Dancing for Well-Being: Five Dances for Life

Dance is an amazing thing, and many people don't realize how dance helps you physically, mentally, and spiritually. Dancing is good for your soul. There are many reasons people have for not dancing, but these reasons can be easily debunked; here are five dances that can help improve our life in more ways than you can imagine.

Many people have excuses to not dance. Some people may think they have no rhythm, but they should simply remember that "the whole universe is in constant motion and you are probably not the exception to the rule" (Roth, 1998, p. 17). Some people may not dance because they do not like their bodies, but they should remember that dancing will work away any extra pounds. Whatever you don't work off is "meant to be part of you" (Roth, 1998, p.17). I find one of my biggest excuses is lack of time, but I have realized that the smallest amount of time spent dancing can change my mood completely. I have been figuring out different ways to incorporate dancing even if it is only for a few minutes into my daily schedule. Even if I only dance to one song a day I still feel better.

There are 5 rhythms of the soul, and they are known as flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness (Roth, 1998). Flowing is about being flexible like liquid. In flowing there are no "separations or distinctions between things, there's only continuous change" and flowing is the "rhythm of the earth" (Roth, 1998, p.52). In order to practice flowing dance "imagine that you are all circles and curves, arms round, spine undulating, hands soft, hips rolling gently, knees loose" and " let whatever you are feeling unravel" (Roth, 1998, p.55). Staccato is more of a tense dance. It is a type of dance that creates all "kinds of angles and edges like geometry in motion" (Roth, 1998, p.83). The dance of chaos is spontaneous and intuitive. It is meant to "dive below the surface... and get in touch with our whims, our impulses, and our poetic intelligence" (Roth, 1998, p.118). Lyrical dancing is one of the hardest dances for most people because it you have to experience it to understand it, but I feel comfortable practicing this dance, and I believe that my dramatic nature and love of dance makes this form of dance more natural to me. Perhaps this type of dance comes natural to me because in lyrical dancing "we realize we are works-in-progress" and this is an important lesson I try to remember at all times (Roth, 1998, p.156). Stillness is what I would call a typical type of meditation. It is about moving in "super-slow motion" and focusing your attention to "the ebb and flow of your breath, the beat of your heart, the pulsing of cells" (Roth, 1998, p.180).

Dancing is good for the soul, and people should dance more often. Nothing is more natural and pure than dancing. Let go of your excuses why you do not dance, and Dance!

Reference:
Roth, G. (1998). Sweat your prayers: movement in spiritual practice. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam.

Ten Ways to Increase Your Health and Wellness

 

Everyone wants to feel good and be healthy, and if you are like me you probably think this is an unattainable goal, but it is not. Here I have provided 10 ways to start feeling healthier and happier every day.

1. This may sound silly but dance! Dancing may seem awkward to anyone who is not inclined to dance, but it will make you feel good, and it helps burn fat. You may be thinking when and where am I supposed to dance? I have kids, a job, and a billion things to do everyday. There is no time for dancing. Well you are wrong, you could be dancing the whole time. Next time you are doing the dishes shake your hips a little bit and put on your favorite song. Next time you are in the shower blast some music you like and really work it. No one can see you if you are in the shower. Next time you are on the line at the grocery store listening too whatever music they have on shake it a little bit. Dancing is good for you and for your soul, and forget anyone who would look at you funny or tell you different. They are just jealous that they are not dancing.

2. Eat green, and by green I don't mean money. I mean vegetables. Greens are so good for you. They provide nutrients and fiber. These things are very important in your diet. Especially if you like to indulge in sweet treats and fattening meats. The fiber in greens will help push these nasty things out of your system, and they will make you feel better. So next time you are getting a side of fries also order a side salad. Eating half of each is not the healthiest decision, but it is better than not eating anything healthy, and you got to start somewhere.

3. Remind yourself that you are human and imperfect. If you remember that you are imperfect you will save yourself time feeling terrible. People make mistakes everyday; we are human and not one of is can always do the right thing despite what some people may claim. Remember that you are human just like everyone else, and next time you make a mistake realize what you could do differently instead of hating yourself.

