Awakening “First Time” Mindsets of A New Feminine Spirit, With Debbie Rosas.

The “first time,” or beginning of anything new is rooted in awakening. Sometimes the awakening is physical, like the first kiss. Other awakenings might come as a mental “Aha!” or as an emotional pull, even a spiritual blast. No matter what form it takes, the first time of anything can never be duplicated. It happens only once and no matter how many times we might want to revisit the same experience, it is never the same. There is one first and it may not always be the best, but it is always the seed from which everything blossoms and grows.

I have developed a practice of approaching everything as a “first-time” experience, which has its roots in the Martial Art of Aikido that teaches me how to approach everything in my life with a fresh open view, a sincere beginner mind, and a willing open heart, to learn more every single day.

Aikido, often referred to as the “Art of Peace,” illuminates the balance between my yang’s forceful power and my yin’s yielding softness. Unlike Martial Arts which may focus on domination, Aikido emphasizes harmony — blending with an opponent’s energy to neutralize conflict. In the practice of Aikido, two roles named “Uke” and “Nage” are integral to understanding energy dynamics which are all around Me, We, and Us each and every day. Uke initiates the energy (yang), and Nage receives and redirects it (yin). This is important.

These roles daily teach me about the dance between giving and receiving energy. Not as opposing energy forces, but as complementary energy forces. Knowing what role I choose to play, either as a leader or as a follower, makes all the difference in every new “first time” experience.

Practicing the role of Uke, I learn to embody yang energy — direct, outward, and intentional —extension of life force in a purposeful direction. Yet, this role requires more than action; it demands presence, awareness, and adaptability to sustain the flow of energy throughout the interaction. Practicing the role of Nage, I learn to embody yin energy — receptive, inward, and fluid — redirecting incoming force without resistance. I know life isn’t about meeting force with force; rather it is finding a way to harmonize with external energy toward balance.

The interplay of yin and yang energy mirrors the rhythms of life. The breath’s inhale and exhale; the ocean’s ebb and flow; the heart’s contraction and expansion. It requires navigating continuous cycles with balance between action and stillness; expansion and contraction; giving and receiving.

Aikido teaches me what it means to “step into the dojo and onto the mat.” I train myself to enter each day as if stepping into the dojo of my life — a sacred place where the dance of yin and yang energies unfolds. I approach each moment as an opportunity to practice balance, harmony, and connection. My home becomes my dojo; the mat beneath my feet symbolizing ground for practicing life as both a physical and energetic being with yang and yin through understanding that these two energies are not merely masculine and feminine forces.

Together, Yang and Yin represent the dynamic flow of life force that transcends any gender definition. The mastery of their balance lies not in relying solely on forceful or yielding powers, but within a flow between the two by knowing when to step into action and when to stand and wait.

How Me, We, Us Can Awaken and Balance Yin and Yang Energies in 2025:

1. Enter each day with a beginner’s mind. Approach tasks, interactions, and even routine activities as if they were happening for the first time. This mindset activates curiosity, heightens awareness, and keeps your body and brain engaged.
   
2. Awaken to the idea that every space you inhabit is your dojo — your sacred space for learning and growing. Whether at home, at work, or at play; treat each space as an opportunity to practice balance, mindfulness, and grace.
   
3. Slow down, center yourself, and become receptive. Yin energy is the inward pull of life force, expressed through introspection, patience, and adaptability. Physically, it manifests as yielding, with soft movements that absorb and redirect force.
   
4. Step forward with courage, decisiveness, and intention. Yang energy propels us outward toward goals, manifesting as assertive actions and bold movements. Mastery comes from embodying these twin energies, knowing when to engage forcefully.

Through over 40 years of experience, I have come to understand that embodiment is an existential condition and that our bodies are the subjective source of our experiences. The practice of embodiment calls Me, We, and Us to listen deeply, to awaken to the subtle signals beneath our skin, and to engage with life in a meaningful and purposeful way. For me, this study of body and life enriches and sustains me daily, through Nia Movement Arts.

Enjoy Your Free Nia “Dance Break,”

From Nia On Demand Here:

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