Nurturing My Soul: The Power of Self-Compassion in Dance

Self-compassion isn't just a buzzword; it's a beacon of light in our personal growth journeys that leads us to an undeniable truth – we are worthy of our own kindness. As we explore the intersection of mindfulness, wellness, and self-assured living, this isn't just about being kind to ourselves when we're binge-watching our favorite show or indulging in some ice cream. No, the crux of self-compassion is about creating a safe and loving sanctuary where our innermost thoughts and emotions can breathe, away from the rush of daily life. For me, the fusion of self-compassion and embodied movement has been revelatory – transforming my wellness experience from a mere routine into an act of self-love.

Self-Compassion: More Than a Warm Hug

Before you picture the cliche “It's okay, honey…” moments, let's deconstruct what self-compassion truly means. It's more than just a supportive pat on the back; it's rooted in three intensive pillars– self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. It's recognizing that in our moments of desire to retreat into a shell, we're not alone – pain is part of the shared human experience.

My Journey to a Compassionate Self

My personal story is like a mosaic of challenges, with each piece representing a struggle faced with an unflinching resolve. It dawned on me that the perennial chase for perfection was tearing me apart–until self-compassion found me, or did I seek it out? It doesn’t matter. What’s powerful is that this change ignited from within, redirecting my focus from external validation to internal worth.

Embodied Movement: Where the Soul Dances

The words 'embodied movement' radiate inertia and dynamism hand-in-hand. It's an approach to life where every cell of our body expresses itself in movement. Be it dancing or even the simple act of walking, embodied movement is the language of the heart. Infusing this kinetic poetry with self-compassion is when the magic happens—a harmonious duet of movement and mindful self-love.

The Safe Space Within

To talk about self-compassion in movement is to mold our bodies into sanctuaries for our soul. It's carving out moments where we affirm to ourselves—my body is my ally, my movements are me stepping towards my highest good.

Techniques for Self-Compassionate Movement

Breathing is the bridge that connects our bodies to the still lake of our minds. By tethering our breath to movement, even the most vigorous exercises can resonate with an undercurrent of acceptance. Yoga and tai chi are ancient forms of embodied movement that echo this ethos, and contemporary practices like Feldenkrais and Nia have expanded this horizon.

Sturdy Mind, Agile Body

Self-compassion melts the stiffness in our judgments, much like a good stretch before exercise. It prepares us not just physically, but mentally for the challenges ahead. Critics fade into the background, and the only audience that matters, our compassionate self, takes center stage.

Lighting the Path for Others

Self-compassion isn't an elixir accessible to a select few. It's the legacy of compassion and grace that we've inherited, and it's our duty to pass it forward. My experiences compel me to call out to all the seekers of wellness and personal growth. This is our time to step into a more abundant life fertilizer by sowing self-compassion.

The path lit by self-compassion leads to an expansive world, one awaiting the imprint of our unique dance. It beckons us to claim our worth and nurture our spirit. So, as we close this chapter, I urge you to ponder – what kind of sanctuary are you building for your soul today, in this movement or the next? Join me in this ode to self-compassion and witness the metamorphosis of movement into a magnet for your soul’s joy. Let's continue to move with intention, purpose, and self-love. Our bodies will thank us, our minds will guide us, and our souls will soar. So keep moving, my friend. The journey towards holistic wellness awaits you. Continue exploring the power of movement and self-care. Share this message with others in your community and let's create a world where compassion and self-love are the foundations of our actions. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient world - one mindful movement at a time. Let's keep dancing towards a brighter tomorrow. #selfcompassion #mindfulmovement #wellnesslegacy

The 4 Agreements Every Dancer Needs to Transform Limiting Beliefs and Radiate Confidence In Your Movement

Dance is an art of boundless expression, a physical symphony of movement. In the realm of pole and aerial dance, the artistry of movement is coupled with the power and grace of acrobatics, creating a unique platform for self-discovery and personal transformation. For women navigating these disciplines, the encounter with one's physical and emotional limits is a profound part of the self-love and empowerment journey.

