The 5 Stages of Self Healing

There are 5 distinct stages that we move through physically as we grow from infant to adult. These are known as the 5 stages of development. Each stage is important for proper growth and development of our brains and bodies; strengthening our muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. Since these stages are so vital to us as we are growing, it follows that they remain important to us in our adult lives to keep our bodies strong, flexible and functionally fit. How often do we get down onto the floor as adults? We should do this everyday. When we intentionally move our bodies through these stages we are moving through the 5 Stages of Self Healing. They are called Embryonic, Creeping, Crawling, Standing and Walking, and each one is the foundation for the next. That means that when you first begin to do this exercise you may not choose to move through every stage. Remember that in Nia all movement should feel pleasurable and comfortable. If one stage feels uncomfortable go back to the stage before it. Trust that in your own time you will be able to move through all 5 stages.

In the first stage we are on our backs with arms and legs moving freely. Allow your body to find comfortable movement that feels good. Explore moving in this way by rolling or floating your body from one side to the other, arms and legs coiling and uncoiling. This movement is fluid and soft. You feel nurtured, supported and safe. Aware of physical sensation, think no edges, no separation, no up and no down. Let your beginners mind be your guide.

Rolling onto your belly you can now move on the earth by dragging your pelvis along the ground. You can slide along on the bare floor or you may prefer to lie on a soft blanket and slip along the floor on that. Use the strength of your arms and hands to pull yourself and the strength of your feet and legs to push yourself along the floor. Use your eyes to look ahead and see where you are going. This stage mobilizes all the joints, particularly the hip joint and cervical vertebrae. Consciously explore moving in this way.

Coming up onto all fours there is now much more freedom to move. You may prefer to crawl along a mat for this stage or even use knee pads. Allow your belly to hang gently and soften your wrists and elbows as you crawl. Move the opposite arm and leg, using a cross crawl motion. Drag the knee or lift it slightly like a baby. The front of your body is now free to experience your environment and this triggers the nervous system so that you interact with the world both inside and outside of yourself.

Although this stage is called standing it is actually like squatting. If this feels tight or intense, create subtle movements by shifting your body weight from side to side; lift one heel or both heels; rest the forearms on the thighs; use the hands for support on the floor. This is one of the most challenging stages for many people. Go slow, be easy on yourself, and breathe deeply. Standing is the moment where you get to sink into well-oiled hip joints and open knees. It moves the spine into vertical alignment. Look up and reach out into life.

In the final stage use your legs to push up into standing so that your body becomes fully extended, upright and mobile. Let your arms hang. Your head is balanced above your chest, and your chest is balanced above your pelvis in a natural and fluid way. Sense your vertical alignment. Walking is a balancing act. Let your feet move you as you sense your mobile and stable foundation. You are free now to act in the world, be who you are and dance through life!