An Open Stance - Transformation

Day 2 of 52: Open Stance - Practicing Open Stance improves hip-joint strength and flexibility for increased comfort in moving. Stand in place with your feet parallel hip width apart and your toes pointed directly forward. Keep your knees flexible or spring-loaded which helps with balance. Imagine that you are standing on two separate railroad tracks.

I have found that most student new to Nia have far too wide of a Open Stance. To find what is "hip width" apart, take the heel of your right foot and place it next to the arch of your left foot. Pivot your right heel out without lifting your foot. THAT is hip width apart. The measurement is from the hip JOINT, not the outer flesh of the hip.

When I am practicing Open Stance, I have a greater sense of range of motion of my hips and upper extremities than when I'm in Closed Stance. The sensations I am aware of in Open Stance are Flexibility, Mobility, Strength and Stability.

Meditation: The mind and heart could use some practice with an open stance. As humans our definitions construct our perceptions -- we tend to put things (and people) in boxes. It's this way and no other -- most often it's "my way or no other". By re-constructing our perceptions -- letting go of attitudes and behaviors that no longer serve us -- we transform our reality. If you don't like what you see, change the way you see it -- not with your physical eyes, but through your mind and heart.