Dancing to achieve more than one goal

The idea is simple, get more exercise and I could lose weight. And what better way to get exercise than to dance?

Again, a simple idea: Powwow dancing is exercise.

But what I didn't anticipate at the recent Eagle's Nest Benefit and Contest Powwow in Farmington was a third contest song. Most powwows give dancers two songs, and I gave everything I had to that second song. So what happened on the third song, which lasted about three and half minutes?

I struggled to finish.

It's not that I haven't danced while being out of shape. In fact, at times I struggled to finish one song. And I didn't have any epiphanies about my physical condition either. I had different reasons to dance this time, unlike before when contest money helped motivate me to put on my "Indian clothes."

My goal this time was to feel good.

And as I lined up with the other eight dancers, out of breath and my calves feeling like they were about to explode, I felt good.

Weight loss is the center of the 100,000 Pound Challenge sponsored by the Special Diabetes Project, which runs through the end of August. But for me, the larger goal is a lifestyle change that includes exercise and a more nutritious diet. However, that larger goal is like saying I'm going to New York City and not having one clue how to get there.

"We have to make our goals realistic," said Paul Tso III, physical wellness coordinator at the Navajo Nation Wellness Center in Window Rock. He added that people should also set smaller goals because frustration can set in when we don't meet our goals.

I understand what he means about becoming frustrated. I don't know for how many years I've recalled those high school moments when I was in much better shape physically. If I couldn't come close to the shape I was in then, I wouldn't even try again out of frustration.

I was reminded of those days since the new Eagle's Nest sits atop the old football field at Navajo Prep, where I attended high school for two years.

"Remember we used to play here," said Charlie Eisenberger, who was captain of the football team when I played offensive and defensive tackle.

A subtle reminder of days when I could measure my health in clocked times of completed laps rather than barely making it around the track once.

"You got to be patient, especially if you are just starting to work out again," Tso said.

He added that it's a good idea to write down how I'm feeling and how much I exercise, especially if I'm just starting again.

So later this week, I plan to time myself running, walking, or jogging on a trail near my home in Sawmill Chapter. That's going to serve as my starting point.

I'm sure if I completely focus on short-term weight loss, I could find a personal trainer, bring myself to the gym day in and out, and I'd drop a fair amount of weight in a short time. But like football back in the day, how long would those changes last?

I am looking to make systemic changes in health, changes that are easily maintained. In time, I'm sure other forms of exercise will enhance my life.

For now, I am happy with the simple idea of becoming a dancer who can complete three songs back to back to back at a powwow, because dancing has a larger meaning than just playing Indian for a weekend.

"We dance to recreate," said Sarge Old Horn, 67, from Crow Agency, Mont.      He said powwow dancing is about feeling good and having fun. And what he says relates to other old teachings about the sanctity of life.

"We dance to enjoy ourselves and to let God know everything is good," he said.

I enjoyed myself that Saturday night at Eagle's Nest, and, yes, though I might have more humble beginnings towards better health, everything is good.

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