Just as a dancer's strength and agility are honed with practice, the mind also requires training to achieve the fluidity and freedom that every dancer desires. This post is dedicated to women of pole and aerial fitness, whether seasoned dancers or those anxiously eying the pole for the first time. We'll explore how the practice of these Agreements' can uplift the dance experience and elevate your aerial prowess.

Understanding Limiting Beliefs in Dance

Before we can ascend to new heights in our self-expression, it's crucial to recognize the invisible barriers that hold us back. Limiting beliefs, often deeply ingrained, are those quiet whisperings that suggest we are not good enough, not strong enough, or fear that we will fail. In pole fitness and aerial dance, these beliefs can be particularly insidious, manifesting as doubts about one's ability to perform a tricky move or unease about appearing less graceful than a fellow dancer.

Examples of Limiting Beliefs in Dance:

• "I don't have the upper body strength to execute that move."

• "I'm not flexible enough for aerial silks routines."

• "I don't have a dancer's body, so I'll never succeed in this."

The Four Agreements

In the bestselling book 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz, the author presents a code for a life of freedom and true happiness.

1. Be impeccable with your word.

• Watch what you say, especially to yourself. Refrain from belittling or self-criticizing talk.

2. Don't take anything personally.

• Realize that others' opinions do not define you. Instead, focus on your personal growth and progress.

3. Don't make assumptions.

• Communicate clearly and don't assume the worst. Seek guidance when unsure.

4. Always do your best.

• Recognize that your best will vary from day to day. Show up and give your all without comparison.

How To Apply This To Your Pole + Aerial Dance Practice

These agreements aren't just lofty ideals; they provide potent tools for building resilience and a supportive internal dialogue. Here's how to put them into action in your dance practice.

Be Impeccable with Your Practice

The way you speak about your practice, both inwardly and to others, creates your reality. Instead of framing difficult moves as "I can't do this," say "I'm working on this challenging move, and I know I'll get it with practice."

Don't Take Setbacks Personally

When you struggle with a routine or don’t nail a performance, view it as part of the learning process rather than a reflection of your worth as a dancer. Everyone's dance journey includes missteps—sometimes literally.

Avoid Making Assumptions About Your Abilities

Don’t assume that you'll never accomplish a certain move. Speak with your instructors, break down the move, and take small, achievable steps to get there.

Consistently Bring Your Best

Your “best” each day can look very different, and that’s okay. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue or performing at your peak, the key is to consistently show up and put in the effort. Over time, your best will serve as a benchmark for your progress.

Real-Life Success Stories

To further illustrate the power of the Agreements in dance, we explore the stories of women who have transformed their self-doubt into confidence and their fear into freedom.

Kristen's Journey from Silent Spectator to Aerial Acrobat

Kristen was initially drawn to poles and silks with a mix of fascination and fear. Her first few classes were a struggle, with her inner dialogue undermining her every move. Through the practice of the Agreements, Kristen gradually found her voice in celebrating small victories, she abandoned assumptions about her limitations, and with self-compassion, her strength on the pole grew. She now embraces every wobble and setback as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Adriana's Shift from Comparison to Community

Adriana often found herself making unfair comparisons with other dancers, which left her feeling demotivated. Upon adopting the principle of 'not taking anything personally', she began to see critiques and performances as part of her group's collective improvement, fostering a supportive and encouraging community.

Conclusion

The dance floor, whether a studio, a stage, or the expanse of air between ceiling and floor, is an arena for personal transformation. By weaving the Four Agreements into the fabric of your dance practice, you can banish limiting beliefs and find a deep well of strength, artistry, and self-expression.

Here’s your chance to turn your pole or aerial session into a self-love odyssey. Dance by these agreements, sign up for a class today, and share your transformation with the world.

A Guide to Embracing Femininity Through Sensual Movement

Hey there, beautiful souls! Ever found yourself swaying to the rhythm of a song, feeling every beat vibrate through your body, and thought, 'This is it. This is freedom'? Well, darling, that's the power of sensual movement. But wait, before you start imagining the stereotypical, society-approved 'feminine' woman gracefully twirling around the room, let me stop you right there. This is not about fitting into a mold or ticking off boxes on some imaginary 'femininity checklist.' No, my loves, this is about YOU—your journey, your growth, your balance. Whether you're more in tune with your masculine energy or your feminine energy, whether you're a professional dancer or have two left feet—if you're reading this, then this practice is for you. Intrigued? Stick around as we debunk myths, break free from stereotypes, and explore the transformative magic of embodying femininity through sensual movement. Get ready to move, groove, and grow in ways you've never imagined!

