Wellness Wednesday: Finding the JOY in Wellness

When I was a little girl there was nothing I looked forward to more than my weekly classes at Ms.Wendy Cutting's Dance studio. I was about 4 when my love for being on stage and shaking my hips converged as I performed in front of my community.

It was one of the best feelings in the world. As I made my way into middle school, my level of technique got kicked up a notch when I joined the preprofessional program at the world renowned Dance Theater of Harlem, in NYC.

They look like super heroes.

I was among the sickest, most gorgeously toned men and women, who had worked for years to hone their craft. I always looked at them in awe. Not only did they have the physiques of Greek Gods and Goddess', but their blistered toes and bruised...everything...never seemed to matter. Through their movement you could see the joy that shined from within.

I felt the same way about dance. I didn't mind doing the same steps over, and over, because I knew when it was performance time the synergy that my class created would bring people to their feet.

In college my best friend and I were pretty much known as "those girls" at our local hangout, the Metro. Not cuz we were slutty (only a little) but because the party didn't start until we got there. Every Wednesday night, as soon as our feet touched the floor our hips were shaking. It was like a school dance, once one person started having fun it gave everyone else permission to do the same.

We would request our favorite songs (Jill, remember how I'm a Slave for You would make us loose our shit?), grab our drink and dance until they closed up shop. It was one of the most fun and freeing times in my life and ALWAYS the highlight of my week.

Now, as an adult, dance for me has become a way to release energy and de-stress. I'm the first one to get excited about going to a wedding because I know I'll get to get on that dance floor. I no longer have the lean toned body of a ballerina, but there's something about rhythmic moving to music that helps me to let go of my worries, smile, and burn a crapload of calories.

Here are some of the AH-Mazing health benefits of dance:

• It can boost your memory
• Improve flexibility
• Reduce Stress
• Diminish Depression
• Help Your Heart
• Lose Weight
• Better Balance
• Increase Energy
• Make Friends

So maybe a traditional gym isn't the best way for me to get the body I desire. Maybe pointing my toes, doing grand plies, or shaking my goove thang is more my speed.

Taking care of your body and mind shouldn't be a painful experience. If you love nature then take hike up the steepest mountain you can climb. If you loves animals, run with your dog. If sports are your fancy then find a local pick-up league. If you love sitting on your couch eating Rice Krispy Treats while watching the Bachelorette, well....you've got some stuff to figure out. ;-)

Why not create wellness in your life WHILE doing something you love? 

What's ONE thing that makes you happy AND keeps you healthy? Share it below!

Getting my Groove on in Granolaville,

Posted in: body,dance,fun,joy,mind,wellness wednesday