"There is the Natural Time of the Mayans with the 13 moons to a year and there is the Natural Time of one’s body and one’s own movements. In a Nia workout class even as the teacher is leading the participants through a routine, the participants are encouraged to follow their own natural time....So even though [teacher and participants] are moving all together [they] are doing it in [their] own time....Moving in natural time helps us connect deeply with our own bodies."
Thus, a sense of individuality and self-knowledge is achieved in the midst of a deep connectedness with others. And, no one is forced to move in ways unnatural to her body, yet she is encouraged to explore the expansiveness of movement and may be inspired by the movements of her fellow classmates and teacher. This is something I have loved about Nia since I began dancing about two years ago. Furthermore, Pruitt explains,
"Nia also considers 13/20 to be the code of Natural Time. There are 13 major joints and 20 digits of the body. Body movements moving all 13 joints and 20 digits is a way to receive information from the body."
As my Nia instructor, Caroline Dyar, explained this concept, I began thinking about how I could fashion a jewelry collection around 13/20. Perhaps I could have 13 stones known for their healing properties (as many people experience joint pain no matter how active they are) paired with 20 stones known for their stimulating properties (to encourage a kinesthetic, material connection with one's environment). I am now thinking of and researching materials and sketching designs that will enable me to craft a collection devoted to the concept of Natural Time. I'm looking forward to posting more about his endeavor soon!
See this interesting article for more information on the Mayans and Natural Time: http://www.mayanmajix.com/art190i.html
Natural time is a great concept to utilize outside of Nia Class too. In the busy world we live in and having responsibilities (jobs, kids, husbands, pets, etc.) it is a challenge, but there are many things that we can apply it to.
ReplyDeleteWith 13/20 there are many things you could do jewelery-wise. Since the 13 is the "main joints" and the 20 is the digits, I first thought of a necklace with 13 "somethings" (knots, beads, stones, crystals, pearls) with 20 "somethings" hanging down between the 13. I picture ten short (fingers) and ten long (toes) or fingers high and toes low. Oh my . . . I am NOT a jewelry designer, but obviously Nia sparks my imagination. Thank you for visiting my blog. Thank you for commenting on my post and letting me know that you quoted portions of it.
Thanks for your suggestions and insight, Terre! I like the idea of knots. I just bought some thread and am looking forward to using it in designs (I usually use beading wire). I also have some cool pieces of shell that resemble fingers... Thanks so much for your input!
ReplyDeleteI love that you're using a form of dance as inspiration of your jewelry. This reminds me a little of a practice called "authentic movement" that we do at an art studio that I go to in Nashville: Art & Soul (www.eartandsoul.com if you're interested ... maybe something else on the website will inspire you)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment and the link. "Authentic Movement" looks like a wonderful and meaning-full practice.
ReplyDeleteArt is my first love, and it's ability to move me still amazes me. I go to my local museum, the Ackland, and see new exhibits often--I always leave feeling exhilarated.
I also work a museum visit into the curriculum of my English 101 and 102 courses to inspire an appreciation for the arts in my young adult students. In more than one case, the museum visit in my class is a student's first visit to an art museum.
Furthermore, I guess jewelry making is a way that I'm reconnecting with that part of my self.
See the first bracelet in the series here: http://bohemianearth.blogspot.com/2011/07/iridescence-1320-collection-bracelet-1.html
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