4. Remember that everyone else is human as well. Everyone makes mistakes, and the next time someone makes a mistake that hurts you in some way do not hate them for it. Try to figure out how this happened, why they did what they did, and what feelings make have caused this. Also remember to forgive because to forgive is an amazing trait that most people do not have.

5. Do not sleep too much. I know we are all busy, and because we are all so busy we are all so tired, but there are ways to energize yourself without taking naps or sleeping too much. So next time you feel tired do 10 sit ups or jog up the block. I guarantee this will give you energy that you didn't know you had.

6. Do not avoid conflicts. This is a scary statement, and it is probably intimidating to many people, but avoiding conflict will only cause more conflict in the future. If you can deal with conflict now you will know how t deal with it later on in life. So take responsibility for yourself and deal with problems head on. I promise once you start doing this problems will become less scary.

7. Plant something. Even if it is just a little cactus. Taking care of something teaches us to take care of ourselves. Taking care of a plant is very rewarding because you are the sole person in charge of making sure its life continues. Many lessons can be learned from taking care of plants. If you are feeling spunky start a full fledged garden; if you are not so sure buy yourself a little houseplant and watch it grow. Communing with nature is an important part of being healthy and happy.

8. Many people work at a desk or a chair where they sit all day. Many people come home from work and sit on their couch or in front of their computers, but this is zapping your energy supply. We are like little batteries and the more energy we put out the more energy we have so move around even if it is just pacing in your house.

9. Making eating a special experience, and I am not talking about the gallon of ice cream and a movie experience. When you eat plan it out. Even if you have little time try not to settle for a cheeseburger at the drive through. Set yourself aside at least 30 minutes everyday for meals. This will relax you and your mental and emotional state, and it will allow you to have time to make yourself something special. If you put love and effort into your meals you will be more likely to eat healthy.

10. Smile. I know what is there to smile about? Well for one you woke up this morning. So next time you see someone smile at them even if you don't know them. Smiles are contagious, and your one smile can turn into a thousand so keep smiling!

Using the Powers of Gemstones to Increase Health and Wellness

 

Gemstones have magical powers that can help bring great things to those who are aware of the powers they possess. Gemstones are remarkable in many ways. They absorb and reflect light and energy; grow naturally in perfect patterns that humans have emulated for so long. Gemstones are beautiful and reflect all the colors of the rainbow. One of the most amazing qualities of gemstones is the power they have to help and to heal. Here is a detailed list of gemstones that can help in situations of health and wellness.

Agate is a commonly found gemstone that has the power to help with health and wellness. It is a useful tool in helping to heal many different parts of the human body. Agate comes in many different colors and is useful for many different things. Agate is best known for its parrellel strips and bands. It can help with confidence and balancing. Botswana agate is also useful for respiratory problems, the lungs, and those who want to quit smoking. Moss agate is an agate that is usually green, brown, blue, or dark gray and it is useful with problems with the blood and dietary problems.

Chrysocolla is a beautiful gem that has a lovely blue and green pattern to it. This stone is so intriguing because of the intricate patterns and swirls of the colors in this stone. It is also very helpful to those in need of health healing. Chrysocolla is helpful with bone problems, and treats pain such as arthritis.

Danburite is another extremely helpful crystal. It is commonly white, but it may also be found in clear or slightly tinted pink, beige, brown, and yellow. This stone is a powerful tool in helping detoxify. It is also a necessary tool for those who have weight issues and want gain energy. Another incredible characteristic of danburite is its ability to help with motor functions.

Another good stone for detoxifying is Enstatite, and it uses revolve around the cleansing of the circulatory system, gallbladder, liver, and kidneys. It is a radiant gemstone that is usually clear and commonly yellow, brown, orange, or greenish in color.

Labradorite is a truly beautiful stone that is grayish in color but reflects beautiful blue and green tones. It is amazingly iridescent and a wonder to behold in the light. Labradorite is helpful with digestion, and it is commonly used for weight loss. It is also helpful with immune problems.

Gemstones are glorious natural works of art that have so much energy and ability to help and heal. I hope this list will show you that gemstones can be an important tool in increasing your health and well being.