Inspirational – Page 3 – Shannon Anderson

Peaceful Holidays!

Continuing the theme from last month’s newsletter about “How To Stay on Track Through the Holidays”, this month we are shifting focus from the body to the mind and spirit.

Pilates said his method is the “complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”*

It’s all the parts working together in harmony.

As the Holidays approach, practicing self-care will support you on all levels.

When you nourish your body through nutrition and exercise, you feel better. A good workout helps you not only physically but it also clears your mind. The increased circulation from working out benefits your body and your brain. Your awareness, focus, energy and concentration improve.

A regular Pilates practice also gives a little space for yourself – a retreat, a get-away and a reset. Some peace and quiet amidst all the activities.

As you care for yourself, body & mind, you can bring the best version of yourself to life.

You can enjoy more of the activities and people you love! And they can enjoy you – your presence is the best gift!

So nurture yourself as it lifts you and those around you. Your spirit will be elevated by quality time with your loved ones and their spirits will be brightened by your light.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

And Happy New Year!

*Pilates, Joseph H. and William John Miller. Return to Life Through Contrology. Pilates’ Primer: The Millennium Edition. Presentation Dynamics, republished 1998, p 9.

Celebrating Pilates Day 2021!

As many of you know, the first Saturday of May is International Pilates Day. In the past, it had been a time to celebrate in large community gatherings. Obviously, it was a little different this past weekend.

Please enjoy this video from Balanced Body with greetings from around the world! If you have ever wondered what kind of exercises Pilates teachers make up on the equipment when they are bored, then wonder no more. (Do NOT try this at home!)

Cheers to Pilates Day…

Every Day!

Joseph Pilates On Breathing

“Breathing is the first act of life, and the last.
Our very life depends on it.
Since we cannot live without breathing…
above all, learn to breathe correctly.”*

~ Joseph Pilates

With all the changes in the world this past month, continuing the muscle groups theme did not seem appropriate at this time. Instead, sharing Mr. Pilates thoughts on breathing seems more beneficial during this historic season. The poignant quote above is from his book “Return to Life”.

To provide a little more context, this book was first published in 1945. Right after World War II, Mr. Pilates urges, “above all, learn to breathe correctly.” This likely wasn’t a feel good sentiment but a practical one. As a fitness expert who trained boxers and who is purported to have been invited to train the German army in the 1920s (before he immigrated to the U.S.) and trained police in Scotland yard, Mr. Pilates first recommendation to become physically hardy after wartime is – “learn to breathe correctly”!

Mr. Pilates survived both World Wars. As a German living in England, he was interned at the Isle of Man during the first World War. This would also mean Mr. Pilates would have been in Europe when the Spanish flu broke out in 1918. It is legend that the prisoners Mr. Pilates trained did not succumb to many of the diseases common in the camps at the time.

Though not much is confirmed in scholarly historical research on Mr. Pilates boyhood days, it has often been told that he was sickly as a child, even struggling with asthma. These early struggles and his subsequent studies are thought to have shaped both Mr. Pilates and his work.

Mr. Pilates emphasis on the importance of breathing rings true as the world is currently on pause due to a pandemic that is respiratory in nature. As many are starting to be mindful of nutrition as a way to boost immunity, it only makes sense to practice breathing exercises as a way to help the respiratory system into peak condition. For Mr. Pilates, the foundational element, even “core” piece to being physical fit starts with breathing.

Breathing can not only help calm the mind and emotions during stressful times but can also improve lung function. With stay-at-home order deadlines extending, it is important now more than ever to stay active. Enjoy a walk outdoors (while social distancing from others) and practice Pilates to stay strong on both the inside and the outside.

*Pilates, Joseph H. and William John Miller. Return to Life Through Contrology. Pilates’ Primer: The Millennium Edition. Presentation Dynamics, republished 1998, p 12 &13.

The Gifts of December

The Holidays are fast approaching and as there is much hustle, bustle and shopping for the perfect gift, it seemed timely to talk about the gifts of December. Before purchasing, receiving or exchanging a single gift, it is nice to contemplate the gifts that already exist in this month. Without having to do a single thing, there is already much to be grateful for.

For starters in the Pilates world, December 9 marks Joseph H. Pilates Birthday. Born in 1880 in Monchengladbach Germany, Joseph Pilates was a visionary and inventor. He created a philosophy, a system and invented equipment that future generations will enjoy.

It so happens that Yamuna Zake’s Birthday is in December as well. She is alive and well. As vibrant and inventive as ever and still teaching nationally and internationally. Her body of work continues to grow and evolve to the benefit of us all.

Besides the visionaries born this month, December is a time celebrated by different religions as a season of giving. Even for the secular minded, December offers an opportunity to pause. The government, most institutions and businesses temporarily shut down.

Though it is the season of giving, the habit of giving is a good one year around. Gifts don’t have to be financial. The simple gift of a smile, a hug or a text with an encouraging or even funny word can make a world of difference in brightening someone’s day.

As the season begins, hope you carve out some time to pause, breath and enjoy all the gifts you already have – health, life, family, friends and perhaps pets! May you continue to give to yourself through self-care in all its forms from proper nutrition and rest to exercise and quality time for activities you enjoy. And as the season turns into new beginnings for a New Year, may you continue to find ways to give to yourself, to loved ones and to your community throughout the year.