Do Ya FEEL Me?

Shared Nia last night. Pissed off, frustrated, tired and grieving. My dance.

Full of Joy!

Rich, totally sensual, silent, loaded with emotion and the sensation of Joy.

I am emotional. In public. On a regular basis. I am open. Feeling feeds my dance. Feeling feeds my life.

Does that scare you?

Students tell me that they are drawn to my class because they can see how much I love what I do. Others tell me they feel  me (my energy) and come for that. I am also drawn to teachers (and people) who are expressive, and who do their best to be emotionally honest and authentic.

As Nia teachers we bring our experience from which to dance and share. Our experience. My experience. If you described some life event you have been going through, I could probably dance it. But it would be hollow compared to what you would express.

For our last class on Tuesday we covered Psychiatry, the study of the mind. We all know that. Before we began to discuss the vocabulary of psychiatry and the numerous disorders and therapeutic modalities, my lovely teacher shared this:

It is as important to be conscious of our mental health as of our physical health and when we need help - GET IT!

Cindy went on to share what she has noticed in her 30 years as a clincian, floor director and teacher. There is a distinct connection between the state of our physical health and the state of our mental health. When we are physically unwell, we are not "ourselves". When we are in pain, for example, we may express anger, frustration and distress. If that pain is experienced over a long period of time, this can take a toll on relationships.

Inversely, when we are not at peace, not on the right path and under stress, our physical health may suffer. This suffering may take the form of ulcers, headaches, general malaise or more serious disease.

We tend to view emotional expression the way we view disease, as a sign of weakness rather than as a guide, present to teach us something about ourselves or a natural response to life.

The Emotional Competency Group expresses it beautifully:

"Many believe that living life to its fullest requires experiencing and enjoying the full range of human emotions. Yet so many of us are uncomfortable with emotions; we don’t  recognize what they are, what they are telling us, how they can be helpful, or the choices we have in how to respond to them. Many of us were taught to ignore, suppress, diminish, or deny our own subtle feelings and vivid passions."

We all have history and our own story. We have knee-jerk reactions in some instances and at others we feel comfortable taking more time to consider a reaction.

Take a little time for yourself and dance with each emotion. No bad, no good, they are all here for our use, but until we are comfortable in their company we won't use them. Bring one emotion out at a time, take a peek and invite it to dance. If it's an emotion that is uncomfortable, invite it for a very quiet dance for just a short period at first.

How does it feel to dance anger, or fear, or anxiety or grief? Don't get lost in it. Dance it, witness it, thank it for visiting and show it the door until next time you extend the invitation.