Greetings!
Because we are celebrating the Spirit of Pilates this month, I thought to look up the definition of the word and see what might be revealed. It turns out that there are a host of definitions for the word "Spirit". And as I delved further into them I found meanings that I knew unequivocally applied to Pilates. Read on for my assessment. First - "The vital principle or animating force within living beings." Obviously this can be assigned a broad and somewhat ethereal meaning but taken from the Pilates perspective, I couldn't help but be struck by the poignancy of the words "vital principle" and "animating force". I experience my practice as utterly vital and thoroughly animated. I strive to teach my classes and sessions with the same sense of vitality and animation and I feel those qualities from the students and teachers who populate Real Pilates every day. So yes, check that. Second - "The essential nature of a person or group." My teacher Romana Kryzanowska was interviewed once and said, I am a "Pilates person". (Note to the world, we really must have a name for those who practice Pilates!). Her spirit or essential nature was embodied by her love of, connection to, and continuous sharing of Pilates. As much as anything you consistently practice becomes a part of your conscious and unconscious behavior, it is an essential part of your nature. So yes, I say check that too!
Third: A particular mood or an emotional state characterized by vigor and animation: as in... " sang with spirit." Ok. I'm all over this one. PIck any single Pilates exercise and I can tell you which emotions are being demonstrated. You can see for yourself the vigor and animation contained in each move. No really - check out Keren Hawkins fighting her way through a kick-ass Boomerang in the video below.
Fourth and Final: Strong loyalty or dedication:as in.... "team spirit." Love this one. I say all the time that the mind-body element which Pilates employs most fully is really more like Mind-Muscle. There is serious teamwork going on here whereby your nervous system, endocrine system, and musculoskeletal system are integrated to the fullest extent. For me, this only happens in Pilates. The necessary dedication of each and every part of your body required to execute each exercise is evidence of the Spirit of Pilates.
I could go all day, but you get the gist. Pilates is riddled with spirit. In so many senses of the word. Ask any teacher how they experienced their first class and they will tell you they were moved, somehow changed. Pilates got under their skin and became a part of who they are. Pilates People. Spirited, dynamic and vibrant.
I hope that Real Pilates delivers the kind of community, conversation and challenging work that makes you all feel and live a more spirited life.
-Alycea
Read on for the Boomerang Video and how we're getting into the food industry! OH, and how good is your Teaser? Need help - come to our next workshop. |