This Is How You Nia

This Is How You NIA
by Jane Hillson Aiello

Go with an open heart, an open mind

Be fearless and flowing

And vulnerable

Be scared and confident and

Childlike, childish

No one is watching, everyone

Is the observer of their own dance
Sweat and glisten, glow
You are a beauty, a pearl emerging
From your shell
The sand of the dance coaxing you

Go in your closet and pick the outfit

You’d wear to a party.  Then
Lotion your legs, your arms to renew
Their youthful suppleness
Put your hair in a bun or a braid
Brave woman, wear your tresses loose and
Let them fly

Do not rush, never rush

Arrive in style, in your own time

Relaxed, aware, ready to go
Greet your fellow practitioners
With warmth and a smile
Know in your soul all
Are about to receive liberation

Let the music move you
Your ankles, your feet, your knees
Oh those hips.  Sashay, sway
Shimmy your shoulders, knock on the back wall
Stand tall, bow stance, balance

You are a cat, a tigress

Growl; claw the air with your hands
Catch flies, play the piano
Follow the music, hear
The horns, the didge, the Spanish guitar

Front stroke, back stroke

Swim the dance of the land, of protection
Roll your wrists, tai chi fists
Elbows up, shoulders back
Expand your chest, unlock your heart
Hands on your hara, root down in your chakras
Steady the base, this is your space

Vacate expectations, you are here

Now.  There is only this one moment and it is yours
Yours.  Yours alone, yours together with your teacher
Yours with your fellow frolickers
This moment will not happen again
Revel in the joy

Get on the floor

Roll like a ball, sit like a mermaid
Happy baby, dead bug, twist and turn
Cook all of your sides
Creep, then crawl then tip-toe

This is how you dance
This is how you prance
Better than romance
In a dress or yoga pants
Pure exuberance
This my friend is how you dance

This is how you NIA.