Healing Through Movement
Our bodies are a machine. Think of it like a car - if you don't give it the proper fuel and take it out for regular drives (movement!) it will konk out and not function properly. Same goes with your body.
As someone who does Pilates with passion, I went into the pandemic strong and continued moving with many of you online. I knew something was "off" but attributed it to the isolation and stress we all encountered in that time. In June 2020, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cervical cancer. This blew my mind - how could someone so healthy be so sincerely ill? After a pity party or two, I turned to what I know works. Positive thinking and visualization of healing, moving my body whenever I was able to and supportive people in my tribe carrying me through. Literally and figuratively.
There was little I could control about battling cancer but those three elements are what I focused on - and left the rest up to God and my Oncologist (a total superstar, btw).
If you are reading this and want to understand more about what I mean when I say "movement heals" - it's the idea that movement not only strengthens your body for daily life but also clears your mind for daily life. Pilates in particular is such a mindful practice that it allows your brain the time to literally and figuratively unplug from the world outside of your own skin and focus on breath, form and function. This, this is the good stuff.
When I successfully beat cancer by the end of 2020 - hallelujah! - I still had a massive, unexpected abdominal surgery to clear scarring from my intestines. This setback not only challenged my mind by being in a solitary hospital room without food or water for 14 days, but it also took me back to step one to rebuild my core strength and stamina. When I was cleared for exercise in March of 2021 I started back with gusto, but struggled sincerely not being able to do the planks, teasers, lunges like I used to. I know what it feels like to struggle with having to stop and not "keep up" with the rest of the class. I know what it feels like to feel like your body can't - but here's the thing. In time, with grace and commitment, it CAN.
It took me nearly a year to feel like I could do all of the Pilates moves I'd done for so long. It took me nearly two years to be able to take class without silently being concerned about my surgery sites taking the focus from the work. I've crossed over to the other side and do not take it lightly that it is a miracle to be seeing life from this perspective. My core might not look the same but the scars are a reminder of what I've been through and my continued focus on movement is a testament to knowing how incredibly important it was to move through a health crisis - literally and figuratively.
Leading a retreat in Greece is an absolute bucket list item that I'd love to share with you. I haven't traveled outside of the US since 2017 and it is high time for adventure, fun, sun .... and Pilates! The small group formats will allow me to support your movement as healing for your body and spirit. The community we'll build in Greece together is going to be incredible. We have limited spots left on the October 2023 trip, so if you've been thinking about it - now is the time to make it official. Learn more and book the trip here.