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. ♡

It's been a week!

and particularly today, I began to think "How am I going to integrate Pat's teaching into my work?" She makes things simple enough to understand, to feel. How would I convey the same information to my clients without shortchanging them the information that they need to know?

The simplest answer I got was to practice- to embody my practice as a student. I cannot be more grateful to have Pat mentor me, and guide me along this journey to be a better teacher.  Her deep conviction touched my heart and inspires me. There always comes a point in time, a phase in your journey, a particular kind of teacher resonates deeply into your heart who brings out an element in you that you desire to be. 

For me, it's not just about exercise choreograph or exercises, but the meaning and intention- "the life" you give these exercises... Such make me think and connect deeper into what the body needs to stay mobile.

It would be my desire to learn her work well and pass on the torch...

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...