Taking Your A$$ to Nia Class Even When You Just Don’t Fracking Feel Like It
I was once the type of person who stringently stuck to a schedule with military-like rigour.
In those days nothing could keep me from my routine. If something happened to get in the way, I panicked. I was lost without the comfort and predictability that came along with a fixed schedule.
Ultimately, that degree of rigidity didn’t serve me, and I learned to give in to some variability in my strict timetable. What I learned to develop instead were habits.
It was only by swimming in that pool of unyielding inflexibility that I realized how great it is to have habits – things that I do, not just for the sake of doing them, but because I want to get better at them. Having a practice is what helped me transition from “must do” to “want to do“. And that’s because the boatload of benefits makes me desire more! The rewards of being in my body (while also spending time with my mind, emotions and spirit) are limitless!
Here are some simple ideas that may help you get your a$$ to Nia class even when you just don’t fracking feel like it. Maybe, like me, you’ll develop a habit that keeps you hungry for more!
1. Know that you are welcome no matter what.
You can bring yourself, all of yourself, in any way that you want. You will be accepted, you will be appreciated. I promise. Being *truly* you is what Nia is all about!
You’re tired? Make your movements smaller, closer to your body.
Emotions close to the surface? Move into the emotion to keep your life force flowing!
Healing an injury? Move to stimulate your joints and support healing. You have the power to self-heal, and Nia supports that!
2. Know that you will smile (maybe even laugh) and that your body will be grateful.
How do I know that? Because at Nia, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We seek pleasure in our bodies and choose joy in our movements. We experiment and play and *tweak* not only our movements but also our mindset to consciously invite joy to be part of the dance!
One student told me that Nia makes her “feel positive and energized, both during the class and afterward“.
A student who earned her Nia White Belt said that because of Nia “I feel vibrant, energetic and frankly better than I have ever felt in my body. My posture has improved, no more aches and pains, my neck and shoulders aren’t stiff anymore and I feel youthful.“
3. Know that Nia is a safe place to be perfectly imperfect and have fun!
Nia is *never* abo
ut “getting it right”. No one is on stage (although sometimes pretending we are can boost my confidence!) and no one is judging.
Nia is *always* about the Pleasure Principle; if it feels good, keep doing it; if it hurts, stop!
Nia offers only gain and the potential to dissolve pain.
If you’re a visual learner and enjoy looking at flowcharts, here’s a handy reference about habit-making you might enjoy.
(This blog post was inspired by this article)