Looking Up

This morning I didn't quite make it through the entire hour of dancing, but almost.  NIA is an excellent exercise regimen, my class led by Jan Jarboe Russell at the Synergy Studio. About fifteen women dance on the shiny floor to different routines each class, today's being Sanctuary.

After NIA,  I copied this poem by St. Augustine on the NIA bulletin board:

I praise the dance,

for it frees people from the heaviness of matter

and binds the isolated to community.

I praise the dance, which demands everything:

health and a clear spirit and a buoyant soul.

Dance is a transformation of space, of time, of people,

who are in constant danger of becoming all brain,

will, or feeling.

Dancing demands a whole person,

one who is firmly anchored in the center of his life,

who is not obsessed by lust for people and things

and the demon of isolation in his own ego.

Dancing demands a freed person,

one who vibrates with the equipoise of all his powers.

I praise the dance.

O man, learn to dance,

or else the angels in heaven will not know

what to do with you.

St. Augustine


Later, Elizabeth, my physical therapist, inspired me to make dietary changes and shared yummy-looking recipes, including the following:

Baked Avocado Breakfast:

1 organic Hass avocado, cut in half with seed removed

2 organic farm eggs

1/2 t. Mexican seasoning or equal parts cumin powder, garlic powder, oregano and chili powder

1/4 cup organic shredded cheddar cheese

Fine sea salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425. Place the avocados in a baking dish and stabalize them with a little foil. Crack one egg into each empty pit of your avocado halves.

Season with a bit of salt and pepper. Sprinkle half the seasoning on each avocado half. Top each with cheese and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.  If you like, serve with salsa.