You are not alone…

Have you ever found yourself screaming and wandered why nobody around you seemed perturbed? wandered how the noise coming from the deepest part of your soul was not smashing everything made of glass within a 3 mile radius, how could the deafening sound around you not be stopping the world in its tracks.

And then you realise the unimaginable and deafening sound consuming you is silent to everyone around you, no ear plugs or sound proofing will stop its frequency transmitting through every cell of your body. And no one can hear it.

Over the noise rampaging through your head  you attempt to speak but you cant hear your own words, let alone put them in a coherent sentence. And so people don’t ask awkward questions, they cross the street and they get on with their lives.

As you read this I truly hope you have never heard the words ‘I’m so sorry, there’s nothing more we can do’, ‘I’m calling with bad news’ ‘He/she’s gone’ but if you have then maybe you have heard the silent scream too and maybe like me you realise just how important not crossing the street is.

When I started the Sober October challenge for Macmillan Cancer support, I kept it light deliberately, made it about Chocolate Martini’s and lost Prosecco minutes, I did not want to disclose the full motivation for raising funds, everyone’s journey with Cancer is personal and I didn’t truly expect to lose two friends from the disease before the end of the year let alone before the end of the challenge. But as I write listening to & watching http://ift.tt/1TSSUIy I am deeply saddened to have lost two unique people from my life, one was a Pilates teacher I had not met but through the positive power of Facebook we connected, sometimes just a word, sometimes just a sentence or two but enough sometimes to go,’I’m here’, ‘you are not alone’. The other was a young woman I had taught for several years in my classes in London. Any teacher will tell you there are always people you teach that change the energy and dynamic of a class, they bring lightness, humour and enthusiasm as well as a love for Pilates that is contagious. They make you a better Teacher. When she contacted me to update me on her Cancer diagnoses at the beginning of term I knew it was bad, she was frustrated that Chemotherapy would make classes impossible but I had my new studio she hadn’t seen so I suggested if classes weren’t an option she could come to me, no charge just a chance to breathe, and maybe even leave the Cancer behind for just a little while.

We had our session, she was relieved to see the Cadillac as getting to the floor had become exhausting and difficult for this once powerful runner. We laughed, stretched and breathed. Pilates was not the 100’s, it was not dynamic and it wasn’t sweaty but it was full of energy and love of the Method she brought so much joy to. She left brighter and pencilled in the next date, sadly the call I took yesterday from her husband reminded me that time is never guaranteed. The space this young woman carved in my class and my life will never be replaced. No matter how many clients, friends and family I have lost, the sound is no less deafening with each one.

In memory of Lida, a long battle well fought and my mum’s best friend for over 30 years.

So as my mother, myself, my husband and friends invent new ways to enjoy Vodka Martinis without the vodka for the month of October, we will remember those we have lost and loved. We will stand alongside our friends fighting their battles with this indiscriminate disease. We will answer awkward questions, we will talk openly about bucket lists that should be lived before our best before date expires. We will talk about how we want to live and die. We will raise funds in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways to support research into stopping Cancer in its tracks.(Just in case you would like to donate to my efforts please go to http://ift.tt/2erXb7j We will talk about breasts, testicles, rectums, lumps and bumps and all things body parts, we will talk about screening, vaccines and lifestyle choices that might improve our odds to live not only long lives but healthy, active ones. We will choose to fight.

We will never cross the road because we don’t know what to say.

Time may not be on our side but love, compassion, joy and the choice to live life today is.

In peace and love.

Suzy

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Pilates & the sober mind out of the closet…

As many will know I’m pretty confident my advancement in performing the Pilates Teaser went alongside developing a taste for Martini’s. As I find myself explaining frequently the reason I do Pilates is not so much so I can find inner peace so much as knowing I can walk in heels and dance on tables without fear of falling (Hello Powerhouse!). I’m vegan, don’t smoke, have no interest in drugs but I do LOVE my chocolate Martini’s and Prosecco, what can I say, I have a soft spot for those V-shaped glasses and bubbles.

The fact is I’m a two drink girl, three drinks and I’m having deep and meaningful conversations with George (the cat) on the kitchen floor, so as a rule I’m no super modal when it comes to my alcohol stamina but I was in a little habit of regular drinking. I’ve long since known that the side effects of drinking can far out way the benefits, here in the UK we have a significant problem with Binge drinking, not the glass of wine with dinner type of drinking but mind numbing, blind drunk, throwing up in a cab drinking, not cool and not classy.

So when the idea of Sober October http://ift.tt/2dIxTX3 was floated I thought it sounded like a perfect opportunity to do something challenging and raise some cash, have you ever sat down and worked out how much money you actually spend on buying alcohol each month?!  in real terms (OK in my fantasy life) its a new Stella McCartney handbag each year, for some each season for me (Where do I sign up?)

So I signed up, donated my monthly expenditure to MacMillan Cancer Support and have actually enjoyed it more than I thought. When I had to give up coffee and tea earlier in the year it was awful, I felt dreadful for weeks, I love coffee, I miss coffee. In terms of my Martini’s I miss the routine of coming home and having one waiting for me but other than that I didn’t have any adverse effects. Somehow a glass of sparkling Elder flower cordial or Ribena seems to do the trick as long as they’re in a pretty glass. As much as I hate to admit it, my sleep is however, much better, less nightmares and less fretting, energy levels are definitely more even and my head is clearer, its been an interesting experience and I will definitely cut back on my consumption once the month is complete. the links between alcohol and reduced health are undisputed and our health is really all we can try and protect.  We know the risks of non even excessive drinking increase our risk of developing Cancer, Obesity, Diabetes, Strokes to name but a few conditions, but ultimately we make choices about how we chose to lead our lives every day, we are our own responsibility. Like many I have walked along side family and friends fighting Cancer, MacMillan Cancer support have made an extraordinary difference to the lives of so many. Its easy to take our lives for granted, its easy to wake up with a hangover and pop a pill, easy to expect the doctor to cure our ill’s but some challenges are greater than others, for some walking to the post box will be a momentous achievement today, some will be rallied by the thought of once again getting back to their teaser or even enjoying the feel of their Hamstring stretch. So I’m asking unashamedly for you to support them via my page http://ift.tt/2dIyPL6

I can do only one thing, help raise awareness and help raise funds. I cannot take away my Grandmothers Bone Cancer, I cannot fight the battle my friends currently face but I can do this and if nothing else keep my head up and remember with the help of Gloria Gaynor…

I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the aces sometimes the deuces
It’s one life and there’s no return and no deposit
One life so it’s time to open up your closet

 

Yours with love and respect and just a hint of fairy dust.

Suzy

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When there’s no rule book…

If you are reading this chances are you are a teacher, perhaps a parent, perhaps neither, perhaps both. Chances are you have also been a teenager. If not, I really wouldn’t worry about reading any further, that includes if you have forgotten what it was like.

