I recently returned from a fabulous vacation with my daughter, Liliana, to Hawaii. I’m deeply touched as I recapitulate how the trip, and most of the details would not have happened without wonderful connections through the Nia Global community. Another wonderful thing about traveling to visit fellow Nia fans is we get to experience a vacation very different from the “tourist track”.
Liliana and I stayed at a wonderful elevated home with ocean view or the “windy side” of the Oahu island. This beautiful vacation stay was gifted by Mary who took the Nia Blue belt with me a decade ago! when we reconnected at her Nia Black Belt this summer, Mary offered her beautiful vacation home in gratitude for my help along her Nia journey! what a gift!!
I also had the opportunity to teach a class at the Still and Moving Center. I was here about 9 years ago, opening the studio with a Nia White Belt training. What a joy to witness how the studio has grown, and the community blossom, since it’s inception many years ago!
I also taught a class at the Honolulu Club for the first time. It’s a fantastic fitness and wellness facility in downtown Honolulu. 3 Nia teachers, who each have full time jobs, co share teaching regular Nia classes at the club twice a week. Talk about collaboration! it was a joy to reconnect with all 3 teachers, witness what they’ve co-created.and teach their class.
We enjoyed an amazing dinner, and tea party, with ocean view, at Renee’s home (she’s the owner of Still and Moving Center). We delighted seeing how their house has been completely rebuilt since we last stayed 9 years ago.
Through the magic of FaceBook I discovered fellow Nia teacher and studio owner Lola Manekin (from Baltimore) was also on the island. We met up for an early morning yoga class and coffee date!!
Then a short 45 minute flight to Maui to be picked up by long time Nia client (and now much more a friend!) Lynda Stobart. We had visited Lynda in Geneva 5 years ago on our Euro Rail 6 week adventure, when Liliana graduated from high school.
Lynda’s family relocated to Maui a couple of years ago. They’ve created an amazing “off the grid” home with ocean view. I’m inspired by this eco style living.
Lynda took us to local towns, coffee shops, we attended a couple of yoga classes, enjoyed local walks, boutiques, catching up and sharing stories. I even previewed a retreat center with the possibility of returning and offering classes and/or a retreat.
Thank you Nia for the connections and thank you friends for your generosity. We had an amazing and unique vacation which could only have been experienced through our friendships kindled through Nia.