Journeys of Self-Discovery & Nia with Trish

25/08/2025

22/08/2025

Getting enough restorative sleep is one of the most powerful habits for long-term brain health. Research in the Journal of Neuroscience shows that even a single night of total sleep deprivation can make the brain appear older, though the effect is reversible. During sleep, the brain clears toxins, consolidates memories, and strengthens neural pathways processes essential for cognitive sharpness and emotional stability. Chronic sleep loss disrupts these functions, increasing the risk of memory decline and dementia. Establishing a calming bedtime routine, such as light reading, gentle stretching, or listening to soft music, can improve sleep quality and support your brain’s overnight repair work.

16/08/2025

Research shows that two sharp inhales followed by a slow, deep exhale can quickly reduce anxiety and regulate the nervous system. This simple, science-backed breathing method helps lower stress levels within minutes, offering a fast, natural way to restore calm.

06/08/2025

The more we understand the nervous system, the better we can support our brain and body throughout life.

Right now, without you even noticing, your body is breathing, your heart is beating, your pupils are adjusting to light, and your fingers are moving to scroll this post. All of this is made possible by one incredible system silently working behind the scenes: your nervous system.

The human nervous system is a biological marvel, acting as your body's internal communication highway. It controls everything you do, from deliberate actions like walking and speaking to automatic functions like digestion, breathing, and heartbeat. Without this system, there would be no sensation, no thought, no movement, in essence, no life as we know it.

It’s divided into two primary parts:
🔹 The Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. This is the command centre, interpreting incoming signals and sending out instructions.
🔹 The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), made up of an intricate web of nerves that branch off from the spinal cord to every part of your body. It delivers messages between the CNS and the limbs, organs, and skin.

The nervous system operates through a combination of electrical impulses and chemical signals. Neurons, the specialised cells of this system, communicate rapidly to ensure that you can react to your environment within milliseconds. Touch a hot stove? Your reflexes pull your hand back instantly, all thanks to this precise and lightning-fast network.

But the nervous system does far more than just keep you safe. It allows you to feel joy, pain, excitement, and fear, to solve problems, to create art and music, and even to form memories. It’s the biological foundation of your consciousness and personality.

Protecting and supporting this system is vital. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, and antioxidants, along with regular physical activity and quality sleep, play a major role in keeping your nervous system healthy and responsive.

The more we understand the nervous system, the better we can support our brain and body throughout life.

Follow Minds Canvas for more engaging insights into how your body and mind truly work.

03/08/2025

Beautiful expression of Nia!

30/07/2025

Dancing bears depression! Come dance with us….www.niaaustralia.com.au/patricia

Forget the treadmill, if you want to beat depression, just dance. That’s the message from a landmark Australian study analyzing data from 218 trials and over 14,000 people. Researchers found that while any kind of exercise helps, dancing delivered the biggest and most consistent drop in depressive symptoms, outperforming walking, jogging, yoga, tai chi, strength training, and even standard medical treatments like antidepressants or talk therapy.

Why is dancing so powerful? Experts say it’s the perfect combination of movement, music, and emotional expression. Dancing engages the mind as much as the body, releases feel-good neurotransmitters, and often includes a social component, whether you’re sharing a dance floor or just moving at home. This unique blend helps break cycles of negative thinking, boosts mindfulness, and offers an emotional release few other activities can match.

The best part: you don’t have to be a professional or even leave your house to reap the rewards. Whether you dance alone in your living room or join a group class, this joyful movement is one of the most accessible and effective mental health tools science has uncovered. Next time you’re feeling low, turn up the music, your brain and body will thank you.
📚 Source: Noetel M, Sanders T, Gallardo-Gómez D, Taylor P, del Pozo Cruz B, van den Hoek D et al., BMJ 2024

27/07/2025

23/07/2025

16/05/2025

🌿 4 DAYS LEFT TO SAVE – EARLYBIRD ENDS 20 MAY! 🌿
Save USD200 (NZD330/AUD300*) when you register and pay by Tuesday.

We’re nearly halfway through 2025...
Are you craving a reset? A break from your routine to reconnect, recharge and return to your body’s natural joy and aliveness?

Join us for the Nia Art of Sensation White Belt Training in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, NZ – 5–10 July, guided by Nia Trainer Sophie Marsh.

✨ Daily Nia classes
✨ Leading somatic practices
✨ A sensory journey to vibrant health and conscious living

All levels welcome – whether you're new to Nia or a long-time mover.

💌 Contact Carien: niawithcarien@gmail.com or Sophie: 0431 484 054
🔗 bit.ly/KerikeriAOS25
(*Conditions apply)