We are living in a world of labels, and I’m not talking just designer clothing. We are all pigeon holed in one place or another, we belong, we don’t belong, we know where we are, then the rug is pulled and we lose our footing. Those of us with the dubious title of adult have to qualify our role on a daily basis, and quite honestly if we are honest with ourselves make it up as we go along. Particularly when the title Adult also gets followed with Parent.

Let me qualify something here, parents for me are caretakers of the young, Birth parents, Adoptive parents, Foster parents, Grand parents, Step parents, God Parents, Aunties, Uncles, friends etc. Well you get the picture. As they say,  it takes a village to raise a child, which pretty much makes us all Parents of the young people we share this world with. So what the F**k are we doing right now?

I did not like being 16. I was convinced there was an imminent nuclear threat about to end civilisation, it caused me many sleepless nights. I was scared witless by a new pending global epidemic called AIDS. I couldn’t enjoy a movie night out without Tombstone laden adverts. I’d got mediocre grades at school in spite of having worked my hardest and was told without A’ Level success my life would be condemned to nothing more than an eternal Escher stairwell. I was told my dancing days and therefore future would be limited (due to lack of confidence not talent) well that truth didn’t exactly enhance my performance skills for later life, oh and then my Dad died suddenly. I was 17 and just a little bit screwed.

As a Step mother now I’m not sure my generation has remembered just what harm unleashed fear can do to young minds.

Today there is DAISH, Trump, Brexit and entrenched UK racist and  fascist hatred it seems to lifted the veil on (deliberate pun intended), there is Cyber bullying of unimaginable degrees and a brief look at the any reality T.V show will show you that the size of a woman’s breasts will buy her 15 minutes of well paid Air time and ‘fame’ faster than any Noble prize winning brain she might possess. A popular Press that describes a 16 year old than runs away with her teacher as a sexually ‘Groomed’ victim but a 16 year old that run’s away to Syria to become a Jihadi bride as an ‘Adult’, no room at the Inn for Fundamentalist ‘Grooming’ here it seems even if it cost her life. No wonder our young adults are struggling to know where they belong when the ‘Adults’ in charge cant even get their perspectives or stories straight.

My point is we might be listening to our young but are we hearing them? If they challenge authority they are ‘disruptive’, even if, in our hearts we know the authority is flawed. If they dare to dream unconventional dreams we tell them they are unrealistic, overambitious, delusional or we just nod vaguely and sit content in the knowledge that unfed dreams eventually just die a natural death. If they are exuberant we tell them they are over active instead of looking at the reduced priority given to Physical education in schools. If they struggle to concentrate we blame ‘lack of focus’ instead of looking at the sugar laden, low nutrient, cheep food being marketed towards lower income families. A quick thank you by the way Mrs May for giving in this week to the sugar and fast food industry, the diabetics and heart attack sufferers of tomorrow will be thrilled you took such inert steps towards child health this week.

The point is this, it’s is not about blaming but doing. If we can remember just how hard it was when we were 16, that we didn’t have a rule book either then we might just be better placed to listen, support and maybe even smooth out the pot holed rode to Adulthood. Parents often like to say they never got given a Manual, well neither did the children, and perhaps if we as adults just eased up on ourselves, accepting we wont get it all right all of the time, we might just ease up on them. I believe in rules, structure and taking responsibility but that’s because they were values instilled in me from young along with a sense of freedom, self expression and respect for All, I was taught nothing in life is free and the greatest rewards come from the greatest challenges, but I was also given training wings that I’ve been building ever since. As Mr Branson put it  ‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they are too small’

If in doubt take yourself back, count to10, or 20 or 100 and remember would you really go back to being 16? if you, like me the idea alone brings you out in hives, then try to remember how scary being an almost adult was and teach them how to rationalise fear and to be brave, well at least how to fake it until they realise that they actually are truly brave. Wings were meant to enable flight, Our young people deserve a life that doesn’t ground them and we are ALL responsible for ensuring that doesn’t happen.  As for this thing called adulthood I still hate sleeping in the dark and prefer to hear and feel my big dogs heartbeat near at night, and I love to wear fairy dust even though it gets everywhere and on everyone, but then I think I might just make up my own rules whilst I’m considering the others.

If your still reading…May your wings always carry you forward.

Respectfully and with love,

Suzy

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Dear Dad…

Dear Dad

Its been such a long while since we caught up. So I thought I would write.

My Dad aged about 18

Odd really in an age when we are overwhelmed with information, images, texts, updates and emoji’s I actually think the human race is communicating less. An age where a status update is carefully constructed but writing a thank you card is considered quaint. Where love letters in the sand are an Instagram opportunity, once you’ve found the right filter that is. I still have your photo’s by the way, the ones from your photography course, I cant quite believe it was 27 years ago when my best friends and I posed for you (can you even believe I married the one you always felt I was too spirited for), we thought we were so grown up, we of course were not. I’m so glad we didn’t have mobile phones then, there was something to be said for waiting in the hallway waiting for the phone to ring, to staying up too late talking into the night whilst freezing my backside off sitting on the stairs, searching for working telephone boxes after forgetting the time and waiting for buses because we couldn’t afford cabs, Uber was just a word used by cool kids. I think it must be so much harder being a teenager now, so much less freedom to grow up, so much less that is guaranteed real in life.

I’m so blessed with the young adults in my life, but then you always were so good with children and young people. You knew their worth and valued their energy, perhaps that’s where I get my passion for encouraging them to dream, if they’re not dreaming then what chance do they have of living their lives to their brightest potential?. I’m so proud of them, I wish you could have met them.

Its been a strange time, I never did grow out of being the slightly awkward, self doubting teenager. I just got a little wiser to my demons and learned how to put them on their leashes. I fell in love with wonderful men long before I understood that Love did not have to mean pain, sadness and barricade’s, strange given that you and mum were so well matched that a child could grow up so full of fear and so determined to remain for the most part emotionally detached from Life. And love. I caused too many people too much pain.

There are so many things I don’t remember, memories that have faded. Was I even supposed to remember them? Was I meant to remember the sound of your voice or did my mind find a way of placing a sepia filter over things that were just too hard to bear at times? Do you know the way I write my R’s is just the same as you? Your father left you at 16 but you never spoke of how that left you feeling?. No matter what, you always focussed on what constituted a solution, I don’t ever remember you focusing on a problem (except the time I ran up a horrific phone bill and you stopped talking to me). I hope I have your optimism, your gift for being someone that’s wants to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

I suspect this is where my love of big dogs started, my dad rescued my beloved Mogli.

