|
|
|
|
As my husband Alex and I drove down the coast for a weekend
getaway, we fantasized about life after our two middle schoolers. Salsa
lessons. Slow weekend mornings without little league. A Thai cooking class.
When Alex mentioned moving out of San Francisco, I was game until he suggested
Santa Cruz.
My stomach turned. "Nope, I need to be within 20 minutes of
the city by car."
Alex pushed down on the gas pedal. "You just can't leave
your mother."
My teeth clenched. "Maybe. But really, I'm not moving more
than 20 minutes away from a Rhythm & Motion dance class."
"What? That's crazy. You'll find another exercise class!"
After 20 years together, we must have learned something
about prioritizing precious time alone because we both dropped the subject. But
upon arriving home to our 13 year-old with a fever, the question lingered.
Would Rhythm & Motion Dance Workout really keep me close to San Francisco?
As my daughter's fever turned into my son's runny nose, I
remembered R&M classes teaching me how to dance and enjoy exercising when I
was 15 years old. During college on the East coast, movement meant grapevines
to a VHS of Jane Fonda in a shiny blue leotard urging, "Make it burn." After
that in Half Moon Bay, I walked endless laps around a school track pumping my
arms like a chicken to raise my heartbeat. When we moved home to San Francisco I greeted Rhythm & Motion like a lost love.
When Alex started sneezing, caring for my family replaced
thoughts about moving anywhere. Inexplicably, I also couldn't sleep. Exhausted,
I dragged myself to the gym for a quick round of strength training. Mid-push, I
caught myself staring vacantly ahead. After another sleepless night, I realized
that survival mode had kept me away from R&M all week.
That day Fusion Rhythms welcomed me with slow stretches and
encouraging smiles. As my rolling spine became a cheeky urban thrust, I rocked
until my stress transformed into relieved sweat. With each urge from the
teacher, I leaped higher, a call in response of joy and fun. Once on the floor,
my stomach lifted toward a wise song that said, "I know a place...Ain't nobody
cryin, ain't nobody worried....I'll take you there." I inhaled slowly and savored
my heaven here on earth.
That night I felt calm and somehow refreshed inside; my eyes
really did close before my head touched the pillow. Nope, I'm not moving far
from San Francisco any time soon.
Staci Boden has been enjoying R&M dance since 1985 and is Editor of R&M's e-newsletter. Staci is Founder of Dancing-Tree Consulting,
a resource for individuals, groups and organizations to realize
potential in life and business. With services ranging from individual
coaching and guided visualization to copywriting and business
development, Dancing-Tree Consulting helps clients transform projects,
decisions and relationships.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
