Step number one?
“Be present. Be present in your body.”
So says Shannon Mairs, a remarkable woman who empowers people — women in particular — to fully inhabit and love their bodies.
photo courtesy of Shannon Mairs
How does she do it?
Something called NIA. But before we get to that, behold Shannon:
Shannon, present in her body. (Photo courtesy of Shannon Mairs)
Shannon Mairs is a wonder: she’s ebullient, warm, grounded and clearly loves what she does. She is a NIA teacher, and if you take her class, it might just shift your perspective about what exercise can be.
What is NIA? It’s a hybrid workout that combines dance, martial arts, yoga and other modalities. Shannon calls it the “LOVE YOUR BODY workout!” and teaches it with verve and compassion at my favorite space in Dallas – MoveStudio.
I interviewed Shannon last night after class, and she held forth on the difference between fitness and wellness, on creative expression through movement, and on how to become more present in your body.
Click HERE to listen to our interview. If for some reason it doesn’t play in the player, try downloading it, or clicking it in Firefox.
Enjoy!
Love,
Holly
P.S. The Love Your Body series is something I hope to bring you on a regular basis. Know anyone you’d like me to interview? Please leave a comment or email me at holly at holly hickman dot com.
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I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks, Judy! Shannon is superb.
Holly, the Universe answers quickly~~i just prayed this morning that God would help me be more present in my body! I am a survivor of trauma and I am on the other side of healing, thankfully. However, my mind/body/soul still will escape one another, I started last week talking to myself. I thanked myself for using this amazing out of body experience to survive horrific continued experiences, but that we(me/myself/I) are safe now, we are not alone, we do not have to do this anymore. However, for my loved ones and friends I need more help than a personal pep talk. When I saw this tweet, connected to the link I just knew, God answered my prayers. (Or better yet, pointed life’s compass into the correct direction.) Thank you, Holly, for what you are doing and the connection to Susan.
Love&Light, Bella
Pardon me!! Correction! For the article on Shannon Mairs! My apologies to Shannon. L&L, bella
Bella, I am so glad you found this. My warmest wishes to you…
Great interview with Shannon, Holly! She was one of the first warm and open hearts to greet me when I began Nia at MoveStudio in January 2009. Thanks to her incredible example and encouragement I am now certified as a White Belt and Nia 5 Stages instructor in Santa Fe, NMexico. Once again, I was motivated to “hear” Shannon’s contagious energy!
Congratulations, Jamie! I’d love to take class with you next time I’m in Santa Fe.
And I agree — I heart Shannon.