Understanding Masculine and Feminine Energy

Before we embark on the journey of embracing femininity, it's crucial to understand the concept of masculine and feminine energy. These energies are not strictly tied to gender roles but rather represent two halves of a whole, present within every individual, regardless of their gender identity.

Masculine energy is often associated with traits such as logic, assertiveness, strength, and independence. On the other hand, feminine energy embodies qualities like intuition, compassion, creativity, and nurturing. Both energies are equally important and necessary for personal growth and balance.

The Power and Benefits of Femininity

Femininity is not a luxury, but an inherent part of who we are. It's about tapping into our creative, nurturing, and intuitive side. By embracing our feminine energy, we can lead a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Benefits of embracing your feminine energy include:

Improved Relationships: When you're in touch with your nurturing and empathetic side, your relationships can thrive.

Enhanced Creativity: Feminine energy is deeply connected with creativity, allowing you to explore new ideas and projects.

Increased Self-Love: By accepting and loving all parts of yourself, including your feminine energy, you cultivate a stronger sense of self-love.

Incorporating Feminine Energy into Daily Life

There are numerous ways to incorporate feminine energy into your daily life:

Creative Projects: Whether it's painting, writing, cooking, or gardening, engaging in creative activities can help channel feminine energy.

Nurturing Activities: Caring for others, such as children, pets, or plants, allows you to tap into your nurturing side.

Mindfulness Practices: Activities like yoga, meditation, or journaling can help you connect with your intuition and emotions.

Embracing Femininity Through Sensual Movement

Sensual movements, such as dance, yoga, or tai chi, can be a powerful tool for embracing femininity. This form of movement encourages you to be present in your body, fostering a deeper connection with your feminine energy.

Here are some steps to immerse yourself in sensual movement:

Find a Practice That Feels Right: Explore different forms of sensual movement and choose one that resonates with you.

Start Slow: Don't rush. Start with simple movements and gradually progress as you feel more comfortable.

Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Make it a part of your daily or weekly routine.

Be Present: Focus on how the movements make you feel rather than how they look.

Erasing the Stigma Surrounding Feminine Energy

The belief that femininity is a luxury that only a few can afford is a societal construct that we need to challenge. Feminine energy is not a sign of weakness, but a powerful force that brings balance, creativity, and authenticity to our lives. It's about time we celebrate and embrace our femininity without fear or shame.

Remember, the journey to embracing femininity is personal and unique to each individual. Take your time, explore different avenues, and most importantly, enjoy the process. You're on your way to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Gentle Lessons From A Month of Self-Care

As we head into the Spring, we are wrapping up our month of self-care. If you have been joining along with us for our “Glow Through It” journey which is literally a playbook for living your best life, we’ve covered self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, self-gratitude, and in the month of April we focused on self-care.

When we first started the month, I figured this was gonna be the easiest theme of all because of course we’re amazing at self-care; we have an amazing movement practice that literally prompts us to engage in self-care often.

However, being intentional about focusing on self-care brought about some deep lessons I wasn’t even prepared for.

So here’s all the tea from our month of self-care.

Systemize Your Self-Care Routine

As a busy wife, dog mom, and CEO at SPICE, I’ve found it difficult to keep up with my own self-care even though I am a strong advocate for having an unapologetic practice.

However, the truth was I’ve focused so much on doing for others that I began neglecting myself for years.

At beginning of 2023, I vowed to make a change. I began to focus more on how I could serve myself so that I could be healthier for the people that need me most. I knew the only way to get back to a routine that worked, I needed a system.

The first step to getting into a self-care groove I looked into a concept called cyclical living; which is essentially a way to use the moon’s 28-day cycle to help you correlate the moon’s energy with your own energetic needs.

I learned so much about how our current culture neglects it’s connection to nature even though it’s been a practice across ancient cultures for centuries.

By incorporating the moon cycle into my self-care practices, I was able to establish a deeper connection with nature and the universe, and provide a sense of grounding and purpose around my own self-care. It had such a profound impact on me, I will be sharing what I learned in an upcoming 4-week virtual series at SPICE called Rest, Recharge, and Renewal: Make Self-Care Look Easy .

Check it out and be sure to register as soon as possible. Space will be limited.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries was a real game changer for me. I used to say yes to everything and everyone, even when I didn't feel like it. It was like I was afraid to disappoint anyone. But over time, I realized that this behavior was only bringing me stress and burnout. This month I decided to say no to people and activities that drained my energy. It was hard at first, but I quickly noticed the positive impact of freeing up my time and prioritizing things that made me truly happy.

It was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. And the best part? People respected my decision to set boundaries and I felt so much more empowered in my relationships. However; in some cases people didn’t respect my boundaries and I had to make the difficult decision to re-frame the relationship. That’s not easy, but trust me…totally worth it. Be sure to keep a healthy inner circle to keep you motivated and inspired to be your best self even when it’s difficult.

Cultivate Self-Compassion

Self-compassion (self-kindness) is something I struggled with in the past, but it's been life-changing for me, and I want to share my story with you. I used to feel like I wasn't worthy of self-care. Seeing images of women with long flowing hair running through fields of daisies in the Pacific Northwest while living on a raw vegan air diet with a dog who eats better than me and a baby named Filipa Noel made me feel like my ordinary life would never be as extraordinary as someone who had time for a luscious self-care practice. But, as I started to learn about self-compassion, I began to see that it wasn't about living up to an ideal, but instead was about being kind to myself, no matter where I was on my journey.

For a long time, I had been beating myself up over small mistakes and treating myself harshly. But, this month I got serious about my self-compassion practice, I was intentional about treating myself with kindness and understanding.

Each week I learned to appreciate my strengths and forgive my flaws, which provided me a steady flow of comfort in my own skin. Instead of striving for perfection, I've learned to drop the perfect act and embrace my flaws as a natural part of who I am. Self-compassion has been a powerful tool for me, helping me to accept my imperfections and ultimately, to love myself more fully.

The Danger of Too Much Self-Care

Although it’s important to take care of ourselves, but like anything, it’s all about finding a balance. Trust me, I’ve been there. I used to think that the more self-care I did, the better. But when I was spending all of my time doing things for myself, I was actually avoiding the important stuff and not dealing with my emotions.

This month taught me that finding the right balance is the key to success - that means finding time to take care of yourself while still taking action towards things that will push your life forward. Believe me, it’s tough to juggle it all, but when you’re able to find that sweet spot, you’ll be amazed at the results. So, let’s all commit to finding that perfect balance between living and thriving - we can do it!

Inner Work is Key to Effective Self-Care

As much as I enjoyed pampering myself with bubble baths and massages this month, I found that real self-care goes deeper than surface-level indulgences. Effective self-care requires a deep understanding of ourselves, our values, and our goals. By doing the inner work, we can create habits and routines that are aligned with our true selves that nourish our mind, body, and spirit.

I hope that these tips have given you some inspiration for your own self-care journey. Remember, self-care is not selfish, it's necessary for our overall well-being. Start small and find a self-care system that what works best for you. Practice boundaries, be kind to yourself, find balance, and commit to deep inner work. Your future self will thank you!

XOXO;

Jackie Smith

CEO; SPICE Pole + Aerial Fitness

QTNA: How To Celebrate Others When You Struggle to Celebrate Yourself?

We've all been there. Scrolling through social media, seeing another woman crushing it in their career or personal life and feeling that pang of envy… It's normal to feel admiration and even jealousy towards others, but what if we shift our focus from what everyone else is doing to what WE are doing? Let's begin by embodying a spirit of celebration within ourselves. Just think about the change when you can wholeheartedly embrace such an attitude; being someone who celebrates her own successes, no matter how big or small they may be; and admiring yourself in the mirror just as you are right now. From this place of self-love and gratitude, we can celebrate other women with an open heart. So this Women's History Month, let's take a break from honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of others and instead, celebrate our own unique gifts! Who knows, maybe you'll inspire someone else to do the same. ;)

Why we should focus on celebrating ourselves instead of other women

Women are often so focused on comparing themselves to others that they forget to appreciate and celebrate their own blessings of time, energy, and joy. This unfortunate habit serves as a destructive distraction from the rawness of being alive and enjoying life's simple pleasures. This month, let's come together to uplift and show admiration for the activities WE do simply from pure delight, without needing external approval.

Let's redirect our energy away from feelings of envy and comparison, and focus on celebrating our own successes! Instead of worrying about what other women are doing differently than us, let us give ourselves the recognition we DESERVE. Celebrating our achievements can foster a mindset of abundance, which in turn will affect all aspects of life. Through this, we craft a life full of contentment, peace and freedom--the things that make us feel truly alive!

How to celebrate ourselves in small ways every day

via GIPHY

Celebrating ourselves doesn't have to mean grand gestures, it can be small and practical actions like journaling. Taking the time to jot down our daily thoughts and things we’re grateful for can bring us closer to expressing gratitude towards ourselves.

Positive affirmations will also give us a boost of confidence and remind us that we’re deserving of self-love.

Lastly, meditating takes just a few minutes and allows us to relax, refocus our energy inwards, practice stillness and embrace the importance of taking care of our mental health first. So this month, let’s take some small steps towards celebrating ourselves!

Ultimately, celebrating other women should be encouraged and embraced. But we should also be proactive and intentional about learning how to celebrate our very own accomplishments. It may sound silly, but something as small as actively telling yourself that you’re doing a great job or wearing something you feel confident in can make a big difference. We can transform how we see ourselves by promoting feelings of self-gratitude and understanding that we have several amazing traits that are worth acknowledging. So let’s take this month of March and use it as an opportunity to rewire our brains and break the habit of comparing ourselves to another woman’s success - if you want, join us in our 28-day Celebrate Yourself Challenge!

Here’s to focusing on ourselves and creating a more positive outlook on the life we’ve been given. Let’s spread the love and celebrate us!

Happy Celebrating! 🎉💃🏽🤩😊❤️

XOXO,

Jackie

CEO

SPICE Pole + Aerial Fitness

Letting Go and Allowing Yourself to Shine| Step 1: Self-Forgiveness

“The forgiving state of mind is a magnetic power for attracting good.”

— Catherine Ponder

As the last week of January 2023 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on our theme this year—“Glow Through It”. The past three years have been especially hard for women—not just in terms of maintaining livelihoods, but also in terms of caring for ourselves and our own responsibilities. In order to help our community members keep shining through it all, we started with self-forgiveness. Self-forgiveness is one of the most powerful ways to release shame and guilt, and start giving yourself permission to keep growing even when things get tough.

Self-forgiveness doesn't mean that you are excusing or forgetting what has happened but instead recognizing that you can learn from your mistakes without allowing them hold you back from being your best self moving forward. To forgive yourself is an act of kindness and love towards yourself; it helps you become aware of how your actions affect others, as well as how they impact your own wellbeing. When we practice self-forgiveness, we are more likely to be kinder and gentler with ourselves when facing difficult situations in life. It’s also important to recognize that no matter what has happened in the past, today is a new day filled with endless possibilities!

The beauty of self-forgiveness is that it allows us to move forward without being held back by past mistakes or regrets. We can let go of what we cannot control and focus on that which we can control—our thoughts, words, and actions. This type of forgiveness allows us to free up mental space so that we can think more clearly about our current situation and make decisions accordingly. With this newfound clarity comes increased resilience which will help us navigate future obstacles with courage, grace, and strength!

As we wrap up this week's reflection on the theme for 2023 “Glow Through It” I hope you take away a greater understanding of why it's so important for us as women (and humans!) to practice self-forgiveness more often than not. Self-forgiveness helps us learn from our mistakes without letting them define us; it also encourages us to be kinder and gentler with ourselves when faced with challenging situations in life. So today I encourage you all - let go whatever needs releasing; forgive yourself; shine brightly! You got this!