.

The best way to translate the essence of martial arts into daily life is through the poetic, “Voice of Attention.” This unique approach blends logic, intuition, and sensation, while anchoring knowledge and wisdom in places well beyond the reasoning mind. The Voice of Attention teaches us how to engage with our body, mind, emotions, and spirit for cultivating a life of balance, grace, and empowered energy to move along the path of least resistance.

1. Physical Attention:
   Attention offers infinite possibilities for mastering movement and living in our body. It speaks through our senses; hear, see, touch, and taste. Through attention, we mobilize life force energy and discover a seamless flow that supports our physical vitality.
   
2. Mental Attention:
   Attention transforms thinking into sensing. By integrating left-brain and right-brain attention, we create a balanced flow of energy. This guides us to harmonize structure and fluidity, offering clarity and focus expressed both in and out of our movement space.
   
3. Emotional Attention:
   Attention is fluid, textured, and colorful; manifesting as the energy of our aura. It is the force that shapes our internal landscape and influences our body’s natural pharmacy. Always respect and embrace this energy to enhance our emotional depth and resilience.
   
4. Spiritual Attention:
   Attention is the alchemy that blends our human form with our unique spirit. It invites us to take risks, explore the unknown, and connect deeply with our body and our soul. It is an invisible, yet powerful force that awaits our acknowledgment and engagement.

The principles of martial arts, particularly Aikido, have profoundly influenced both my development of The Nia Technique and my own personal Nia practice for my body and my life. They remind me to approach life with curiosity and to embrace harmony over conflict. So today, I invite everyone to spend time with attention. Let it guide our movement, our thoughts, and our interactions toward the seamless power that flows in harmony with Me, We Us.

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