A renewed mind

I taught my first class today after almost a month of retreat to Boulder to recharge, and learn from the teacher mentor, Pat.

I was hoping for some time to sit myself down and do class plans on how I would integrate concepts into my current classes. That didn't materialize of course, of all things I had to do (or chose to do)- I shouldn't give myself excuses. I was playing out ideas in my mind, with no skeleton program in my head, just a bag of exercises. How would I inject that life into classes?

Although I'm not feeling like I just got hit with a hard rock, I'm certainly not 100% present in my head space. I don't know how I'd thought my class was at 12.15pm instead of noon! Thankfully I am usually early otherwise... DEAD. But because of that, I was focused not to complicate things, and just work on the fundamentals - keeping simple. I listened to my own words (I tried to), I injected in concepts (as Pat taught) to exercises they already knew and linked the pieces together for them. I stayed on to help Ailin understand better then essence of footwork - she didn't feel her knees as she usually did (she has hereditary osteoarthritic knees) and when she focused on drawing in from the hip joints, she felt the work coming from her deep core. 😍

Back to the usual Pilates practice with my mates every Tuesday. We did exercises on the chair. It feels like Pat's voice was still resounding in my head, reminding me how the body should be moving, and logically making sense why I am feeling that way. It clicked. I'm happy. I think many times that heartfelt sense of achievement and understanding show. I think my friends know. I think I say it too much sometimes.

Sometimes you can't hide joy. I am grateful, and excited at the same time. What more will it unveil? It's only the beginning, my gosh. Suddenly 7 years of teaching Pilates doesn't count at all.... The scientist in me says, "keep questioning". That's the beauty of this work. ♡

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...