Posts Tagged ‘teach Nia’
Posted by terrepruitt on December 31, 2013
Well, last Friday I posted what was going to be my last Goodie Jar check in, but since today is Tuesday and it is my regular posting day and it is ALSO New Year’s Eve, the day I get to read my good things, I thought I would post about my Goodie Jar one last time. I want to wait until my hubby is home so we can go through it together, but I think with a year of good things mostly relating to Nia he might get a little bored while I read them all. Plus, I want to post about some of them so . . . . I have decided to read a few and post about them and then do the rest while we are together. Because it is not as if by me reading them by myself they get used up and are no longer good things. I can still share them with him when he gets home. So it is all good — I think.
As you know, as I am sure you experience, there are a lot things that happen in life. We tend to assign “good” and “bad” labels to them. It is just a common thing for us to do. Some people can find “good” in “bad” situations and “bad” things and it seems as if some people can’t find the “good” in anything. But since life has its ups and downs and things that happen no matter what, sometimes it is nice to make note of the things that made you happy or made you smile or made you think less about the “bad” things and more about the “good” things.
I really enjoyed making my notes. As you can see I used all types of paper. I thought it would be fun to have not only a full jar, but a visually intriguing jar. I used colored envelopes and wrapping paper and a bunch of different types of paper. I think it made the jar look like a good thing itself.
So here are some of the good things I have in my jar:
Sat., Sept. 21, 2013: Nice rain. Sliders open. Peaceful.
Tuesday, Dec. 10: Dinner with cousin Tracy. House of Genji – Katy, Jim, Pattie, Pop, John, Tracy, Me
Teach at the Tannery! Awesome! Fri. 6.21.13
Dec. 10, 2013 Spot ~ Wonderful Girlie!
Ahhh. Nice to be reminded of the Good Things that happened and that the things I have are good. I am blessed. It is a good thing to live in a place that has beautiful weather. It is a good thing to be able to visit with family. It is a good thing to be able to fill in as a Nia Sub and to do it at a wonderful studio. And it is a really good thing to have such a great cat.
I hope you have a full jar. I hope that you had a lot of good things this year. I hope that you are able to enjoy what you have.
If you want please share some of the good things you put in your jar. You don’t even have to explain them. Just let us know what you put down on paper and put in your jar.
I see post on Facebook again about people doing this for 2014. I do hope they do. I have another project in mind for myself. A more personal one. I am sure I will post something about it as the year goes on. I will probably do a post or two about good things too. I think it is important to remember them and you know I use my blog as documentation for so many things. So I am sure I will document some good things here.
I do hope that you can see the good that has happened this past year and reflect on that . . . and I hope that you are able to make 2014 a GREAT year for you and yours!
Cheers! Happy 2014!
Posted in Good Things in the Goodie Jar | Tagged: Dinner with family, Facebook, good things, good things jar, Goodie Jar, New Year's Eve, Nia, reflect on past year, teach Nia | 2 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on December 28, 2013
Oh my! You might have read my post about me getting to teach a Nia class in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz, for those of you that might not be familiar, is a beach town in California. It is not very far from me, but I still don’t get over there often. The place where Nia is held over there is lovely. My student and I usually make a day of it when we go over the hill. The last time we went we stopped and had breakfast at a place serving daily toast. That started my fascination with what I call “Fancy Toast” – click here for the post on Fancy Toast. I have tried it with pears and I like it much better with persimmons, which is funny because that was a substitution on the part of the restaurant owner. But the persimmons have to be REALLY, REALLY, REALLY ripe. At the point where they are almost mushy and a little slippery to cut up. Since I eat the Fancy Toast all the time — because I just happened to have had a few persimmons — I thought I would look into the nutritional value of persimmons.
The ones that I have been using are the flat-ish kind. I hear they are the Asian persimmons. According to a document from the California Department of Public Health a medium (168g) persimmon has 118 calories, only 3 of which are from fat. With the following percentages of the government daily values:
Total Fat: 0g 0%
Saturated Fat: 0g 0%
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg 0%
Sodium: 2mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate: 31g 10%
Dietary Fiber: 6g 24%
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A 55% / Vitamin C 21% / Calcium 1% / Iron 1%
Persimmons have a lot of sugar and relatively no protein. But a nice amount of fiber and a good amount of Vitamin C, but even better amount of Vitamin A.
Remember, also, that colorful fruit has carotenoids which provide the orange color in the fruits. And the carotenoids act as antioxidants in your body, meaning they attack harmful free radicals that damage tissues throughout your body.
Most of the recipes I saw called for persimmon puree which is a combination of cooking and blending. So I like the idea of putting them on my toast, I cut up the raw fruit and pile it on top, making it “fancy” or putting them raw into a salad. I actually have not tried them in a salad because I have used them all on my toast!
