I’m a firm believer in stepping out of our comfort zones and doing something new. That being said I struggle with this action. I have a variety of activities that keep me moving and in flow, some things are easy to try for the first time as they still fall within my comfort zone. New courses and new nutrition programs are examples. Yet things that put me out there away from the comfort from my home are real challenges. Running met so many of my needs, physical, mental, and health. The added bonus I could do it from home. Eventually I even stretched myself to compete. The stress fracture of my fibula, threw me off my game. I retreated into what was comfortable and safe. I gave myself the space to heal, but I also stopped the other activities that kept me moving; yoga, stretching, even meditation. Obviously I couldn’t run or hike, but I gave up the time in the trees, even just sitting and connecting. So now the air boots off, I’m working to full capacity, and hiking with the dogs. Still there’s something missing, the feel running gives me, mentally and physically. I promised I wouldn’t start training/running until after New Years to give the break lots of time to strengthen, but I needed something. I could feel my mental health and body image suffering. See running helps me to love my body. Nothing works for me like a good run to see my body with loving eyes and a sense of pride and accomplishment. Intellectually I know this is an illusion but the feeling in my heart and soul is what I crave. So I started looking for options, what else, Can I do that feeds my soul and moves my body? Enter Nia. “Nia stands for " neuromuscular integrative action" or I prefer the Swalhili "with purpose." It is a movement practice that focuses on moving with purpose by utilizing 3 movement arts ( the dance arts, the healing arts and the martial arts) and 9 movement styles to create unique routines. All routines start with a warm up cycle, then gradually build heat while focusing on strength and cardio then end in a cool down cycle.” Deborah Armstrong Last night I had my first class in what I feel will be a lifetime practice. Several things came up for me as I began this new leg of my journey. First just getting out of the house was a big win. I love my home, I’m busy and have so much to do there that leaving is always a challenge. Nia has been on my radar for almost a year. Last night I struggled, I was tired, I had a been up since 4 am and out on an Elk hunt with my friend. Yet I have learned to listen to the intuitive nudged and my soul was telling me to attend. So I packed myself off to Quesnel (30 mins away) without supper as I hadn’t given myself enough time. I worked hard to keep an open mind about doing something so different in-front of people I didn’t know. My negative self-
talk was deafening, I don’t dance, I’m not a fan of group workouts, I’m tone deaf and can’t follow a beat, I’m out of shape and not happy with my body. As I said the list was long and loud. So I used my tools, reframed the litany to positives; meeting new people is fun and expansive, I don’t have to follow the beat I can follow the instructor, the whole point is to get in shape so I can improve my mental relationship with my body. It was tough but then I remembered, so am I. Some really interesting ahha moments that came out of the class; my coordination needs work, so does my balance, however this looks to be a great way to develop both. I love the movement- meditative flow of the class. I loved getting down on the floor and flowing around from stretch to stretch. Best of all it’s going to help me build myself back up so come the new year, I can start running again. Nia is fun challenging to both mind and body. I know I can improve and feel that this is a great way to exercise and connect my mind body and soul. I highly recommend attending a class in your area. If you’re local Nia Quesnel is amazing. I’d be open to carpooling for those in Hixon as well.
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