When I plotted out this year's monthly themes I had no idea how poignant the Stability theme would be coming at this particular time. For me professionally, the studio is in a state of flux with renovations in full swing and teachers schedules growing and morphing into one tremendous Pilates cyclone.  On the personal front, this month has been rife with emotional instability as my family awaits high school decisions for my teenage daughter. Is there a better time to seek a sense of stability? I think not.  But I'll have to find them in specific places, where particular ideas can take root and grow into daily practices, mindful thinking and hopefully provide some support through tumultuous times.

Here's where I'm holding onto to some stability this month.  

Nutrition - If your blood sugar is spiking and dropping all day you'll feel the results in emotional ups and downs and instability of mood swings. Be sure to keep your diet in check and your glucose on an even keel in the following ways: 

~ Don't skip meals.  Be sure not to go more than four hours without eating something.

~ Balance your Nutrients.  Each meal should include a mix of Carbs, Proteins and Fats

~ Watch your Snacks.  They should be small and consistent. Try snacking on the same thing each day.  Peanut butter and Apple is my personal fave. 

Legacy - When your world is topsy turvy, retreating into a familiar fitness routine can make you feel right as rain.  I've made it a staple this month to commit to the Abdominal series each and every day. Performing something your body knows well has a calming effect and allows you to focus your mind and steady your breath.  The heritage of the Pilates mat is rich and comforting for me. Here's a link to the full Mat  - you'll find the Ab Series starting with the Single Leg Stretch and ending with the Criss-Cross.

Integration - Maintaining consistent and stable diet and exercise program will inevitably infiltrate the rest of your life and the life of those around you.  Even when the only things you can control are what's on your plate and what you do with your body - the impact will be profound. Instability is a temporary condition you can take hold of simply by deciding to do so.

I hope to see you in the studio for one of our fantastic workshops coming up soon!