I think you’d like what I do now, Its a little bizarre, granted when you walk into my flat and are confronted with ‘unusual’ pieces of Apparatus but I think you would have been interested in knowing about Mr Pilates and his Method, perhaps you might have even given it a go, even professional footballers are doing it these days, possibly even the Spurs players, though I expect they would still never admit to it over a pint of Orange juice. I get to work with people every day and encourage them in only positive ways, I get to move every day and I get to help people move. I get to be myself and however Marmite that might be for some, for others I seem to make a difference. I’ve also got to meet and even become friends with some incredible people on my Pilates journey, some of them I haven’t even met in person, but this thing called ‘social media’ has allowed me to make connections and have access to opportunities I could never have imagined. Of course it has meant saying Yes to things when every bone and instinct in my body has said to say No but then that’s when I can hear you, see you and feel you, and I remember how you always found a way to make things happen. I don’t think you knew what the word stop meant, but then those who know me say the same thing.

My dad & I

So here’s the thing Dad, I may only have known you for the briefest time, and I know I tested you to your limits. I was not easy to love or even like at times. I’m still working on the dark days. But I’m surrounded by those who steer me always forward, strong women who shine a light to bring me out of the dark, those that help me as much as I try to help them, friends who know me better than I know myself. The ones who know a voice not a text can soothe a fragile soul, the ones I have tested to their limits and not walked away. Truly grateful for my husband who reminds me that I still swish my ponytail in the petulant adolescent way I always have, proving that growing up remains optional and loves me anyway.

I don’t know if you would have been proud of me but I’m proud of myself. Today 25 years ago your heart could no longer do its job and in a missed heartbeat you were gone. I hope you have gone on and not had time to look back because we are fine, I am fine. The world is not the same, I am not the same but just as you did I believe in humanity, in optimism, in goodness, in light and if I become half the person you were, this life will have been a great one even if you weren’t able to be there to hold my hand through it.

 

 

With the greatest love.

Your daughter.

 

 

 

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What’s the point of family…

We are living in challenging times, Its easy to feel over whelmed and increasingly disillusioned when we see those in positions of authority and power around us behaving as if they’ve just joined the largest Mad Hatter tea party ever. Whichever side of the pond you are reading this on and whichever side of the fence you are on I have no doubt you will have concerns about where our World is right now.

When we feel powerless its easy to fall into apathy, to feel disempowered and to feel like one voice is just a very small drop in a very large, often shark infested ocean. But what are challenges if not opportunities to test our strength, our resilience and our courage? When the British MP and humanitarian Jo Cox was slain last week, when a gun man walked into a night club and gunned down and killed 49 people in Orlando, this was not Politics this was Hate and the response globally has been an outpouring of determined and unequivocal Love. When politicians deliberately pour kerosene on already scorched communities and voters they cant be surprised when indiscriminate fires break out, collateral damage is inevitable.

So where do you start, how do you make a difference? The last time I checked I was a member of the human race, not a white member, not a black member, not straight, not gay, not liberal, not conservative, not clever, not uneducated, not Christian, not Muslim, not married not single but just a fully signed up member of the human race and surely  I have a responsibility to other members of the same race not to turn my back. Aren’t these people my family, my community too? When I watch the news I don’t see a boat full of Syrian refugees as a drain on my taxes, I see desperate people experiencing unimaginable lives and making choices I pray my family never has to make.

But what if we cant make a difference the way Jo Cox did? We cant all be so driven, so passionate, so motivated but we can all make a difference, to each other, to ourselves. Whilst teaching away last week I got some news about a friend, difficult news, the type of news that makes you feel helpless and ask questions like, why him, again? Firstly, I should tell you a little about him.

I met Jon through Kathi Ross-Nash, I was nervous, anxious, full of insecurities and there he was, full of light, humour, grace and gentle encouragement with a little dose of Jazz hands to ease my fears. We shared training together,  he took me through my slutty cat paces in a 1-1 at Kathi’s studio http://ift.tt/28IJ6C9 and introduced me to Chocolate Martinis at http://ift.tt/11zZlnj on the upper West side, an addiction I will happily keep for life. Some people you tell everything to in an evening and you know that your life is better for having told them. I haven’t known Jon long, I’m not a life long friend but I would get on a plane tomorrow if he needed me to bring him Take out, because, well, that’s what friends do isn’t it? So my friend has Cancer, again, and well quite frankly it sucks but then I saw what his friends were doing about it, we cant take away the fact its happened but we can come together and take some of the day to day pressures off. And that is what communities, friends and families do. They come together and they make a difference. So I’m asking you, as someone passionate about Pilates to help make a difference, what if you forfeited your daily Starbucks or your Pilates 1-1 this week and used it to help another Pilates teacher, colleague, friend you haven’t made yet? If we all pulled together regardless of our backgrounds, training, lineage and experience, just think of the difference you could make to one person, today. Because that’s the point of family isn’t it?. To make a difference.

Please consider donating to support Jon through his battle via http://ift.tt/28IJ5xU

With Love and respect.

Suzy Mitchell

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Stealth Pilates and footprints on the ceiling…

Unless you are blessed with supreme confidence, most Pilates teachers know that slightly nervous anticipation that runs through you when participating in a workshop. Perhaps its fear of being in the company of people you don’t know, perhaps its the idea of feeling you might be judged on your own ability or knowledge. Perhaps its the moment you realize what you don’t know far out ways what you thought you did, whichever training school you attended. For most of us however there is an intrinsic understanding that continuing to learn from others, be it our clients or Teachers is the only way to ensure that we truly grow in our own practice and understanding of the Pilates Method.

I’ve been blessed over the last few years to spend some time watching and learning from some incredibly inspiring teachers. When you spend any time in the company of teachers such as Kathryn Ross-Nash and Blossom Leilani Crawford you know that the future of Pilates is not just in safe hands but that its in magical hands.

I’ve just finished 3 days of attending workshops at Pilates Nation http://ift.tt/1RYza5E with Blossom, we worked, we played, we laughed, we got occasionally smutty but those attending were blessed enough to be given a brief insight into her extensive time studying with Kathy Grant, not to mention the many other influences credited that makes watching Blossom in action so compelling. Some people are just meant to be teachers and Blossom is one of them, knowledgeable, generous and with a wicked sense of humor her workshops are as challenging for the brain as they are for the body, no one should be duped by the Hawaiian easy smile, this woman knows how to harness the power of the ocean from merely a gentle wave, she is the epitome of stealth Pilates, Its possible my muscles might just stop aching by Easter though I wouldn’t like to bet on it.

After this weekend and underneath the aches however lie a better understanding and appreciation of the Pilates Method and a reminder that we as teachers make things happen daily for our clients as well as ourselves. That the bigger picture of what we do contains infinite numbers of smaller pictures and possibilities. That we really can go from knee folds to the Candle, from finding our exhalation through no 3 to the Walk over. The true joy of this Method is finding ways to bring our clients on the journey with us, through our learning, though our exploration and through our respect of each others journeys. Once again I find myself incredibly appreciative of my own journey and those I have been blessed enough to learn from, should you get the chance I would strongly suggest heading to the Isle of Man in July for the Inaugural Pilates Conference  http://ift.tt/1Ukmfe8 where both Blossom and Kathy will be presenting. If that’s not an option then at least take the time to look at their classes on http://ift.tt/YPWxEB ..Every time we learn even just one more way to help enlighten this wonderful Method for our clients we as Pilates teachers as well as a community can only gain in strength, which without flexibility in both body and mind is after all  just not Pilates.

