I was so excited to have Nikki be a part of my book project (see excerpt below). She is a lovely sparkly heart that sprinkles her positive energy everywhere she goes. Before I had the opportunity to know her, we were paired up in class to practice taking a patient intake assessment. This isn’t just any assessment as it dives deep into your feelings and habits. Personal stuff that is hard to share with a stranger. So, I remember how gently she held the space as we exchanged private information and worked through it together. She is a creative force — an actor and a yoga teacher. Recently, she introduced me to the OT or Outer Reach technique — a way to activate my (sometime stiff) joints and muscles. After a 45-minute gentle class, my body felt so good! So, I hope you learn more about her gifts and even sign up for a class.

Nikki, you are a breath of fresh air. Thank you for showing up.
Namaste

To find out more about Nikki, visit her website nikkicalonge.com

Living Full Circle Excerpt

“I am a student of yoga, aikido, and dance/movement therapy. Each morning, I practice yoga and sit to meditate, and then I teach a session or take class at my dojo.

When I’m not teaching, I’m in rehearsal for theater and dance; live performance is important to my creative life. I stay curious to learn how to care for myself and others in a way that is natural, clear, and holistic.

In the evening, I massage my feet and consciously thank them for all the hard work they do (see Mobilizing Resilience, Living Full Circle page 26). I mentally refer to the Ayurveda foot map and start with the heel and its padding, which takes the most impact, especially for the stubborn and ambitious. Then I move to the lateral arch (outer blade) that is an energy channel to help keep the spine strong and supple. The toes and mounds underneath the foot get lots of attention so that the five senses and organs are connected to maintain their vitality and responsiveness. The medial arch (inner arch) of the foot is last; it is where the soul resides. This dome is designed to propel us forward with resilience. Taking care of my feet every evening is a way to reflect on how I carry myself through the day. It relieves tension and makes me notice the way the body bears itself. My hands and feet feel the tiny shifts of attitude and perspective that accumulate over time, as I remember that real change doesn’t always happen at once.”

ANCIENT RITUAL: MOBILIZING RESILIENCE

• Before bed, massage your feet with oil (e.g., coconut oil).
• Start with the heel and massage its padding.
• Move next to the outer blade of the foot.
• Next, gently massage each toe and the pads of skin underneath each.
• End by massaging the inner arch.
• After finishing, thank your feet and say, “I propel forward with resilience.”