Thoughts

"...all Pilates teachers should find someone excellent to watch over and guide their own Pilates practice. This can be pivotal to the development of oneself and one’s teaching." 

~ Mary Bowen (Source: Pilates Anytime)

I couldn't agree more. I remember when I met Mary Bowen in her specialized "Pilates Plus Psyche" workshop organized in Singapore, I was the youngest in the room at the age of 27 (she guessed so too.) I was in the midst of finding myself, discovering the route that was ahead of me. I honestly hadn't imagined (or planned for) this journey, having graduated in a degree in Chemistry. 

"Don't fear because of your youth." She said, as we went through our individual personality types. "Don't be too hard on yourself if things don't work out the way you want them." 

7 years isn't too long at all. I've just passed the infant stage of my career. 

I'm grateful to have met Pat whom I look up as a teacher mentor, very fortunate to have her guide me and help me understand the true essence of Pilates- so many different schools, so many different styles... I'm still trying to find my style. It's always good to get understanding sorted, and simplified. I think I tend to complicate things...

The past week has been an opportunity to learn, and unlearn things. I can't imagine what else will unfold as we spend more time together.. So what is Pilates? How/what have we been taught, and how/what have we been teaching?

I am surely more inspired to understand better. Time really is in its essence. 
Who needs more time? ✋

Boulder Beckons...

In my quest to be a better teacher to my charges, I value the opportunity to learn from the greater teachers to deepen my understanding and practice. It was just timely (all in His time and plans) that I met Pat at the Asia Pilates Summit earlier this year.

I would've said "I wish I had met her earlier..." but I think my steeper learning curve was mapped out the past few years when I had a clearer vision of what I wanted out of my career. I didn't want to be an ordinary teacher who teaches exercises, but mindful movements that translate to daily functionality.

So here I am in Boulder.. pursuing that calling when I first met her. That deep sense of conviction I see in her eyes when I met her again today, nudged my heart. It honestly feels different when you dedicate time to be mentored, to learn, to take yourself out of the picture momentarily because you need it. Sometimes we really don't give ourselves enough time to digest and embody our own teachings...

We need that. 
"Now you are my student," she cooed. 

The more I learn, the more I unlearn. The more I seek, the more I forget... 

I like how she's gentle yet firm; open yet convicted; guides you into understanding. Three weeks have barely begun, but I already have the feeling I wish I had more time...

What's more! The mountains are calling too...

Finding time for self reflection gives peace to the soul, it could be anytime of the day, in between classes or when you meet someone (again), or in the shower. 

At some point in time, there was probably a time you reacted to a circumstance because of a perception you had in mind, then years down the road, you realize there wasn't that need to do that. Maybe that comes with wisdom, or perhaps the bigger heart to let it go. 

I am at a point in my life, when I look back I want to know I am better than where I was/ started with; and when I look ahead, I want to know that I have done my best to look back to where I am now and know that I have given my best to live. 

Life is short (or long, yet short). It really depends on how fulfilled you have lived yours. Live to give your best and experience the richness of what life offers, or choose to lull the days and live so little. 

Every day find something to be thankful for, someone to be grateful for, and never leave bad relationships.

OMG IT'S JUNE!

Before we know, half the year is gone... Where did all the time go!

⟳⏰⭮

It's been a tremendous period. The last I wrote was leaving the previous organization X and now helping out at my friend's studio Y. A learning process for all of us when it comes to organizing things to its details and communication because most of us are up and running about. 

In my opinion, the soft launch was a good indication of how things will/might run, and it also shows how we each bring out that element in us to give clients what's good for them. We have finally (albeit a tad delayed) agreed on the Open House program ↓↓↓

Call to book in for a customized mixed equipment group session! Max 5 pax per class!

🤟🤟

Amidst all the busyness in the studio, I am also struggling (or not) to finalize details for my trip down to Boulder, CO. Accommodation, budget, what clothes/ home equipment to bring, what luggage to use, SAFETY, FRIENDS...? So all this while I was double-minded about making the trip down SOLO, because it's my first (after summer school) travelling so far out solo. (I think it comes with age, if you don't do it, you lose it- GUTS.)

Also, thankfully (all in His time) I met people who are travelling/ have lived/ are travelling to the United States. Tips on finding the right accommodation in a [legit] location helped calm my nerves a little- somehow it's the intuition that tells you that things can be done better. NEVER IGNORE YOUR GUT FEELING. Super Super delighted too, that you know someone whose family actually lives in the city that you're about to make home for the next 3 weeks (thereabouts)- double YAY YAY! The first thing I asked Dr Jesse was "can they take me out to run in the trails?" 👀🙊 Haha...

I'm now more excited as the day approaches, and I am really looking forward to dedicating my time to learn from Pat and time to practice in my own body. I also am deciding on books to bring to keep up with my readings and possibly come up with some exciting stuff! YAY!

Everything in His time reveals the course of the future. Nothing to be afraid, only to have faith- tremendous amount of faith. Faith gives hope to what's unseen, a future untold. Keep loads of faith, and know that creating history is a partnership between you and God.