 

With love and medicinal raspberry vodka,

Suzy x

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Is your heart in it….

Its no secret I love what I do, I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love daily, bringing Pilates into the lives of a wonderful diversity of individuals, all of whom inspire and teach me on a daily basis.

Like any passion it can be all consuming. My days are long, I start between 6.30 and 7am and finish at 9pm every day. I’ve only just dropped from 6 days a week teaching to 5, burnout in my industry is common. I’m in no way complaining, as I’ve already said I have a passion for what I do and high energy levels but sometimes we all need to look at where we are, the more we have in our day to day lives the faster the days go. Before we know it we’ve missed the wonderful scenery along the way.

I recently underwent Cardiac tests, an echocardiogram and an ambulant ECG over 48 hours, teaching wired up was an interesting experience, so far I’ve discovered the structure of the heart muscle is healthy, there had been concerns due to my history with disordered eating and the fact my father died of a heart attack at 45. So far I’ve yet to hear back on the electrics but fingers crossed the feedback will be good.Being incapacitated when the body is potentially vulnerable is always a time for reflection and I found myself reconsidering my health in many ways.

A year ago my life changed in ways I could not have predicted. I reconnected with my best friend from childhood, we fell in love, bought a house together within months and in three months from now we will make a commitment to each other in front of our family and loved ones. Its been a whirlwind but my life often is and the truth is I wouldn’t have it any other way. So given that I teach a method that embraces the health of the body, mind and spirit (if Pilates didn’t lift mine there’s no way I would do it, let alone teach it!) my little cardiac speed bump has led me to question what I want from my life. Instead of getting frustrated by my enforced slow down I decided to consider if I was in the best place professionally as well as emotionally. I’ve known for some time I needed my own studio space, somewhere to practice, explore, play, quiet time, silly time. Somewhere to take my clients into even more of their bodies potential, somewhere I could share the feeling I get when the body, mind and energy come together to create something profound and life changing. The Pilates body is not simply a size ‘X’ or someone you see paraded endlessly on Instagram or Facebook, the Pilates body emanates the Heartbeat of the Method and the pulse goes through us all in different ways, the benefits are many and varied to ourselves and our clients but only if we see it as part of our lives and not all of our lives. I’m fortunate enough to be with someone who supports my passion and ability to do what I love but who has shown me that lazy days are as good for the heart as working and workout days.

In the next couple of months our little London flat will house my first Pilates studio, we will live in one half of the flat with our furry family whilst I turn the other half into a space to keep the heart of this work going in my own little way, It might mean I can finally rush around a little less, teach a little more and do more of what I love but doing it in a way that protects my health rather than compromising it. Sometimes the speed bumps in life are not there to stop our journeys rather to slow us down a little and remind us what we might be missing on route. I for one am grateful for the journey so far…

With Pilates heart & Love,

Suzy

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A new year begins…the Pilates body & mind in 2016

There’s something about January 1st that gives us a chance to take stock, to breathe and to know that the longest day is behind us as the promise of spring and brighter days awaits.In truth 365 days of possibility, opportunity and uncharted experiences lie ahead. Good, bad and of course at times more challenging than any of us would perhaps willingly choose.

Today I opened up my email to receive the most wonderful message from someone I taught some time ago. It is always lovely to hear from previous clients etc but what made this message so special was the attached drawings she had previously done and decided to finally give me..

Suddenly I realized just what Pilates had meant to someone I was lucky enough to introduce Pilates too, truthfully I had no idea at the time just what an impact our wonderful Method was having but these pictures capture not only exactly what I love about Pilates but also what I try to bring to my classes and to the people participating.

The Pilates body and mind to me is not only strong and flexible but resilient and able to embrace whatever comes along. The strength is found in not giving up but accepting that even the smallest efforts can result in great changes. That remaining flexible isn’t just about understanding the stretch reflex but also knowing that the mind and body are intrinsically linked to the spirit. The more generous we are with our knowledge and confident we are with sharing what we know as teachers and students the more we ourselves gain in our own practice and understanding of the Pilates Method.

As I look forward to the year ahead, to teaching Pilates Retreats in Italy and Pilates breaks in Cyprus from May through October. To being part of the extraordinary event that will be the Inaugural Pilates conference on the Isle of Man in July.http://ift.tt/1Ukmfe8 .

To travelling back to New York and New Jersey in September to see both Pilates and non Pilates friends and where inspiration is found in a vision of scarlet and where relaxation is most definitely never in the same sentence as Pilates.

But most importantly to exploring and challenging myself to face my fears, to take opportunities as they arise. My only resolution this year is to embrace more of everything and to consciously limit the impact of my own fears. I hope whatever you have or haven’t got planned for 2016 it brings you more than you can possibly imagine. In the meantime I am just a happy Pilates teacher pleased to be drawn with color, humor and instruments of torture!

Wishing you a wonderful 2016 All!

With Pilates Love,

Suzy

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Pilates style and Christmas ideas for the Pilates lover

December has arrived and finally I can now embrace the Christmas spirit and let my inner sparkle loose. Like many teachers I will be working right up to the wire before taking time out for family, friends and a chance to volunteer over the Holiday season. If like me you are time poor I’ve put some Pilates Christmas gift ideas together just in case you are still looking for inspiration. I will only recommend what I’ve tried and tested, I’ve had no freebies, no incentives other than great products from fantastic small businesses. Santa if your listening please put some legwarmers in my stocking…

Pilates style…

Take a look at the wonderful clothing line at http://gymluxe.com/ I was fortunate enough to discover this line of clothing at a fitness exhibition and loved their look. I’m not really a Lycra, crop top sort of girl, my dancer self still needs layers and ease of movement to add on and take off as I warm up and cool down, both when I work out and when I teach. It does not get better than this and the quality has withstood the rigors of teaching full time which is no small test.

Eat well, be well…

If its time to reconsider your approach to eating start with http://ift.tt/1vyytFK run by the inspirational Toral. Her food, her workshops, her passion will make you reassess the way you look at food and the way you can choose to look after yourself. This is not about denying yourself but nourishing yourself. Invest in a healthier you for 2016.

A healthy heart…

Consider buying a gift that helps others. I will be volunteering for http://ift.tt/TKMOxe but they have an online shop where you can purchase things for the animal lovers in your circle. There is also http://ift.tt/1MDZQ7a The fantastic thing about this site is that you can find things which will personally appeal to your loved ones. A blanket for a chilly granny anyone?

Massage away the working week.

As a qualified Reflexologist I cannot say enough how important Massage therapy and taking time to heal the body is. I go to my local salon for a chance to slow down http://ift.tt/1Ns1i0j, a family run business rather than a large chain has the added bonus of making me feel part of the community. Wherever you are most Salons offer vouchers, so if you haven’t done it yet why not pop in and step out a more sparkly version of yourself whilst picking up something for a friend.

