What a thought! What a sight! What a joy!
Today happens to be the 9th day of Christmas, the day of Nine Ladies Dancing. From 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not able to worship openly. Each day of the carol had a hidden meaning. Nine ladies dancing referring to the Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.
But that’s not exactly what I’m writing about.
It’s my NIA class. NIA? Never heard of it? Check out http://www.nianow.com/practice
Several nights a week I dance NIA. Why? For joy.
What I love about NIA is that it’s not about perfecting a move or mastering a step, it’s about feeling joy.
The late American Dancer and Musician, Gabrielle Roth (1941-2012), wrote, “Dancing, singing, storytelling and silence are the four universal healing salves”.
My dance practice is as important to me as my meditation practice is for being present. When I am dancing there is no past, no future, only now.
Several weeks ago I wrote about my favorite poet, Rumi. The essence of Rumi is that through music and dance one travels a mystical journey, abandoning the ego, growing in love and arriving at truth.
“When you dance the whole universe dances. All the realms spin around you in endless celebration. Your soul loses its grip. Your body sheds its fatigue. Hearing my hands clap and my drum beat you begin to whirl.” –Rumi
Dancing offers the same benefits as a regular exercise routine, but can be a heck of a lot more fun.
Benefits include: Improved mood, memory and attention, stronger bones, a healthier cardiovascular system. Dancing also strengthens muscles and stabilizes joints. Dancing counts as a weight bearing exercise which slows bone loss and it naturally strengthens the core and activates almost all muscles.
“If you just set people in motion, they’ll heal themselves.” –Gabrielle Roth
Dancing and music modulate brain chemicals i.e. activate the pleasure center of brain. So boogie until you laugh and grin.
“If we’re not supposed to dance, why all this music?” From “To Be Alive” by Gregory Orr
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to substitute for medical counseling. Intentional Health does not treat, prevent, cure, or diagnose any disease or ailment.
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