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THE ISSUE: AT HAND

In honor of quitting biting my nails (and Nia’s 9th principle), September features the Issue at Hand Newsletter.  I have always been handy.  I can fix stuff, build things, un-tangle knots, paint, cook, flip someone off, you know, all the things that require handiness.  Since entering the fitness world, my hands have become a really important piece of exercise equipment.

By holding weights to push and pull, my hands have enabled me to create the rest of my fit body.  They’ve played a key part in my yoga training; supporting my Downward Facing Dog, handstand and plank poses and centering my energy at my heart. In Nia, my fingers, hands and arms help me demonstrate and lead my classes.  Personally, my hands complement my sense of humor by assisting me in creating good physical comedy.

This month, I encourage you to become more aware of what your fingers, hands, and arms are doing.  See if you can Dance Through Life with a little more pleasure by tuning in to your upper extremities. Read More→

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. Read More→

The concept of Re-Focusing caught my attention on the Weight Watcher’s website.   I not only do that every day, but often ignore my intent.  I have decided that I liked being 10lbs lighter than I am now. I like being leaner, stronger and lighter.  All those things add up to needing to shed 10 lbs.  I’ve been at it since January. Total weight loss=0.

I know from experience that I will be able to achieve my weight goal if I follow the PLAN!!! (I am saying that through gritted teeth.) It is a huge challenge to always be on duty and the results when you fall off the Plan can be such a big deal.  For people with weight issues (what, like almost everyone), falling off plan and gaining a pound or two  or, skipping exercise for a day, or giving into a temptation comes with a head full of self criticism, worry, fear, sorrow, and defeat.  If a few pounds were simply just a few pounds, life would be so much lighter in general.

When I had success on Weight Watchers before (to the tune of 40lbs), I was a Model Weight Watchers Member.  I focused and did not deviate from the plan at all.  I was super determined.  I only had to worry about myself.  I didn’t let anything chip away at my determination to lose. I was patient, well planned, and persistent. I went to meetings, drank a lot of water, learned how to cook for success, went public with my goals, and exercised a lot. I did really well.  Like I said, I was a model member. Now, I carry around the thought that I did it before so it should be easy to repeat.  Easy because, I have only a 10lb goal, I exercise for a living, I go to meetings and even help out as a receptionist, I am very public with my goals and my body is the focus of my profession (personal training and Nia).  So, why is it so hard?  Why isn’t it just happening for me?  Where did that determination go?  I know how to do this. Read More→