I feel like a daisy blooming in spite of adversity. Where I walk each morning, the meadow is in transition from the lovely wild camas flowers to Shasta daisies and clover. The daisies flourish between the sidewalk and the curb.
The seasons come and go. The birthdays keep coming (lucky me!). My hair turned white. My body changes shape and physiology. Meanwhile, I keep dancing through life, that is, I employ the skills learned in Nia class to as many moments as possible every day. Aging is part of the human lifespan. I contend that I have a choice in how I go about my life within that reality. I, you, each of us, can create a unique way to define who we are in the latter third of life. I have re-defined for myself what it means to be a dancer and what it means to be almost 80 years old. I’m not the specimen of fitness that I see in some people at the gym or on the trail, I am my own version of best-I can-be-right-now. I’m learning to stir wisdom into my challenges and develop more equanimity, peace, compassion, satisfaction, and joy even as I’ve faced a new chronic health diagnosis in the past half year and my bones and joints show wear and tear. I’m not even talking about my skin. A friend at the retirement community where I worked had a sign on her door that read: “It is what it is.”
Many of the things happening to, and in, my body are familiar to other people in their late 70’s. What I find different for me is that I expect to improve in some way. I remain curious about possibilities. I have incorporated philosophy and practices of Nia into my everyday life. I seek medical care when needed and enjoy the benefits of new technologies like cataract surgery (wow! bright colors again!). I also take action to see what I can do to bring about my own healing. I enjoy the supportive community of Nia which encourages me to believe in my ability to self-heal.
In a Nia movement class, participants are guided to seek pleasurable sensations rather than discomfort. Practice during a class can spill over into taking note of what feels good throughout the day. Dr. Christiane Northrup, a leading expert on women’s health, says, “Do something pleasurable every day. Taking time for pleasure and fun decreases the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin, which over time are responsible for heart disease, cancer, and most chronic diseases such as arthritis and high blood pressure. Plus, when you take time for enjoyment, you’ll be able to approach arduous tasks with more energy and a better outlook.” (Check out her May 2026 Blog, “Do You Practice Enough Self-Care?”)
Over many years, I’ve grown with Nia. My skills teaching the movement class have improved. My big passion now is sharing the lifestyle elements of Nia in the Art Of Sensation Training.
I bring to the Nia Art of Sensation Training my 30+years of experience leading fitness and recreation for seasoned bodies; my degree in gerontology specializing in older adult fitness; my continuing education in improving balance and bone density; and my delight in finding how each of the 13 White Belt Principles applies directly to issues common in the latter 3rd of life.
Join me for Art of Sensation as a series of online webinars (the same 16-session format used by Nia worldwide). My new series begins on July 20th, slightly more condensed in time by meeting Mondays and Tuesdays for 2 hours each, plus a one-hour Nia movement class on Wednesdays. The whole series only takes 8 weeks, from July 20th to September 8th, 2026.
Here’s some more about the Training, words by my colleague Kellie Chambers, who offers the training as a week-long retreat.
Nia Training Product
Nia training develops movement skills, mindfulness, connection to one’s unique body and self, and a sense of joy and vitality. Nia students are encouraged to integrate Nia principles, practices, and philosophies in their own way and in their own time.
The intent of Nia training is to develop body and life knowledge and skills that help people live a healthy and meaningful life in their body at any age, state of health, or well-being. Knowledge and skills arise from the inclusive somatic methods we use that support students in experiencing fitness, health, and well-being through the body/their body.
Nia Training is anchored in 52 body-centered principles that cultivate self-knowledge through personal (subjective) body wisdom insights. Each principle develops sensory skills and self-knowledge. As a whole, the curriculum focuses on body and life competencies.
Yes! That’s what I’m seeking!