There are two varieties, the Hachiya and the Fuyu. The Hachiya is the taller of the two, with the Fuyu being more flat. The Hachiya is used more for baking whereas the Fuyu is the one that people eat raw. The document I mentioned states “The Fuyu was developed by breeding out the tannic acid from the Hachiya, making it more appealing to taste and easier to eat whole and raw.”
Have you tried making and eating the Fancy Toast? What else do people do with persimmons? Do you have a persimmon recipe?
Posted in Food, Fruit | Tagged: California beaches, California Department of Public Health, Fancy toast, fiber in fruit, Fuyu, Hachiya, Nia, Nia class, Nia in a beach town, Nia in Santa Cruz, Nia student, Nia Teacher, persimmons, Santa Cruz Nia, Santa Cruz restaurant, tannic acid, teach Nia | Leave a Comment »
Posted by terrepruitt on November 23, 2013
Bummer. I was so determined to remember every check in to the end of the year and, alas, I got distracted. Yesterday I forgot to post a Good Things Jar check in. It was supposed to be Goodie Jar – Check In #39. Sigh. I do hope you are still filling your Goodie Jar. I will only forgive myself because I was off doing things that actually are notable for the Good Things Jar! I was so excited to be subbing a Nia class in Santa Cruz and I ended up having such a beautiful day, that I just plumb forgot. We had a great focus in class, but I lost my blog focus when I arrived home. The plan is usually something like Nia, breakfast, chocolate, beach, home. This time we weren’t exactly sure of our plan. Turned out to be a fabulous day. As I said, one for the Goodie Jar.
I feel less wasteful when I have someone with me driving “over the hill”. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area we often call going to the beach “driving over the hill”. It is about a 40 mile drive and–depending on the traffic–can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes. If there is a lot of traffic or an accident it can take hours and hours. When I go, I feel as if I should have at least one other person with me. So when I get asked to teach a Nia class over there I like to take someone with me. I have one student who usually is game. She has a favorite chocolate shop over there so when she is “over the hill” she likes to drop by. This last trip I was lucky enough to have TWO students join me.
The wonderful studio where I sub is in the Tannery and there used to be a great little cafe next door. My student and I would dance then go get breakfast, then hit up the chocolate shop, then drive to the beach. We have never actually walked on the sand . . . I don’t need to do that, I just need to be at the ocean. Sadly the cafe is closed — although the sign says temporarily, we missed it. So this trip we went to another place to eat, still got to the chocolate shop then went to the ocean.
A
ll week long it had been raining, both on our side of the hill and over the hill, but on Friday it was as pictured. It was awesome. We were blessed. The place we visited is called Natural Bridges. It is no longer has a “natural bridge”, but the beach is still wonderful.
Also, in regards to the focus, as you might be familiar with, in Nia classes we have a focus and an intent. Well, I had been concentrating on learning a new routine, creating a gentle yoga class, and working out my schedule I hadn’t even settled on what we were going to dance, much less a focus. I often ask my students what they might think or feel they need to focus on. So I turned to my student and said, “Oh snap! I haven’t even thought about a focus. What do you got? Do you have anything?” She said, “I feel I need some healing. I feel kinda uuughhh.” And I said, “Thanks. We can do that.” I turned to one of the other students and gave her a questioning look because she was pressing on her ribs. She said, “This is my first class back after having been in a bicycle accident.” Ah-ha! Healing was perfect as a focus.
It always amazes me and warms my spirit that it happens that one focus needed or desired by one person turns out to be the perfect focus for so many. So often we are able to apply it to what is going on and find an intent that compliments it.
After class one the other student that came with me said that she enjoyed that focus. I shared with her the way it came about and she was surprised because she had thought the woman who was touching her ribs had suggested it. So she too was amazed that it was a focus that was appropriate for all. But that is just how it always seems to happen. It is so great. It is —-ahhhhhh!
We shared a great focus although I was so focused on the Joy from class and my morning in Santa Cruz that I forgot about my Goodie Jar post. But I think you will agree it was worth it.
So, do you think I had a good reason to forget? Are you still filling your Good Thing Jar?
Posted in Good Things in the Goodie Jar, Misc, Nia | Tagged: beach, gentle yoga, good things jar, Goodie Jar, Natural Bridges, Nia, Nia class, Nia focus, Nia intent, Nia routine, Nia San Francisco Bay Area, Nia Santa Cruz, Nia sub, Nia Teacher, over the hill, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz beach, Tannery, teach Nia, Yoga | 2 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on October 18, 2013
I forgot to post to my blog last night. That is the second Thursday this month. I got home from teaching my Nia class rather early since all I did afterwards was run in to pick up some spinach. Then I got busy planning firming up the routine for my Gentle Yoga class, yet, I still didn’t work on the post. As I was getting ready to leave I started typing one up. When I got back from class I was interested in getting dinner on the table. The evening just flew by. I remembered I didn’t post at about 15 minutes AFTER midnight! Oh well.
Here is my #34 Good Jar check in. It is my hope that even though you are not commenting on the check-in you are still participating in recognizing and jotting down the Good Things. There are only two and half more months to go.
I can’t wait to read them all at the end of the year.
So how is your jar going?
Posted in Good Things in the Goodie Jar | Tagged: gentle yoga, good things jar, Goodie Jar check in, Nia, Nia class, Nia Teacher, teach Nia | Leave a Comment »
Posted by terrepruitt on January 26, 2013
I know I have mentioned before that I teach Nia as a substitute Group Exercise teacher for the City of San Jose. What that means is when a teacher can’t teach a class s/he will send out a message saying that a substitute is needed. In order to give our clients/students what they want we work to keep the substituted class close to what the original class is. If a Boot Camp teacher needs a substitute the first choice to have instead would not be yoga. Or vice versa. As you can imagine, when someone plans on going to a class and shows up and it is not what was expected it can take a little wind out of someones sails. Sometimes in order to keep the class from being cancelled a different format will be allowed, but that is rare. Usually someone is able to step in with a similar format. It is a real challenge when people have not even heard of the type of dance exercise that you are going to do in substitution for their normal class.
It seems like with many people the first time they hear of something they are a little resistant. To me this is understandable. It seems like a natural thing to shy away from something that is unfamiliar. And as I said, it really can be disheartening when you are looking forward to a specific thing/type of workout and you walk in and find it to be a class of something you have never heard of. I don’t take it personal when people decide not to stay or leave in the middle of class. I’ve learned a long time ago that Nia is for everyBODY it is just not for everyone. It can be a HUGE step for some people. It can be a huge switch in thinking and moving and a lot of things, I understand. So when someone comes in not knowing what they are in for and completely embraces it — I love it. I find myself thinking, “YES!” I admire the person and their openness.
I have been teaching a class where I am listening to the music, dancing, cueing, sensing, and looking out into the room and as my eyes survey the students I will see someone who is completely new to Nia and utterly unfamiliar with it, dancing with all of their body, mind, and spirit. It is so amazing. For someone to come in and not having even heard of Nia before the class to just embrace something so fully–it is so wonderful. That is one of the best moments ever. The challenge for me is to keep going myself. There are times when I just want to stop and watch because it is such a beautiful thing to see someone dance with all of their heart. It is as if they are glowing and all of a sudden they are all I can see. It is so incredible.
I appreciate the people who say, “I’m open to anything.” Or even, “What the heck? I am here. I might as well try it.” But it is really amazing to look out and see the ones that are just INTO it. In a Nia class where people come to DO Nia, it is typical to see people dancing with everything they have, but to see it in a class that is usually not Nia . . . . ahhhhhhh!
I felt like sharing this today. Thank you for letting me share a bit of joy with you. Today has been a GREAT day. Nothing spectacular or even note worthy has happen but there has been a lot of laughing and any day with a lot of laughing is a great day. Don’t you think?
Posted in Nia | Tagged: Boot Camp, City of San Jose, dance class, dance exercise, exercise class, Group Exercise classes, Group Exercise teacher, Nia, Nia class, Nia exercise, Nia in San Francisco Bay Area, Nia student, Nia Teacher, Nia workout, San Jose exercise classes, San Jose Group Exercise, substitute teacher, teach Nia, workout class, Yoga | Leave a Comment »
Posted by terrepruitt on December 21, 2012
WOW! Day 21 of the December 30 Minute Movement Challenge. I’m 20 for 21, how about you. I missed Friday, December 7th. Still not sure how that happened. The day just escaped me. That happens, right? But we just keep on truckin’!
I don’t have a Nia class to teach today so I need to get my own self moving! 🙂 I’ll be back.
Thank you! Glad you are here!
Posted in December 2012 30 Minute Movement Challenge | Tagged: Day 21, December 30 Minute Movement Challenge, Nia, Nia class, Nia Teacher, teach Nia | 3 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on December 20, 2012
WHOA! Five days until Christmas! Only 11 days left of our December 30 Minute Movement Challenge. We can all do it! I don’t have a Nia class to teach today so getting in my 30 minutes is on the top of my list! I’ll be back to check in.
Thank you for being here!
