In my last career, questions about exercise were
discussed frequently. When asked about my favorite
exercise, I would reply, “What is your favorite music?”
After getting over the shock of my question, most
people said they like classical or music for meditation. I
tell them, “Good for you! My favorite is 70’s Classic
Rock!” They laugh, still puzzling over where I am headed
with this line of thought. I would then tell them… “Turn
on your favorite music – LOUD. Close the door and JUST
DANCE!”
Dancing to your favorite music is the best exercise for
your mind and body!
The power of music and dance to heal is new to the
medical and scientific communities; however, it is
acknowledged in many cultures. It is no secret that both
music and dance can evoke emotion and influence our
moods. I have found them to be the best transporter of
time travel bringing freedom of movement in bodies that
have not danced in a long while.
“It All Starts With YOU!” Page 1
LIVING EMPOWERED
“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more powerful. This is power, it is
glory on earth, and it is yours for the taking.”
– Agnes de Millie –
Cindi’s Blog April 21, 2022
One of my favorite stories:
Mrs. Smith asked me about exercise. Now keep in mind she was very fit, hip and 80ish! I
smiled and said my favorite exercise was to just dance. Immediately she answered, “Oh,
no – Never.” I am sure that my face showed bewilderment at her answer. What she said,
after a very long pause, still makes me smile.
She told me, “Growing up, my father was a minister and our religious beliefs restricted me
from dancing.” After another long pause, she looked up at me with a big smile and said,
“But there was one time…” We both started laughing. After regaining my composure, I
said, “Oh, my, please go on.” At that moment her body and mind traveled out of the
confines of that room. I was not yet sure where she was going, but I knew it was a very
special place.
She said, “OK, I am going to confess here and now. One night when I was 16, I snuck out
of our house and walked to the town square. There was a large dance that everyone had
been talking about for weeks. I just had to see what it was all about. When I got there,
people were dressed to the 9’s and laughing. The place was packed! I stood in the back,
unnoticed, and enjoyed dancing to the most incredible Big Band music. I have carried
that wonderful feeling and memory with me for all these years. I loved the music, even if
it was for only one night. That night was so special to me, so I am not at all sorry about my
late-night escapade.”
I felt her happiness and was so honored that she shared one of her most cherished
memories with me. In addition to being a wonderful story, it was not lost on me how her
body and attitude responded to her joyful memory. I asked her if she felt restricted from
dancing today. She smiled and replied, “No, but I just haven’t done so.”
I handed her one of our Big Band CD’s. She happily placed it in right her pure and
snapped it shut. In a future conversation, Mrs. Smith told me from that day on she
“exercised” all the time and felt great!
Memories, music, and movement (especially dance) stay with us all our lives. The very
next time you are ready to create a change or a shift, I hope that you will pull out a special
memory, turn on the music, close the door to inhibition, and JUST DANCE!
Love to all,
Cindi
“It All Starts With YOU!” Page 2