Frank's Story
“I had no idea!” Those were the words that rang true for me as I watched Brene’ Brown’s TED talks about shame and vulnerability. I watched her videos on YouTube at the recommendation of my therapist who earlier that afternoon shared “Frank, yes you’re a molestation victim. And, there's been a lifelong impact. What you’re suffering from is Shame Trauma.”
“Shame Trauma?” I repeated out load with the obvious tone that I had no idea what that was or meant. I followed up my massive dose of Brene' Brown TED talk videos ordering every book, CD, and DVD that I could find on Amazon.
My intense and purposeful therapy and education on Shame Trauma got started. Twenty months later, my therapist and I sat in her office, looking at each other, and arrived at the obvious conclusion that this was it. Today was my last session. I had traveled the path, learned, put into practice, shared, and triumphed through my Shame Trauma.
I learned to put into action the commitment, dedication, work, and pursuit of becoming an integrated man. This meant developing the emotional intimacy that granted me emotional vocabulary. This meant facing my griefs, losses, and past hurts to resolve them -- to become emotionally complete. This meant stepping away from the hustles of what “success” use to mean to me and live from a state of vulnerability, boldness, and wholeheartedness. This meant clarity and purpose. This meant dedicating myself to helping others achieve their personal life integration.
This is reflected in my dedication as a Life Coach and in my daily declarations:
“I, Frank, see, hear, feel, and know that my purpose is to lead my life, to be complete, and wholehearted. That I AM a vessel of the Divine’s energy and in beautiful, bold, nurturing service to myself and others every day of my life.”
“I had no idea!” Those were the words that rang true for me as I watched Brene’ Brown’s TED talks about shame and vulnerability. I watched her videos on YouTube at the recommendation of my therapist who earlier that afternoon shared “Frank, yes you’re a molestation victim. And, there's been a lifelong impact. What you’re suffering from is Shame Trauma.”
“Shame Trauma?” I repeated out load with the obvious tone that I had no idea what that was or meant. I followed up my massive dose of Brene' Brown TED talk videos ordering every book, CD, and DVD that I could find on Amazon.
My intense and purposeful therapy and education on Shame Trauma got started. Twenty months later, my therapist and I sat in her office, looking at each other, and arrived at the obvious conclusion that this was it. Today was my last session. I had traveled the path, learned, put into practice, shared, and triumphed through my Shame Trauma.
I learned to put into action the commitment, dedication, work, and pursuit of becoming an integrated man. This meant developing the emotional intimacy that granted me emotional vocabulary. This meant facing my griefs, losses, and past hurts to resolve them -- to become emotionally complete. This meant stepping away from the hustles of what “success” use to mean to me and live from a state of vulnerability, boldness, and wholeheartedness. This meant clarity and purpose. This meant dedicating myself to helping others achieve their personal life integration.
This is reflected in my dedication as a Life Coach and in my daily declarations:
“I, Frank, see, hear, feel, and know that my purpose is to lead my life, to be complete, and wholehearted. That I AM a vessel of the Divine’s energy and in beautiful, bold, nurturing service to myself and others every day of my life.”
YOUR PLAYFUL EXPLORATION AWAITS
by Angela Mestre
December 7, 2018
December 7, 2018
Are you treating your body like a living, breathing altar?
As an advocate of honoring the body’s way, I've always loved the analogy of treating the body like an altar (or temple, as someone else once suggested). After all, our bodies are the place where the human and the divine collaborate in creating magical experiences. This was my thought process, until recently.
After some contemplation and consideration, now I beg to differ. Honoring something as 'sacred' could lead to inadvertent disconnection. For example, assuming you have some sort of sacred altar or space in your home, how often do you dust it? Once a month, maybe? Do you actually see, feel, and touch every corner of it regularly? Do you see, feel, and touch every item contained within? Or do you simply worship the space and its contents from afar?
What if, instead of considering our bodies as sacred, we treated our bodies like playgrounds?
Nowadays, I'm more in tune with the idea that the body’s wisdom comes from, and grows via, playful exploration rather than worship. If we choose to, we can move the body’s way, sensing balance and stability while exploring our limits and edges through play. The body may say 'no' to certain things, sometimes in a loud and clear way. This might be because the body is resistant to change and fears the unfamiliar. Or this may be the body choosing to shut down as a mechanism of primitive reactions and protections.
Another possibility is that the body may have been compromised for so long that the body's actual structures and textures were altered. Maybe to accommodate prolonged exhaustion, dehydration, or misuse. Therefore, it has reached a point when 'enough is enough.'
If you accept 'no' as the answer from your body repeatedly, you might end up being like the story of the monkey sitting in a cage. The monkey yearns for the freedom of the outside but no longer attempts to try the door because it has been disappointed so many times. Unbeknownst to the monkey, the door has been secretly unlocked for some time. If the monkey doesn’t try its escape attempt again, it will die not knowing that the ban on its freedom had been lifted. You and the monkey have every right to be free.
