This is the third blog in a series on Nia as a lifestyle practice, where I’m sharing my own experience as well as tips on how to enhance your Dance Through Life. 

The Art of Listening is part of Nia White Belt Principle 3, Music and the 8BC System.  This principle elevates the appreciation and understanding of music as part of our dance, and in my experience makes the dance possible.  It teaches us to dance with the music rather than to it.

This begins with the Art of Listening, which is practice in a state called RAW – Relaxed, Alert, Waiting.  Relaxed in body, Alert in Mind, and Waiting in spirit. It creates a powerful and intimate relationship with music, and with people as well.  When was the last time you simply and wholly listened to someone you loved with no agenda, no inner dialogue, and an intention to simply understand?  Learning how to create this relationship with music was a great foundation for me to create with others as well. 

In Nia, we say the foundation of relationship begins with listening.  When I am in the state of RAW, everything slows down. Opinions fade to the background, and thoughts cease. So much attention is on listening that there is little left for anything else. It is a state of internal silence, which allows me to hear something new. I have discovered, for instance that I really don’t know my husband because I always know what he is going to say which never leaves possibility for me to hear something new.  By developing my skill in listening to music, I have developed it in listening to him as well, allowing our relationship to deepen and grow. And I never thought I was the one who was an obstacle to our growth!

One of the many gifts Nia has given me in life outside the studio, The Art of Listening has contributed most to my relationships – to music, to students, to family, and friends.  Here are some ways you can develop your Art of Listening by practicing in RAW: