At the moment, I have a bad cold, a runny nose, and shortness of breath. My mom reminded me of some old Italian wellness rules: LATTE, LANA,LETTO in English : MILK, WOOL, BED. 

She also noted that I’m not following any of these rules. I should have canceled my Nia classes or, if I couldn’t manage that, at least driven to the gym. Message received.

And what did I do? I cycled to the gym and taught my class. My only concession was taking the lift to the third floor. Naturally, I took advantage of every song change to discreetly blow my nose, and I taught with the focus on self-care with the  intention of listening to my body to adjust and adapt my movements.

We had just heard the results of the U.S. elections, and in one way or another, I understood that each of us was carrying personal emotions around this historical event, regardless of individual political opinions. So, I reminded everyone that self-care also includes emotional and mental aspects.

When it comes to caring for our emotional side, we have two "tasks." First, recognize the emotion and, if possible, name it. Second, release it in a "healthy" way, in a safe environment, so it doesn't turn against us.

For me, Nia classes are always a safe place to release, move, and transform emotions. I don't have to explain anything to anyone; it's just me, my body, the music, and the movement. I know I have everything I need and the security that no one will judge me if, when I throw a kick, it’s full of anger, or if I fill the cooldown with melancholy, or if I feel free and protected in floor play.

Yesterday, I listened to myself more than usual because of my cold, and I believe I was able to visibly communicate what I was practicing on myself. I felt my students were very present within themselves, truly listening, deeply connected to their bodies, minds, emotions, and to themselves.

They were so connected that, in the final phase, some of them became emotional. Emotions can surface for many reasons: it might be the feeling of being alive, the sense of presence, acceptance, and joy in being who they are, or simply gratitude.

Want to know how I felt afterward? Much better... Yes, really! Sure, my nose kept running, and I kept sneezing, but I had more space in my lungs, my breathing had improved, and, most importantly, I felt healthier. I felt better emotionally, and my mind was no longer focused on the discomfort but on noticing small improvements in well-being.

Of course, this isn’t a medical prescription: if you have a cold, go do Nia. No! That’s not my message! Maybe the old advice of milk, wool, and bed is still a valid one. But I encourage you not to completely stop if there’s only a slight discomfort and to remember that gentle, mindful movement with music and in a group can be essential for activating vital energy and not falling into the traps that illnesses often bring.