How can you discover your body’s potential?
One breath at a time. If you'll hear me out, here's my advice: Give yourself permission to get out of linear routines. Whenever you can, diversify your movement choices and explore spiral movements. Buti Yoga and Nia are perfect classes for this opportunity. As well, give yourself permission to explore your anatomical limitations and find wiggle room around the edges of your perceived limitations.
I also advocate allowing yourself to be a weirdo in your workout classes. In your next class, you might try going for the extra levels, in a safe way. Or, in a spirit of playfulness and when appropriate, outdo the instructor. And you might explore what your body is telling you today, that’s different than what it said yesterday.
Soon, you might see your body as a giant lion awakening to your teases. Amidst the 'no's, you may just get a growling, laughing 'YES'! And remember to appreciate any and all new discoveries, like an old dog appreciates learning new tricks.
One last thought, for this already lengthy post. Just as altars require upkeep, so do playgrounds! This is where serious self-care becomes important. After body exploration (even though workouts can be considered self care too), your work doesn’t end there. After classes, I alternate between salt baths, reflexology, massages, and nail/hair/skin appointments. I try to do something different every time. There will be a balance point that will satisfy YOU.
Do you buy into this concept of treating your body like a playground rather than a sacred altar?
If so, how are you playing with your body-of-a-playground that makes you feel exhilarated, alive, and free? I'd love to hear your feedback and comments on how you perceive your body and how you work with that perception to achieve your health and wellness goals. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. Now, go! Play on!
As an advocate of honoring the body’s way, I've always loved the analogy of treating the body like an altar (or temple, as someone else once suggested). After all, our bodies are the place where the human and the divine collaborate in creating magical experiences. This was my thought process, until recently.
After some contemplation and consideration, now I beg to differ. Honoring something as 'sacred' could lead to inadvertent disconnection. For example, assuming you have some sort of sacred altar or space in your home, how often do you dust it? Once a month, maybe? Do you actually see, feel, and touch every corner of it regularly? Do you see, feel, and touch every item contained within? Or do you simply worship the space and its contents from afar?
What if, instead of considering our bodies as sacred, we treated our bodies like playgrounds?
Nowadays, I'm more in tune with the idea that the body’s wisdom comes from, and grows via, playful exploration rather than worship. If we choose to, we can move the body’s way, sensing balance and stability while exploring our limits and edges through play. The body may say 'no' to certain things, sometimes in a loud and clear way. This might be because the body is resistant to change and fears the unfamiliar. Or this may be the body choosing to shut down as a mechanism of primitive reactions and protections.
Another possibility is that the body may have been compromised for so long that the body's actual structures and textures were altered. Maybe to accommodate prolonged exhaustion, dehydration, or misuse. Therefore, it has reached a point when 'enough is enough.'
If you accept 'no' as the answer from your body repeatedly, you might end up being like the story of the monkey sitting in a cage. The monkey yearns for the freedom of the outside but no longer attempts to try the door because it has been disappointed so many times. Unbeknownst to the monkey, the door has been secretly unlocked for some time. If the monkey doesn’t try its escape attempt again, it will die not knowing that the ban on its freedom had been lifted. You and the monkey have every right to be free.
How can you discover your body’s potential?
One breath at a time. If you'll hear me out, here's my advice: Give yourself permission to get out of linear routines. Whenever you can, diversify your movement choices and explore spiral movements. Buti Yoga and Nia are perfect classes for this opportunity. As well, give yourself permission to explore your anatomical limitations and find wiggle room around the edges of your perceived limitations.
I also advocate allowing yourself to be a weirdo in your workout classes. In your next class, you might try going for the extra levels, in a safe way. Or, in a spirit of playfulness and when appropriate, outdo the instructor. And you might explore what your body is telling you today, that’s different than what it said yesterday.
Soon, you might see your body as a giant lion awakening to your teases. Amidst the 'no's, you may just get a growling, laughing 'YES'! And remember to appreciate any and all new discoveries, like an old dog appreciates learning new tricks.
One last thought, for this already lengthy post. Just as altars require upkeep, so do playgrounds! This is where serious self-care becomes important. After body exploration (even though workouts can be considered self care too), your work doesn’t end there. After classes, I alternate between salt baths, reflexology, massages, and nail/hair/skin appointments. I try to do something different every time. There will be a balance point that will satisfy YOU.
Do you buy into this concept of treating your body like a playground rather than a sacred altar?
If so, how are you playing with your body-of-a-playground that makes you feel exhilarated, alive, and free? I'd love to hear your feedback and comments on how you perceive your body and how you work with that perception to achieve your health and wellness goals. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. Now, go! Play on!
Dance as "3D" Therapyby Jody Morse
December 7, 2018 
Seated on the couch, I ran my fingers gently over the cool, maroon leather and inhaled the calming scents of lavender and vanilla. Tears spilled over eyelids and down my cheeks as I gushed to my therapist, “I feel so lost. Like I can’t connect. Something’s missing in my life.”