 

The fountain of Knowledge.

For those truly passionate about Pilates consider ordering

The Red Thread: The Integrated System and Variations of Pilates – The Mat : Kathryn Ross Nash. 

 

This book is a true gift for any Pilates enthusiast, think of it more as a reference book than a ‘How to’ book as its full of experience, knowledge and fun, alternatively you could pick up a copy of Fix your feet using the Pilates Method (also Kathryn Ross-Nash). Its an easy and affordable way to improve the practice of anyone that loves Pilates and will gain some serious Brownie points for Christmas..

Time out and Tune in on a Pilates Retreat.

Why not think about gifting a package of Pilates classes, 1-1’s or even a Pilates Retreat for 2016 http://ift.tt/1MY6CXJ. We run Pilates Retreats and Pilates breaks in Italy and Cyprus and will happily put a Christmas package together. We might be biased but we believe our Pilates Holidays really do provide you with an opportunity to put the greatest investment in yourself you can. Over a four day weekend or six day break you will experience intensive Pilates, stunning views and healthy food with a little dose of indulgence. After all Pilates is about balance not extreme living.What better way than to start the New Year looking forward to a Pilates break!

So that’s some of my Christmas Pilates ideas…Thank you for reading and of course feel free to let me know about products you like and use, we love discovering other small businesses to support and advocate

Let the sparkle begin….

Suzy Mitchell

http://ift.tt/1UIvAfb

 

 

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Pilates for life….Pilates for dogs

A dogs life….

I’ve been blessed to have dogs in my life for a long as I can remember. I’ve always loved large dogs the best, always rescues and rarely the dog I thought I wanted but always the one I was meant to have and the one I needed to learn the most from.

Oscar (pictured left) is my oldest and he is reaching his end days. Sometimes working with bodies and watching bodies can be as much a curse as a gift, the smallest shift of movement patterns that would go unseen by others are immediate to me. I see, I feel and I try to help.

I knew Oscar’s issues were neural and not muscular, the sudden mal co ordination, his seeming ambivalence to something that was clearly slowing him down and debilitating his everyday adventures. I followed my Pilates professionalism and instinct and had a Vet look at him. My darkest fears were realized, there’s nothing they can do but at least there is no pain. As I’ve mentioned before I don’t adhere to the term weakness when I’m working, there are merely strengths to be worked on. I’ve worked with enough clients with terminal cancer to know and understand my limitations but this is a member of my family. And it hurts not to be able to ‘do something’.

I’ve been contacted by a wonderful Pilates teacher offering help with Osteopathy, +AlisonSalmond you cant know how grateful I was for your offer of help and positive attitude and a wonderful example of social media bringing people together. This weekend we brought him to the country, yesterday we walked in the torrential rain just because he loves it so, he always loved mud the best, today he stopped, he didn’t want to go on, its the first time he’s ever done that, and I heard the crack of my heart as my partner gently walked him home whilst I continued with my youngest pups eager to challenge giant pigs and play Russian roulette with donkeys who’ve been there, done that and kicked the tush of an over exuberant dog.

Just as I have done many times before I put one step in front of the other and I breathed, I watched the river, previously a gentle stream racing forward, taking everything with it not strong enough to withstand its powerful force. I tried to get my biggest boy to find a calmer presence amongst some very patient ponies whilst I considered my options for my oldest and now weakest. When we arrived back Oscar was waiting, guarding, watching and very much present, his spirit is vital, his body the only thing that is failing. And so here I am in my moment being forced to take one day at a time, having been reminded gently by those that care that even lying in front of the fire can be enough sometimes.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, even if I deep down I do, my Pilates training has taught me all I can do is my very best in life, with energy, with positivity and with a passion for life but just sometimes I wish I didn’t see the changes, didn’t feel the subtleties, didn’t notice the river rushing forward because sometimes you are forced to wander where the previous nine years went. So tonight I will love, tonight I will let tomorrow find itself and I will let my Old man sleep by the fire, knowing that however much we think we as humans can change things, the river will always move forward. I am a Pilates teacher but tonight I am a broken hearted one being reminded that letting go is as important as holding tight.

With love to All the Pilates community

Suzy

http://ift.tt/1UIvAfb,

 

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Just One Step in Front of the Other, Imprinting Footprints through Pilates

We buried a friend last Saturday, we said goodbye to a kind, loving man I wish I had known longer. Once again the sands of time so frequently governed by Cancer had run their time too soon. As is so often the case at funerals you learn so much more about the person you knew. This man was a teacher, not a Pilates teacher but a school teacher who has left so many footprints in Children’s lives that it’s not even possible to perceive of this man’s presence not changing lives for generations to come.

When we choose to teach as a profession, whether it may be in a University or in a Pilates class, we leave footprints. Not only the lives of our clients, but of our loved ones, our children, our friends and our colleagues. Everything we advocate sends a ripple, a resonance which relies on trust to propel it forward onto greater things. Passion, knowledge and experience are only worth having if you have the humility to share them respectfully, graciously and with integrity. It is a choice where we as professionals sit in a profession that is increasingly being sold out to profit, ego and point scoring. I have never said I was anything more (or less than) a Pilates class teacher, just like my rescue hounds I am an indeterminable mixture of schooling and Pedigree. But I do love what I do, I love many of the people I am fortunate to work and train along side and I do believe the heart of this work should be protected fiercely. I have seen many judged on their passion, mistakenly accused of arrogance, imperialistic attitudes and Bullying. Since when did having an opinion make someone a Bully?, that easy over political correctness just  makes light of what can be a very significant problem within the Teaching profession. Teaching is tough because learning can be tough. If we are not learning we are not truly teaching from the heart but from what someone else tells us is so, without question. When we are lucky enough to find the right teachers in our lives, it’s our job to treasure them, question them, challenge them and to respect them unequivocally, even when their opinion differs from ours. Just as we take care of our clients, professionally, carefully and with integrity these qualities should surely be Industry standard.

So whether you are fortunate to be learning from a friend living with cancer, his extraordinary wife and children. Whether you are blessed enough to have friends, clients or colleagues that share their Pilates and life lessons honestly and openly. Whether you are blessed enough to have the most amazing Mentors and teachers steering you through storms, both professional and personal. Focus your energy of being THAT kind of teacher. We owe it to ourselves like I owe it to my Pilates class students. Imprint your footprints through life with passion, with knowledge, with humility, with learning with laughter and be kind to yourself. In the words of my friend just ‘be the blessing you want to be in others lives’.

 

 

To absent friends.

May your journey be guided by love.

Suzy

http://ift.tt/1UIvAfb
http://ift.tt/1KFNkZ9

Looking forward to the next Pilates class.

The post Just One Step in Front of the Other, Imprinting Footprints through Pilates appeared first on Seraphina Pilates Retreats and Holidays.

