What Does WELL Look Like?
I like to dance!
But … It doesn't mean I’m great at it!
It just means that I like to do it.
It makes me happy.
Why does this happen?
When we dance our brain releases endorphins, hormones which can trigger neurotransmitters that create a feeling of comfort, relaxation, fun and power. Music and dance do not only activate the sensory and motor circuits of our brain, but also the pleasure centers.
Ok.
So let’s say we participate in a program that we haven’t already subjected criticism into.
Perhaps, a subject matter or event that brings us joy? (Hmmm …)
And … let’s say, up until now, we’ve been holding back on participating because we don’t think we’re any good (Fair enough …)
Ok, so what happens now?
Who Wins?
(The Doubters, Naysayers, Negative Nancies - no offense to Nancy! - OR
The Risk-Takers, the Go-Getters, or the Positive Peters - Ok, I just made that one up)
I’d like to offer you a few suggestions:
Learn Out-of-the-Box type of thinking
Experiment with things that make you uncomfortable
Allow yourself the joy of releasing yourself to something new
I take a weekly Zumba class with my friend Jenny Baird. She’s my massage therapist AND my Zumba teacher; but more importantly, she allows me the opportunity to dance and laugh!
And this, my friends, brings me joy and happiness.
HERE is an example of what I’m talking about
Truth is, when I dance, I am often moving left when everyone else is moving right.
My hips wiggle more like green jello than a marimba dancer
I’m often offbeat and JUST when I figure out the fourth step rhythm pattern, it changes to an eight step rhythm pattern! (ugh)
However, when I move left and everyone else is moving right, I respond through laughter.
I’m not frowning or scolding myself or feeling incomplete or inadequate.
I am laughing.
And … quite frankly, I like that.
Mis-dancing is not deterring me
Why? Because dancing gives me joy!
My endorphin natural wellness hormone levels have risen!
My happiness levels have sored!
And … I feel good inside.
Ok, ok, ok, ok
What are endorphins?
Ever heard of the “runner’s high”? That’s caused by a big rush of endorphins.
Endorphins derive their name from two other words squished together: endogenous, which means “derived from within,” and morphine, an addictive pain reliever and sedative.
So, an endorphin is essentially morphine produced inside your body. Set off by physical pain, stress, or discomfort, endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They mask the pain signals, flooding you with euphoria and allowing you to power through. Sounds familiar? Good guess. They sure get on well with dopamine, creating that potent combo that gets you hooked on running.
By the way, no worries if running is not your thing. You can still get your shot of endorphins! Deep belly laughs—the kind that engages your core like you’re doing sit-ups—will do the trick too. (Dopamine vs Serotonin, 2020)
So, I gotta ask:
How many times do we allow ourselves the opportunity to make a mistake and then react to that mistake with laughter?
What if …
No one judged you?
No one graded you?
No one criticized you in any way?
Would you do it anyway?
I am offering Zumba to my sweet 5th graders at my school in April. (Yep! I got Jenny to help teach over a 100 students this Spring!)
I would like to offer you ALL various “out of the box” thinking events that I think you would like.
Please take a look at the following events below to see which one(s) match up with your desire to release endorphins, feel better and release JOY!
I’m hoping you’ll be able to participate in one of these events
even though they may
take you out of your comfort zone.
Register HERE for MBSR-T
My mindfulness-based stress reduction class for teenagers is filling up.
It’s about half full; don’t miss out! (We’re featuring Foster Kittens this session!)
"Mindfulness is noticing your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in the present moment without harmful judgment."
We will use mindfulness-based strategies and interventions to assist with managing stressors. Exercises will help conditions such as, but are not limited to, anxiety, depressions, problems with relationships, and difficulties with attention and focus.
We will focus on Positive Neuroplasticity: "This is the process by which the brain changes in response to experiences, particular with regard to positive or pleasurable ones. By tilting toward the positive, you help positive neural connections grow."
Register HERE for the “Gland Finale”
My menopause class is going to be fantastic!
Not only will we provide scientific answers to questions that you may have, you will also have the opportunity to talk to your community of people who may be experiencing similar side-effects.
Enjoy and afternoon dedicated to YOU.
I’d like you to find natural remedies with me through yoga and breathing. I have been menopausal for over 20 years. (and I haven’t even reached retirement yet!)
I became menopausal four years after I stopped breast-feeding! (What?! That’s crazy!)
The reality for me was that my body changed 3X within a 5-year period. (or lack thereof … arr arr arr)
Finding coping strategies to brain fog, forgetfulness and sleepless nights have been challenging, but absolutely achievable!
Register HERE for Yoga and Art
Yoga and Art day retreat is returning for a second season featuring Samantha DaSilva as our local and internationally renown artist.
She is a fantastic woman, and I really would love for you to participate in this unique opportunity combining Yoga and Art.
PLUS, we offer the most delicious lunch in the middle!
Register HERE for Riders and Writers Retreat
Lastly, I am offering a Writers and Riders Horse Retreat held up in the mountains one hour from downtown Salt Lake City
This beautiful ranch will feature:
an on-site horse corralled for the entire retreat with offerings of Natural Horsemanship training
Horseback Riding on Saturday
9 square meals
Offerings from our own private writer/editor, Kayden Baker McInnis
Yoga sessions held indoors and outdoors
Day and Night hikes
Various sleeping accommodations that range from Teepees to bunk beds!
Please consider each of these events.
Give yourself more joy and happiness!
