Someone in class commented that my class was like a moving meditation class and I thought this was interesting. I hadn’t thought about defining Zumba like that before, but yes it is!
I believe the goal of meditation essentially is to bring you into stillness. In other words, to bring you into the present moment. Formal meditation is one way of making time to do this. I personally practice meditation and I think it’s very powerful but there are many routes to inner peace and stillness.
I just love that spirituality can come knocking in the most unusual places. There are many classes which focus specifically on spirituality like yoga but who knew Zumba may be just as good!
Zumba or any activity for that matter, can be a spiritual practice and you don’t even realize it. I think it can even be a spiritual practice if the instructor isn’t aware of it. Something miraculous happens when we connect and stay within our body. What can happen is that you let go of your thoughts and simply be in the present moment. You are inside your body, moving, feeling and enjoying the simple joy of that. Being one with you body is very powerful and can transform you. It can get you out of your mind and all that useless chit chat that goes on.
So get to a Zumba class! Here are also 5 suggestions if you feel the urge to start or deepen your spiritual practice:
1. Read or watch spiritual teachers. Eckhart Tolle is my favourite. He has written my favourite books ever, A New Earth. He has also written The Power of Now. Check out Oprah’s top 7 books: http://www.oprah.com/oprahsbookclub/Oprahs-Favorite-Soulful-Books-Spiritual-Books
2. Meditation – go to a yoga class or a meditation class, or meditate in the comfort of your own home: Deepak Chopra and Oprah are currently doing a FREE 21 day meditation experience which I love and do: https://chopracentermeditation.com/
3. Spend time and connect with people who bring out the best in you. That is, people who uplift, inspire and love you just as you are.
4. Spend time in nature.
5. Spend time doing an activity you love to do and brings you joy and peace. Cook, take a walk, dance… whatever you enjoy.
Happy living!
– Popi, Zumba and Dance Instructor