Happy Mid-October from Nikki

How are you adjusting to fall? With the season change I have been really excited to slow down, turn in, and achieve some personal breakthroughs. I spent a significant part of the last 365-or-so days reflecting and healing...which included setting and reaching personal goals (one of which was the Chicago Triathlon, so thanks for your support and encouragement throughout!). This continues, but in quieter and more personal ways.

One slow-burn goal I have had is to be fluent in my father's native language - SPANISH! Did you know that about 13% of people in the US speak Spanish at home? Although my father came to the US from Cuba in his 30s, when he got here it was hard for him.... and part of his story of assimilation became not teaching his children his language. Well, I am putting in targeted effort to change that. I decided to read with him in Spanish, nightly (although the MLB playoffs have disrupted our schedule , but it's only temporary and my Cuban father will not miss his baseball games), and we have agreed to speak Spanish at home together.

Ven a practicar conmigo! 

Find Nikki at the studio on Thursdays at 7:30 pm for a sweet and slow Vinyasa Release, and on Fridays at 6:15 pm for a warming and grounded Vinyasa Steady.

It's been such a joyful, connecting, and healing journey for us. I can tell that at 75 he's really happy to have this opportunity with, at least, one of his children. I've learned so much from my parents in my lifetime and feel so grateful to have this chance to continue learning with him. During this time in which immigrants are actively being targeted and harmed by our government, it is so important to me to continue deepening my connection with my ancestry through language.