SUMMER ENDED WITH A BANG!
I’m back in school. Teaching that is. The bell rings, the halls fill with kids, the bell rings again and my room at Brookland Middle School is filled with teenage bodies of energy. As always, it is lively to say the least. In my new school, I am working with inner city kids, inner city resources; inner city culture. I can safely say, this is my biggest teaching challenge so far. I thought becoming a Personal Trainer and Nia Instructor was a big career change, but becoming an inner city middle school teacher has taken the cake. I really love it! There is more for me to learn at this school than any other. And…middle schoolers are middle schoolers – it’s true; WELCOME TO THE HORMONE YEARS. Sixth graders; still children, eighth graders; too cool for school, and the seventh graders; middle children not sure where they fit in. I feel at home with all the chaos. This atmosphere has always suited my temperament. This is a photograph of me and my seventh grade. They are not shy as you can see.
IN MY NEW ITERATION OF TEACHER I SEE THAT ONE THING REMAINS CONSTANT, NO MATTER THE GRADE, NO MATTER THE SETTING; KIDS LOVE TO MOVE.
Every day I am witness to the effect that movement has on these young people. After a 15 minute session of dancing, breathing deeply, posing or stretching, the energy in my classroom is calmer, more focused (albeit for about 30 seconds); the effect is palpable. They ask to dance and for yoga as they come through the door. I feel rich with possibility for my students. We are fortunate that the administration at Brookland sees the importance in having a strong performing arts program. There is so much creativity to tap into; so much movement to do. Rumble…Dance…Create …Move…
NOT UNLIKE THE KIDS, MY ADULT NIA STUDENTS TELL ME THAT NIA CLASS HAS A PROFOUND EFFECT ON THEM.
Their bodies feel the great benefit when they attend and conversely really crave it when they have to miss class. Working with such different populations allows me to see what movement does for a body at different stages of life. There is no question; dancing or movement practices improve the mental and physical well being of a person. Connecting the mind and body promotes health and healing. It can improve self-esteem and definitely reduces stress.
SO, IT’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME, FOOTBALL SEASON, THE START OF THE HOLIDAYS, AND CHANGE OF WEATHER TIME; THERE IS A LOT GOING ON.
The idea of reducing stress is very attractive. More accurately, I think that managing stress is the way to go. There will always be a lot going on for some of us and there will always a need to manage it. Here are a few suggestions of ways everyone can create less stress: Smile often, get some regular sleep, listen to music you like, wear clothes that make you feel sexy, do your “To Do” list, pay off a debt, write a note to a friend and snail mail it, hug yourself and breathe deeply, hang out and laugh with a friend, dance barefoot, eat some chocolate, daydream about yourself in luxury, buy yourself something, make plans and do them, make no plans and do nothing in particular…
IF YOU LIKE TO MOVE TO DE-STRESS,
NIA DANCING OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND AROUND TOWN .
The Mindfulness Center is open for business in Bethesda with Nia classes and many other mind-body-spirit classes, workshops, and individual session offerings. It is a beautiful, warm, feel good space, located in the heart of vibrant Bethesda . It is perched on the second floor among the trees at The Shoppes of Bethesda and has a fabulous sound system, great chi, a microphone that works, and hundreds of restaurants and shops within a few blocks. Special pricing is available for those of you who want to try the different offerings; a flight of 3 different classes for $30. Nia classes for educators are free for a limited time.
Nia at The Mindfulness Center
- Tuesdays | 5:30 pm
- Wednesdays | 7 pm
FREE Nia at Lucy in Bethesda
- Friday Oct 2 | 6-7:15pm – OUTSIDE!
Nia at Hot Yoga
- Tuesdays | 10:15 am
- Thursdays | 10:15 am
And…
The White Belt Intensive and Playshops at The Mindfulness Center
Feelin’ Good- Playshop | October 18 | 12-2pm (more information to come)
Floor Play – Playshop | November 22 | 12-2pm (more information to come)
WHITE BELT INTENSIVE: December 4-10 announce
HERE’S TO DANCING THROUGH LIFE…
Suzannah