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

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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

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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

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Looking forward to the next Pilates class.

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