So last night's focus in Nia class was "Dancing with Myself." As I set our intention, I reminded everyone that at the very heart of Nia is every body's own unique expression. Even though there is choreography, there is a standing invitation for creativity and variation in order for each person to connect to their own body's sensation and seek their own joy of movement.
As we danced last night we played with the form and the freedom of the routine. We checked in with our own joints, let our upper bodies fly solo as our steps and stances moved together in unity. During the FreeDance, Billy Idol made his appearance and we all bopped, spun, shimmied, sweat, and swirled around the room. As we cooled down, we each "gathered" the heat we created and formed and played with an imaginary "chi" ball, visualizing the light and the warmth it radiated as we floated it though our own fluid dance to bring our bodies, minds, and spirits closer to calm.
As I carry myself through this week, I am reminded that at it's very core, life is a dance with one's self. Even though most of us define ourselves by our relationships with "other" roles and people and emotions, these relationships at their essence are shaped by our relationship with our authentic selves. So connect with that part of you today. Plug in and be still with it. Or if you really want to have fun, dance with it!