A little NYC humour…

Go on be honest, we’ve all done it  

 

The post A little NYC humour… appeared first on Seraphina Pilates Retreats and Holidays.

Loving NYC….with Deborah Lessen

  

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Just one step in front of the other....

We buried a friend last Saturday, we said goodbye to a kind, loving man I wish I had known longer. Once again the sands of time so frequently governed by Cancer had run their time too soon. As is so often the case at funerals you learn so much more about the person you knew. This man was a teacher, not a Pilates teacher but a school teacher who has left so many footprints in Children's lives that its not even possible to perceive of this mans presence not changing lives for generations to come.

When we choose to teach as a profession, regardless of the subject. We leave footprints. Not only the lives of our clients, but of our loved ones, our children, our friends and our colleagues. Everything we advocate sends a ripple, a resonance which relies on trust to propel it forward onto greater things. Passion, knowledge and experience are only worth having if you have the humility to share them respectfully, graciously and with integrity. It is a choice where we as professionals sit in a profession that is increasingly being sold out to profit, ego and point scoring. I have never said I was anything more (or less than) a Pilates teacher, just like my rescue hounds I am an indeterminable mixture of schooling and Pedigree. But I do love what I do, I love many of the people I am fortunate to work and train along side and I do believe the heart of this work should be protected fiercely. I have seen many judged on their passion, mistakenly accused of arrogance, imperialistic attitudes and Bullying. Since when did having an opinion make someone a Bully?, that easy over political correctness just  makes light of what can be a very significant problem within the Teaching profession. Teaching is tough because learning can be tough, if we are not learning we are not truly teaching from the heart but from what someone else tells us is so, without question. When we are lucky enough to find the right teachers in our lives, its our job to treasure them, question them, challenge them and to respect them unequivocally, even when their opinion differs from ours. Just as we take care of our clients, professionally, carefully and with integrity these qualities should surely be Industry standard.

So whether you are fortunate to be learning from a friend living with cancer, his extraordinary wife and children. Whether you are blessed enough to have friends, clients or colleagues that share their Pilates and life lessons honestly and openly. Whether you are blessed enough to have the most amazing Mentors and teachers steering you through storms, both professional and personal. Focus your energy of being THAT kind of teacher. We owe it to ourselves, imprint your footprints through life with passion, with knowledge, with humility, with learning with laughter and be kind to yourself. In the words of my friend just 'be the blessing you want to be in others lives'.

To absent friends.

May your journey be guided by love.

Suzy

www.seraphinapilates.com

The road less traveled.....

The road less traveled....

A friend recently asked me why I hadn't written in a while, I paused.

 Apart from the sudden realization that what I write is actually read by people I found myself reflecting on why almost six months had elapsed since I had last put pen to paper. The truth is the last few months have been a long road which I found myself wandering whether or not I was at the beginning or the end of. I was also fearful of being judged by my friends, my family and my peers.

Pilates is my passion but after my divorce, relocating back to my flat, Losing a third of my income overnight thanks to the closure of a Studio I ran classes from (property development clearly more important than community health and well being), starting at www.pilatesnation.co.uk as a studio Instructor and finally appreciating the Method I loved, whilst being overwhelmed all at once. I was also breaking in a new rescue pup to the family and navigating a Breast Cancer scare (all thankfully clear). Did I mention I'm also trying to buy a house in the country at a time when no one has conversations anymore (come back Mr Bank Manager, all is forgiven).

A website still not live which has meant no promotion for my Retreats.

An income cut has meant ceasing 1-1 sessions with my teachers and cutting back on classes I can take, including training. This fact in itself has left me feeling inadequate and lacking, I hear teachers saying time and time again how you must find the money, endure the sacrifices and do what is needed. Not nearly as easy in reality as the opinion is so readily given.

Some storms are just too important not to experience...

 The truth is I have needed the time to rebuild my life, learn from my mistakes, teach what I know and forgive myself for not being Superwoman or knowing more, at least temporarily. Don't get me wrong I'm in awe of the Teachers that can work, train, run families, relationships, friendships, blog, tweet, Instagram and still find time to remember to order the dog food but for now I'm lacking. Lacking in money, sleep, hours in the day and confidence. For 20 years I've  had an unyielding work ethic in whatever I've done, Its cost me friendships, family time and a marriage, I used working as a way to avoid other areas in my life that I lacked experience, patience or skill in. If I was below average in everything else emotionally  I could at least aspire to be the hardest working, most dedicated and most reliable student or employee.

Six months ago that changed

I stopped, 

Sometimes we are given a second chance, sometimes the universe gives us one last chance to take a different road and I took it. Suffice to say I am blessed with Love in my life and blessed to have someone holding my hand as we find our often bare feet on new terrain. Its not just us now, there are children, parents, hounds and cats. There's a new home, beautifully old, romantic and in all likelihood held up with optimism, ivy and moss alone. But sometimes life presents the opportunity and all you can do is hold tight, trust what's important and have faith in what you feel in your deepest soul.

So really when you way up whats been lacking against what I'm going to gain, the last six months finds perspective. I've learned who my friends are, who my Pilates family really are, who loves me even when  I cant be Superwoman. So as life starts to settle and I gradually find my way back to my Pilates practice more intensively I will have gratitude for the last six months and all its challenges, and not anger towards myself.  In September I will be back in NYC with the people I love. I will play, explore and see the city through new eyes before heading back to NJ and  to my Pilates Family and I will be surrounded  by inspiration. I will come back a better teacher than I arrived and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity.

The truth is just when I thought life couldn't get busier. It has. My life is messy, unpredictable, painful, loving and breathtaking in equal measure but with a little optimism and a paintbrush I'm hoping the door to a little cottage in the Forest will be the first of many new adventures, after all, the end of the fairy tale really is just the beginning of the story......

Pilates Love,

Suzy

www.seraphinapilates.com

Defying Gravity....

'Something has changed with in.
 Something is not the same.....'

2015 has arrived and I wander how many people are already berating themselves because their resolutions and good intentions were broken before the clock hit 00.01 on January 1st. Mine were easy, I gave up giving things up, now that I can stick to! I spent New Years eve surrounded by my four paw family under a blanket watching the 100 best Musicals (as voted by a highly dubious public apparently), Not even a glass of bubbles but lots of show tunes, jazz hands and OMG West Side Story should have scored higher!. Ok so not all that Rock and Roll but New Year can be a reflective time for some with the promise of the New year ahead being both exciting, scary but with the promise of unlimited potential. That said Grease should not have been number 1!

