5 Things I Learned From Pilates
After my divorce I wanted to find things that I loved and I got excited about.
I always loved movement. I grew up dancing and doing gymnastics. And as luck would have it, I was introduced to Pilates through a dance teacher. That was many years ago….
Looking back, Pilates got me through some difficult life seasons. And, I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons through Pilates.
I believe movement is healing. Movement is a root to ground you while allowing your energy to flow. Pilates healed me. And it continues to…
I wanted to share a few of the lessons l’ve learned, so it helps you too.
1. Breathe!
In my first lesson, I realized that my breath was shallow. Once I was aware of my breath and focused deep inhales and exhales, I realized I hadn’t taken a full complete breath for a while.
Mindful breathing has been life changing! Any time your stressed, sit quietly for 2 minutes and keep your awareness on your inhale and exhale. And see bring your calm back.
2. Feel More, Think Less
As a classic over-thinker, these words spoken to me by a Pilates trainer in a private lesson were a hard smack and a wake up call!
When she said “think less, feel more”. I thought, huh? How can you practice Pilates without thinking? But, turns out those tiny words set in motion a lot of life changes. For me, this lesson applies inside and outside the Pilates studio.
Even today, she doesn’t know what a profound impact these words have had on my life.
I am forever grateful. So, if you’re an over-thinker like me, please hear these words. They could be magic for you too….
3. Self Compassion and Trust
Trust is so important. What’s tripped me up at times is not trusting myself and falling into the comparison trap.
“I’m not good enough” is a tricky pest. It shows up as constantly doing, working more or pushing too hard.
But when we can trust ourselves and have self compassion — being kind to ourselves and to others - something beautiful can happen. For me, it is calmness and an inner strength. A strong back and a soft front, to paraphrase Brene Brown.
Self-Compassion allows your kindness first be reflected in you so you an shine a light for others.
4. You are Stronger than You Think
Why do we often not give ourselves credit for our inner strength and abilities? What if we started to see how strong and amazing we are. And, what if that strength we develop inspires another person to find their own inner strength. How amazing would that be! A really cool chain-reaction.
I had a client who I used to say: “You like me to think you’re not as strong as you really are!” This usually came out of my mouth when there was a Pilates exercise that she could do, but it’s challenging. She just smiled back at me, knowingly.
5. Be Present
“Be here now”, in the words of Eckart Tolle, is such a gift. This lesson along with #2 are my favorite benefits of Pilates. When I’m doing Pilates, because it requires concentration and awareness to my body. I can’t think about what I haven’t done, what I need to do later, what happens tomorrow, etc. Can you relate? We get caught up in the memories of yesterday or the idea of tomorrow and we forget where we are today.
The biggest gift you can give yourself is to be present - in the moment —feel it — take it all in.
For me…. this takes practice everyday!
I want to know…..What lessons have you learned from Pilates? Can movement be the root that allows your energy to flow?
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