Oh April, sweet sweet April! Hello spring! Hello longer days with more warmth and sunlight. Hello to more naturally made Vitamin D, more fresh air in the lungs, smells of new leaves and blossoms in the air – a feast for the senses.
To me, in the cycle of the seasons, April signifies proof of life after death. It is the first of several segments of transmutation in the spring and summer. We are seeing signs that the fall of the leaves and decomposition of vegetation (death and decay) have made the ground ready for seed planting and reemergence (birth and rebirth).
Each year, it seems like this moment can’t come soon enough. Often, I experience a feeling of discomfort around this time that I just can’t wait anymore – like this moment I’ve been describing will never come. The discomfort is an invitation to trust. Trust that what’s percolating underground, unseen, will show itself. Inherently, I think trust, surrender, and vulnerability are all entangled with each other. Mixed with a dash of intuition and bravery, we get a magical tonic that serves as medicine to carry us from pain or discomfort to pleasure.
As with most things, this seemingly intangible experience with the seasons and cycles also shows up in the physical and in our work here at the studio.
When someone decides to seek out a gym, yoga studio, spin class, or Pilates instructor, they are putting themselves in a place of vulnerability – allowing themselves to be in the unknown and to be led by something or someone else. That can elicit a feeling of discomfort.
They were also likely sparked to move to that place of vulnerability because of physical or emotional pain or discomfort. Each time they have a breakthrough, shift, or change in their experience, it can lead to that moment of pleasure.
When we experience pain in our bodies, it's common for feelings of frustration at why we can’t figure the pain out or “how do I make it stop?” to come up. It can consume us in such a way that thoughts of feeling good seem ridiculous. Perhaps in using the idea of the cycle above, we can shift to a place of conversation with the body that looks like awareness of discomfort followed by a question like, “What is my body trying to tell me? What do I need (to do) to feel better?” Once we experience a moment of feeling good in our bodies, we are likely to choose it again.
Moving Through the Chakras
The core of something is the absolute center. In the physical body, we are referring to the center of gravity, torso musculature, spine, guts, reproductive organs. In the energetic and emotional body, we are referring to our identity, sense of comfort and connection with ourselves, home base, truth.
Our body is our first and last home. Awareness, connection, conversation, and appreciation of that home is vital for thriving and growth. What are the stories we have about our body/ourselves when we look at an external mirror? How do those stories integrate into our body? How is the way we look at and interact with our external environment impacting us in our physical, emotional, energetic bodies - our internal environment, so to speak?
In this 9-week group program, Moving Through the Chakras, we use gentle aligning movement based in foundational Pilates principles, along with guidance from information the chakras provide to heighten your kinesthetic, emotional, and energetic awareness, connect to your physical, emotional, and energetic bodies, and build an internal mirror for continual reflection.
We start April 21st and enrollment closes soon.
Client Spotlight
We are really grateful to be a part of every client’s healing process. This month we are bowing down in awe of a client who continues to amaze us with her positive energy as she navigates leukemia recovery in the midst of a pandemic.
She is so strong and steady in her understanding about the role movement and feeling good in your body plays in her wellness, no matter what stage of her treatment or recovery she is in. After being hyper aware of her blood – her life force running through her – she recently shared how much more deeply she understands the importance of “getting your blood moving every day.”
Call to Action in the Name of Change
As mindful movement practitioners, we are in the business of supporting and guiding our clients through change.
Taking that devotion and commitment to being active participants in positive change for our clients and industry and applying it towards our community and world, we are taking a moment each month to highlight partnerships we are part of or movements we are in support of so you can check them out, donate, volunteer, or connect however you can.
Stop AAPI Hate and Chinese Progressive Association: The recent shootings in Atlanta and the astronomical increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans in NYC in the last year have brought to light another layer of hate and lack of understanding that has deep and dark roots. As a business in the health, wellness, and fitness industry and as individuals that have benefited greatly from practices that originated in India, China, Japan, and Tibet, it is imperative to hold ourselves accountable and connect the dots between the people and the practice. We ask you to join us in learning more, advocating, and supporting these communities.
If there’s an organization you think we should know about or would be open to partnering with us, please let us know and send us an intro!
Referral Program
A referral is the kindest compliment you could give us. If you think we would be a good fit for anyone you know, please consider spreading the word about the work we do together. For any new clients that may come our way as a result of your kind words, we would love to gift you an additional session to any current package you have with us. They can always schedule a call using the link below.
And, if you are part of or know a social justice organization looking for wellness support and collaboration for their clients or employees, please consider connecting us.