So as I've prepared to return to work I hit the Yoga Studio this week. For those of you rolling your eyes I am fully aware Yoga is not Pilates. I'm also aware I know very little about it, I am very challenged by it, I don't know the names of the exercises and my body wont do most of whats asked, and that I'm aching in places I haven't ached this much for in a long time. I've been pushed, pulled, encouraged and delighted to move again without over analysing myself, a whole different dance to discover and I've loved most of it (I'm not great with vocalising and feeling like I'm in a scene from The Walking Dead) I have no desire to incorporate what I've experienced into my Pilates work, except perhaps some of the lessons I've learnt about myself. One particular Italian Teacher reminded me very much of Joseph Pilates himself as I would have imagined him to be, dynamic, passionate, strict and a Maestro of Movement in very short shorts, when he asked us to think of our spines defying gravity I finally breathed, I'm not sure he realised he was tapping into my Musical theatre roots (Wicked anyone?!) or my Pilates spirit but I loved the description and the idea. From here on in my spine and my life will be defying gravity, as the extraordinarily talented  +IdinaMenzel  put it 'I'm through accepting limits, cause someone says they're so'

Which brings me to the heart of this piece, its a New Year thank you to an exceptional man married to an exceptional Pilates teacher. They've been together over 30 years and have a beautiful family. Just one fly in the sticky ointment, he is living with Cancer. I say living because this amazing man has taught me a great deal in the brief time I've been part of his life. It was a privilege to be part of their last minute wedding vow renewals last May when his body threw a curve ball unexpectedly. It was lovely to see him at my friends 50th party last month, as ever the life and soul and we heard his heartfelt message to us loud and clear.
We all have a sell by date, life sometimes forces some of us to become more aware of dates than others so just in case my time is called before this amazing man and his ability to defy gravity, I thought he should know that he has changed my life, changed the life of those I love the most and I owe him a debt of enormous gratitude. I wander at his love of life, his talent, his ability to write, to speak, to paint and the devoted love he has for his wife and their children. He also knows a soul mate when he see's it. He is afterall an expert in the subject.

So to all of those who are living, fighting and loving into the year ahead with curveballs. Change the rules, make up the lyrics, write a new script, go ice skating and drink hot chocolate even though you promised to give up caffeine, sugar, milk, calories,  fun?! for 2015....we all have the ability to defy gravity so just find your wings and spread them wide....

Love, light and passion for 2015,
Suzy x
www.seraphinapilates.com

Tree Houses and fairy lights....

So I've been a little quiet with my writing, some things need to be said to people directly and not be put to paper. I've had some amazing conversations since I last wrote, life changing ones, honest ones, difficult ones. I've experienced anxiety attacks for the first time in a long time and been lucky enough to have the perfect friend to bring me back from the precipice, I've had conversations that have triggered my self esteem issues, I've struggled with nagging historical  food issues and memories of self harming, and for the first time I've chosen not to go into the darkness. Of course we make these decisions alone, we are all responsible for ourselves but a voice in the dark can remind us who we truly are not what we believe ourselves to be.

So as my ability to communicate this week has been uncharacteristically quiet as a result of Laryngitis. Needless to say I've continued to teach where possible (oh the joys of being self employed), non verbal teaching skills pushed to the most hilarious limits and significantly more demonstrating on my part. It seems my classes have delighted in pushing my body when I've had no voice to protest with! Although to be fair being told I was now silently and subtly sadistic did make me smile today. Continuing whilst having to find new ways to communicate has been challenging but enlightening . Whats been amazing is the energy in class, as much I've been honest with my current limitations the classes have really raised their game in response. Instead of worrying about being off my game I've just accepted I am, classes have been focussed, funny and intense as a result. Sometimes we just have to be ourselves and not frightened to let the performance go, at least I do.

And so as I'm surrounded by fairy lights and a huge perfect Christmas tree, I'm reminded that this time of year is about finding the light when its easy to get lost in the cold, dark, days. Its easy to get caught up with the commercial merry go round that Christmas and then New Year can be, but it is ultimately our choice whether we participate or not. We can of course buy into the excess of everything or we can continue living our lives being as honest with ourselves as we can be. January will no doubt see the inevitable mass of people thinking their lives will change dramatically with a new gym membership or a green drink with unpronounceable ingredients. Perhaps it will, but perhaps, we as teachers, partners, parents, children need to appreciate the true changes we need to make are made every day, starting today. When we are kinder to ourselves, to each other, when we find the magic in the conversations we have with our friends, family or clients that aren't via email, text or pigeon carrier I think we can truly appreciate the presence we each others lives.

So as I immerse myself happily in Christmas music, Sparkle and Love and enjoy the joys of voluntary work over the Holidays I will be truly grateful for the season of good will and the start of 2015 and all that it promises. As someone reminded me luck has nothing to do with it, we, ourselves have everything to do with it. And besides what could be more perfect than knowing I'm going to have a tree house with fairy lights to look forward to, some people need loft conversions, extensions and bigger cars. I am blessed with a job I love, family, friends I adore and more four legs than one life can manage so really what else can a London Pilates teacher ask for....well apart from those Chanel earrings of course (yes I am blatantly that shallow).......well a fairy can dream cant she?!, Happy Holidays All!

Suzy, Doodle, Baxter and all the other paws.....

xxx

Sleeping Lions hiding in the Loft....

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” 
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Words fascinate me, grammar and spelling less so but words and the power they contain should be given more thought, attention and respect. Its not just language but actual words, spoken or written they can change everything about everything.

It is said only 20% of how we communicate information is through our words, the rest is written in our facial expressions, our tone of voice, the speed and intonation we use, our body language and so many other things that are barely tangible to the average individual. As teachers we rely on words and language to communicate instructions, ideas and theories in an effort to ultimately create movement. Many teachers use too many words, many too few, many are careless and some even swear (guilty as charged) but how many of us consider the resonance of our words with not only our clients but each other?

Whilst attending a Yoga class last week (stop frowning some of you reading this!), the teacher said something that really struck me, 'Our bodies are designed, and able to fall.....more importantly they are also designed to get up'. It was such a simple statement but how often do we get caught up with the word falling and hear and interpret the word as failing?
Lets be clear, I know nothing about Yoga but I like participating it because I know nothing, I like to move without the chatter in my head getting in the way, I like to go too far and loose my balance, I've realized I actually like to fall sometimes. For me those moments shine the light on the experiences where I find balance and feel my feet. I listened as the next teacher talked more than she moved. A class designed to restore and heal (Seriously did I need my heart and chest opened right now?!) The words used in this class were quiet, calming and affirming and it occurred to me that I was surrounded by 19 adults that really just needed to be somewhere peaceful (including me), they needed to be given permission to slow down and rest their minds as well as their bodies. They needed to be sleeping lions.