Posted in December 2012 30 Minute Movement Challenge | Tagged: Christmas, December 2012 30 Minute Movement Challenge | Tagged: Day #20, December 30 Minute Movement Challenge, Nia, Nia class, Nia Teacher, teach Nia | 3 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on December 19, 2012
Wednesday and day #19 of the December 30 Minute Movement Challenge, how are you doing? Still hanging in there I see. Love that you are here. So how is your 30 minutes going? I am teaching a Nia class this morning, but I will be back to check in!
Posted in December 2012 30 Minute Movement Challenge | Tagged: Day #19, December 30 Minute Movement Challenge, Nia, Nia class, Nia Teacher, teach Nia | 6 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on December 5, 2012
Yay! Day five! How are you doing? Feeling good, huh? You’ve done five days and you are gonna keep on trucking! (Remember that term? Where did that come from?)
Post a comment to let me know you are done. I will be back to let you know. I have to teach my Nia class and then run some errands, but I will be back with to comment with my 30 minute done!
Thank you for being here!!!
Posted in December 2012 30 Minute Movement Challenge | Tagged: Day #5, December 30 Minute Movement Challenge, keep on trucking, Nia, Nia class, Nia Teacher, teach Nia | 5 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on December 10, 2011
The studio I teach Nia at in the Willow Glen Area of San Jose is having their annual Holiday Party. I have been teaching at the studio for almost three years (three years in January 2012). This is the first time I have been able to make it to the party. I am very excited. They have food, performances, demos, make-up, drumming, dancing, and just plain fun. If you are local and you are able join us. (02.16.12 The even has taken place, see my next post https://terrepruitt.com/2011/12/13/halanda-studio-holiday-party-2011/ for a little summary and pictures.)
I think that people are not comfortable turning their head. While out today I was watching people back out of parking spaces in parking lots and I was amazed. Most of the people I watched did not look back while backing up? What is up with that? You are actually supposed to TURN YOUR HEAD AND LOOK BACK while backing up. I saw so many people glance left then right then front and just start going and KEEP going. I understand sometimes you look left, then right, then front as you start easing out, but then you turn and keep looking back. Nope, not the people I saw. They just zipped out as if people coming around the big huge car parked besides them could see they were backing out and would stop. Crazy. I am surprised I didn’t see a lot of collisions.
Last night we went out to dinner with a group of friends. It is our second annual Christmas dinner. Last year it was at a friend’s house. This year we went to a restaurant. We ordered a few of everything from each section of the menu and we shared it family style. It was all very good. Some of it was very unusual. It is one of those restaurants where the menu changes all the time so you can’t go there expecting to get something you got last time. One of the stand out items for me was Pumpkin Ravioli, Sage-Walnut Pesto, and Pomegranate. The Pomegranate just pushed it over the edge of yummy. The Lasagna of Pork Sausage, Zucchini and Mozzarella was excellent too. One of the weirdest things was Pumpkin Ice Cream, Hazelnuts, Aged Balsamico. I cannot say that I would recommend this. The Balsamico was not sweet enough to tie the flavors together. In fact when it hit the portion of my tongue that registers sour my face did the lemon taste face and my eyes started pouring water. A bit TOO much of a contrast to me. I am not usually a fan of the family style eating but since there were so many things to taste I really enjoyed it last night.
We got a bum tree this year. I picked it. I thought I did GREAT. My husband was shocked when he came home and I told him to be careful. We can’t understand why it is perfectly green and looks great, but it acting as if it is dead and brown. Needles are falling off it at an incredible rate. I am bummed. It will be a very short Christmas tree time this year. The cat will be happy. She is really good with a tree in the house for about 30 days. She will tolerate it. Maybe bat at an ornament once or twice. But on the 31st day. She had been known to give an ornament a whack. To me that is her telling me that she is done. When we have a tree we move her cat tower away from the best window to another window. The other window is not as tall so she can’t see as well on the top. Plus it is just not in the “right” spot. There is a TREE in the right spot. This displacement doesn’t really make her happy. At first she is a little excited to be in a new spot but that wears off quickly. Also the tree is in the best sun spot. And with this tree I am not even opening the curtains to let the sun and heat on it. For as long as we have had her, she will let the tree be until we are over 30 days. Then she tells me in a very catly way that she is done. So this year she will be happy because it will not last 30 days. Sad but true.
I am still working on my 31 Things Project. How about you?
So, do you have anything to share? An event? Perhaps some thoughts? Anything happening with you? What about Christmas; have you decorated? Are you done shopping? Anything?
Posted in Misc | Tagged: 31 Thing project, Cats and Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, Christmas party, Christmas Tree, dance party, dance performances, dance studio, dangerous drivers, family style restaurant, helpyouwell.com, Holiday dinner. Christmas dinner, Holiday party, Nia San Jose, Nia Teacher, Nia Willow Glen, Pumpkin Ravioli, San Jose Nia, teach Nia | 6 Comments »
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