Her initial response was like a soft blanket. “Okay. Good realization, Jody. What else?” “I don’t know. I can’t figure it out. I’m stuck.” More tears flowed, my shoulders sank. Her subsequent response held a bit more force and weight as she more pointedly probed. “What have you given up over the past few years? Is it a person, place, or thing?” As I closed my eyes and relaxed into the moment, the answer became perfectly and instantly clear. What I had lost, what I had given up, what I was missing—was dance. Read more... 20 Tips for Holiday Self-Careby Angela Mestre
Nov. 27, 2017 
We are aware that the holidays can be a stressful time, and we want to offer support in taking care of you throughout the season. This five-week program is a way to inspire you to make conscious choices in managing daily activities.
Read more... Don't Stop Dancing...by Julie Wylie
Sep. 27, 2017 
12 years ago, I stepped into my first Intensive Training ever. I wanted to teach Nia. To be clear, I felt called to teach Nia and the White Belt Certification was my first necessary step. Feb 2005, I began that course with Helen Terry in Houston, TX. On Day 7 of the 7 day intensive, a knowing arose in me, I'd be training this curriculum one day .
Read more... 8Every is Healing from Somethingby Esther Tell
Mar. 9, 2017 
I have had the same dream my whole life. I see a large tsunami form in the distance. In panic, I wonder, should I run? Should I hide? Each time in my dream I am either engulfed and wake up, or I survive only to find another one starting to form.
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"Dare to dance" dance on!by Yvonne Myles
Jan. 17, 2017 
Last July, I became one of the teachers at Studio NiaMoves leading Nia and hooping classes on a trial basis to teens from The Center for Success and Independence (TCSI) . The center offers adolescent trauma therapy and treatment for teen substance abuse and co-occuring mental health issues. Read more...
"oneness" mural joins houston's street arts-scapeby Angela Mestre
Jan. 8, 2017 
Social media enthusiasts looking for that next great photo can thank Hurricane Harvey for the city’s newest artistic landmark. Today, Studio NiaMoves, an eclectic Heights area fitness and dance studio, announced its contribution to Houston street art culture with an electrifying elephant mural on its large east-facing wall at 508 Pecore St. Read more...
My SuryaSoul Storyby Yvonne Myles
Nov. 18, 2017 
Long before I found SuryaSoul®, a conscious, embodied dance practice, I found its creators, Philippe Beaufour and Sabine Zweig. As one-time Nia trainers, they had come to Houston to present Nia workshops and dance classes. Upon meeting them, I was instantly drawn to their open friendliness, warmth, generosity, compassion and absolute, iron-clad passion for dance. They radiated enthusiasm, peace and internal joy.
Read more... Yoga is for EveryBODY!by Laura Burns
Aug. 18, 2017 
The Body Positive movement has created a shift in how we view the relationship between our bodies and our minds. Body positivity affirms that each of us deserves to love and respect ourselves regardless of our size, race, ability, and gender expression. For some who have been taught they’re less because of their body, this may be a complete reversal of thought! Yogis struggling to accept and love themselves can truly benefit from asana class steeped in body positivity. The change in perspective can help them reap the benefits of yoga to improve their mental and physical health for life-changing results in and out of the studio.
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How to handle "day to day" stressby Angela Mestre
August. 31, 2018 
September is the month when our busy lives kick into high gear again. The lazy days of August have given way to packing school lunches, swapping sandals for sweaters, and increasingly frustrating commutes. On top of that, there’s more pressure at work, where renewed focus on business and performance goals often steps up after the summer lull.
Times of transition by their nature can present us with new situations or problems to solve. And that can bring on the stress. Though we can’t eliminate every situation or event in our life that makes us anxious, we can learn to manage our response to them, and the key is cultivating awareness. Read more... watch the greatness unfold...by Angela Mestre
Dec. 28, 2017 
Have you noticed the vibrant murals and street art that adorn our city? Traffic boxes and brick walls are transformed into beautiful canvases for expression and imagination, becoming part of H-town culture. I am excited to announce Studio NiaMoves will contribute its own mural to our city’s colorful and electrifying art scene! Read more...
Spice Up Your Workout!by Sahira
Nov. 18, 2017 
Belly Dance is a fantastic and fun low impact all-over body workout, but when you start to play with props things really get shaking!
Read more... Nia as a Healing Therapyby Cambrey Lindsay
Apr. 19, 2017 
Prior to moving back to Houston four years ago, I worked with the Children's Partnership in Austin. As a child and family therapist I engaged with kids identified as "most at risk." From previous run-ins with the law, these kids had multiple agencies involved in their lives such as Child Protective Services, foster care and juvenile court. Many had unmet mental health needs and often had problems staying engaged in school and staying engaged in treatment, as well as in life.
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