After my second week working at www.pilatesnation.co.uk I've been reflecting back on working in a studio and the intense joy it brings me. As each new client and class participant has been introduced to me the language of Pilates has taken flight in my spirit, partly because of the teachers around me (finally I'm not alone on the job all the time) but finally getting to use the Method in all its Technicolor glory. I'm sure I'm making lots of mistakes, giggling too much and getting my words all wrong but I'm seeing change in the clients before me which is beyond inspiring. Who would have thought being pushed off a cliff would result in ever expanding wing expansion, although I will happily and with respectful love name every graze, bruise and personal meltdown Kathi since the formidable and fabulous +KathiRossNash was the one who pushed me off the cliff and into this warm albeit turbulent current of air. Of course there will be days when I cry in the supermarket because self doubt, fear and anxiety will be the loudest words in my head telling me I'm not good enough, there will be days that even my favorite grey vest to teach in wont offer me the reassurance it usually does . So if you are reading this having only experienced the wonders of the Mat, find a way to experience the Method in its entirety, it might be a challenge but the rewards will be beyond anything you might expect. I followed a path for 12 years believing I was challenging myself, I worked hard and kept going forward, I never allowed myself the time to fall for fear others would think I was failing. I disguised every bruise, every hurt and every scratch, however deep the wound went. This last year has been a series of falls and flights. The journey started with +BrookeSiler +PeterFiasca and +KathiRossNash in Valencia 2013 and ended up with a fairy called Tinkerbelle in 2014 (its a long story which requires Champagne and luxury nuts before I will share it)....in the meantime I will continue to follow the wisdom of a Bear that liked honey a little too much and get there eventually, oh and then head off to catch a flight to Cyprus to teach Pilates in the sunshine....

Pilates passion and love,

Suzy
www.seraphinapilates.com

Its all about Love.

'All the material things are nothing.I'd just hate to live a sordid, colorless existence.....I don't want to live-I want to love first and live incidentally' Zelda Fitzgerald

When I was approaching writing this I had thought it would be about my recent Pilates adventure in NYC and New Jersey, I then thought it would be about TRX. Yesterday I thought it would be about loss. Today I realize it is about Love.

When I took up the invite to head out to New Jersey I knew it would be an awesome opportunity to study with and be surrounded by some exceptional individuals. I also knew my insecurities and fears around meeting new people would rage, which they did. Not because of anything the extraordinary and diverse group of people did (they were all, without exception generous, spirited and passionate about Pilates) but because I am haunted continually by fears of letting people down. Its easy to buckle to our fears and even easier to run from them but with the support of those I respected and trusted the only sensible thing to do was to buckle down, stay focused and enjoy the ride. My love of Pilates and those who inspire me, I decided, was greater than the continual tinnitus of my fears. Which brings me to my attempts at TRX.

As those who know me well will observe I'm not keen on loud music or fast exercise, I'm not sure what happened other than the fact that I decide to say  f**k it and go with the flow, possibly landing on my tush in the process but something intriguing happened. It turned out to be great fun and even better I didn't land on my backside, the more I let go of my failure anxiety the better I became at balance and control. It would be fair to say that many were somewhat bemused by my sudden 'energy' and 'attack', I did however, take note and I did learn a lesson. I remembered how much I love moving and how I'm much better when I move more and think less. KRN I may even have it tattooed as a permanent reminder!

NYC...a city to walk, watch and take note.

Whilst in Manhattan I caught up with an old friend, we went to Soul Cycle, we drank slime green juices, we walked and talked for miles and miles. We rarely see each other and lose contact for months at a time and then we meet up and no time has passed at all. I remembered how much I loved the friends who love you even without daily status updates. The friends who hold your hand through the night even when they're miles away and the friends who make a promise that your flight will go just fine, just because they know your frightened of getting on the plane during a storm.

So finally as I was navigating my thoughts I was saddened to read yesterday about a Pilates teacher killed in NYC by a negligent cab driver last weekend. I did not know her personally but the fact that I had been in the City that weekend really resonated with me. She was due to relocate this weekend and begin a new chapter in her life, she had everything to live for and a life to love. The Universe had different plans however. I hope she knew how much she was loved and respected by her Pilates family so evident with the condolences expressed. And so with the journey of this last week, the fact that it might have been me stepping out in front of that yellow cab that Love is really all its about. Loving what we do, loving those who mean the world to us, whatever the ultimate cost. Loving our bodies, regardless of the things we consider imperfect. But most of all Loving adventure, risk, dogs, cats, kisses, modal airplanes and French Martinis, not necessarily in that order. And should the Universe decide it has other plans at least I will know I lived incidentally and loved first.

Pitbull love in the city sunshine....

Sweet sixteen love, respect and inspiration,

Suzy x
www.seraphinapilates.com

Elephant, Seals and Crabs....Oh my.....

There are many questions that irritate me in life, but one in particular is 'Are you a cat person or a dog person?'. Firstly I'm not entirely sure what it tells the person about me, unless of course they are suggesting that cats and dogs personality's are easily defined, naive at best, seriously misguided at worst and secondly it suggests that depending on what answer I give I may find myself suddenly standing alone with my drink.

Baxter discussing the finer points of the central heating pipe and access to it with George. George wins. Obviously.

If you've read my pieces before you will know I'm allergic to labels. Fortunately since I have 5 cats and 2 dogs of my own I'm not allergic to animals, well I am slightly to new dogs at the shelter but nothing mild sniveling into a tissue wont resolve. So now you understand my dilemma. I'm told emphatically that dogs are loyal and always forgiving whilst cats are independent and fickle, so now I'm confused, what does it say about me?! lets be clear, it is true that dogs have owners whilst cats have staff. Its only one rule to understand but not exactly difficult to follow even for a human like me.
The thing is the conversation is always the same, yes I have a large feline/canine family, yes its expensive, yes I must have had an 'understanding', 'patient', 'tolerant' partner (insert as many sympathy looks here as you feel appropriate) and no I never planned to have quite so many (well not cats anyway) but sometimes they find you and quite honestly Its not in my nature to turn away paws in need. My work as a volunteer in an animal shelter has taught me that there are already too many animals abandoned fighting labels they never deserved. So back to the question, my answer is always the same 'I'm an animal person', fitting a horse into garden in London would just be silly but I have hope that in time I will live somewhere I'll have space for the horse and of course the donkey too, its bad enough that Mr Jones the cat thinks he's a dog and does the rounds of the local Deli, Bookmakers and local pub regularly (none of which I taught him I hasten to add!)

So the question is why do we need to be cat or dog people at all?! Why cant my life as a Pilates teacher embrace loyalty to the heritage of the work and appeal to my curiosity of movement in its most simple and complex form. I teach my dogs to play confidently, without aggression, dominance or attitude and as such I trust they can integrate creatively and energetically into any pack. I've allowed my cats access to the outside world from day one, believing that a cats life where possible is to chase leaves, walk on rooftops and occasionally grow up believing they are dogs and not just a label. Why cant we as teachers embrace all these qualities? It occurred to me that's the way I approach my work. Sometimes its all about Elephants and sometimes I just want to be a Seal, after all did you ever meet an unhappy seal?! So if I'm left holding my own drink because my bark is occasionally too loud or because I'm not affectionate enough well so be it because every now and then someone will bring you a hot chocolate regardless and remind you a label really doesn't matter to those who matter to you .....


Have a fabulous August all, I'm off to New Jersey to hang out with cool cats and the most handsome dogs in the Universe (my own mutts not withstanding obviously!),

Suzy x