Just to wrap up my series of blogs on my White Belt Intensive 13-years ago, I'm including a short entry from right after I started teaching Nia. I remember the moment of putting my "old aerobic music " tape (yes, cassette tape) into the player and thinking "I can't move like this anymore". That was it. I was off to a new way and haven't stopped exploring my movement since. I find it so interesting now how seemingly concerned I was about my body changing with Nia. It did and it has...but not in the way I was scared of. Back in 1996, I was muscle-bound and rigid from years of linnear movement and weight training. I was also riddled with repetitive injuries, like shin splints and shoulder impingement. Those have gone by the way side.  Thirteen years later, I believe most of my aches and pains are due to the years I abused my body and I use Nia and somatic movement to ease them, heal them and learn from them. The most amazing part of this 13 year journey to me is how change has happened and to the degree that it has, even when I didn't know it was taking place. It's sorta like when there is a building that sits on a corner for ever, and you pass it by, recalling it easily. Then a demolitian crew comes in and tears it down, puts up a new one and I catch myself saying "what use to be in that spot?"

 The way I receive my changes is by reconnecting with my past through journals, old pictures, videos, or talking to colleagues from the fitness-industry. It is when they may talk about calories, workouts, their fitness goals, or body parts they feel dissatisfied with that I realize "I just don't have those thoughts anymore".  Such a shift from the gal who KNEW I was getting FAT if I took one day off from working out.

We are all going through an evolution. Developing in our own ways. We are at choice to the direction of that development. Our choices along the way bring us to new choices, so we are never too late to redirect ourselves towards healing, self-appreciation and more joy. It has been a priveledge to dive into my history with you. Thank you for your listening.

With love,

Jill

January 16, 1997

The high of life is coming in again. And people keep telling me how happy I look. And I feel that way too. The biggest and most positive switch in my life is teaaching Nia. Though I am still scared about my body changes--I am having a ball teaching the classes. The time flies by and my body and soul feel great. It's been especially fun to have the studio space even though I often get wrapped up in the number of people in class, so far at least the room is not empty. I need a new marketing push here soon or so I seem to think. All in due time. The classes at the health club have been going well too, lots of people, 32 last Tuesday."