Heel pain? Dance barefoot!

Why would I ever want to take off my shoes? Before I started Nia, I guffawed at the idea of shoe-less fitness. In fact, after my first Nia class (with the fabulous Martha Randall), when she asked for feedback, I distinctly remember my (admittedly) stuck up reply. “It just seems strange to work out without…

Read More

My experience of grieving… so far

How am I supposed to be able to describe what feels like a dream and make you understand that it is real? At the best of times I have difficulty really expressing my feelings. Now I am describing them when I’m not only in the midst of a depression, but also while I’m grieving. My…

Read More

Reflections on my mood

It’s been some time since I’ve written about my mood. I guess that’s mostly because it’s been fairly stable for awhile. Up even, at times.   For the last several weeks* I’ve felt dread deep in the pit of my stomach. It’s a black, empty, never-ending universe of nothingness. It affects my ability to smile.…

Read More

Thich Nhat Hanh August 16, 2013

I had the unique privilege of seeing Thich Nhat Hanh (Zen Buddhist Monk) talk in Toronto on August 16, 2013.  My good friend, Paula Pyne of Uplift Consulting, gifted me with this experience (she wrote a gorgeous account of her experience here). I summarized my learning from Thich Nhat Hanh via the infographic below. While…

Read More

How I Create a Perfect Workout Playlist

My Nia playlists are created using the 7 cycles of Nia.   Following these cycles creates a magical workout experience! We use these 7 cycles in a Nia class to create a dynamic fitness experience that has a clear beginning, middle and end. You can do the same when you create your own workout playlist! …

Read More

Nia at PrideTO 2013

It was my unique pleasure to share the stage with Barb Ades and Martha Randall as we taught Nia to a crowd of very enthusiastic dancers a couple of weeks back at PrideTO! We created some sweet magic! See for yourself… Nia at Pride 2013 from jennifer hicks on Vimeo.

Read More

Grail Lady Faire June 24-June 28, 2013

I had a marvelous time sharing Nia last week at Grail Lady Faire, a very special annual event held at Grail Springs Spa in Bancroft, Ontario. This was my third year at this delightful women’s festival which always gives me the time and space to turn inwards and listen to my soul. On the drive…

Read More

Jill Hewlett's Women's Wellness Circle

Last night, on the summer solstice, I had the pleasure of leading a lovely group of women in a Nia class on the beach at Ashbridges Bay. Jill Hewlett hosts monthly Women’s Wellness Circles in Toronto, and this month, I was fortunate to be able to present my passion, Nia.  (Learn more about Jill’s Women’s…

Read More