Susan Palmer's Exquisite Now

Stuff gets done here

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  • Take a breath

    It’s the air that holds these gliders up. They get towed by engine-propelled craft into the sky, then ride the wind.

    Day 43 of 52 Nia dance

    We are back from four days in Colorado. Among the places we visited: the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Here’s a thing I didn’t know about this four-year college that focuses on engineering and the sciences: All the students learn to be glider pilots and the program there is the largest glider operation in the world. We spent a fine part of a sunny afternoon watching small powered aircraft tow the sleek gliders into the sky and release them. They would soar and then turn and glide slowly down to the grassy airstrip. It’s a program run by the students. With the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, these lovely human-built craft seemed more like graceful birds.

    It was unexpected and inspiring.

    Going out and then coming home we had to run the gantlet of Denver traffic and the massive airport. Bulky commercial airplanes are a completely different species than the gliders. And maybe that’s why, when I got home, I wanted something soothing for my Nia routine.

    I chose “Shine” online with Kristin Schmitz, a routine focused on both movement and stillness. It was a perfect follow to a busy hectic morning of travel.

  • Short and sweet

    Day 42 of 52 Nia dance

    This morning I tried a 7-minute dance break with Meredith Amato on Nia on Demand. It was perfect for my today body. Yesterday we hiked the North Ridge Trail in the Wet Mountains (part of the Sangre de Cristo range in Colorado). It wasn’t a particularly long hike, just under three miles. But we were hiking at 6500 feet and for a coastal person living at just 400 feet above sea level, it was aerobically challenging. We also gained about 850 feet of elevation. Not a lot but it was not nuthin’. The rocky trail made me glad I’d brought hiking boots.

    The views were grand. There were just a few folks on the trail. It was a quiet beautiful day in the mountains. This morning I woke up a little stiffer than usual, so chose a routine that fit with the way I felt.

    The bonus: after dancing, the joint stiffness was all gone. You can find the routine here: https://niaondemand.com/programs/stealdrums-with-meredith.

  • Making lemonade

    Artist Patricio González, from Pixabay

    Day 41 of 52 Nia dance

    A small space in a hotel room is not ideal. But it’s what I’ve got, so … lemonade.

    I spent most of my 35 minutes thinking about what was wrong with the situation, from small video image on my ipad to awkward moving because of bed, chair and wall avoidance strategies.

    But, well, met the commitment to myself. Also, all my parts are wide awake and ready for the day.