Over the years, the January newsletter has had a similar theme and energy, even if the content was different. January is “new year/new you” energy, motivation to set new goals for a brand new year ahead, and sky’s the limit.
This past year broke that spell.
In all honesty, going that route full throttle this year doesn’t feel authentic at all. I’ve been struggling to write this because… well… I’ve been pretty angry. Typically in this industry, we are the motivators, the pushers of the bright side, the “buck up, buttercups,” if you will. But by choosing to write this newsletter with my anger in mind instead of waiting for it to go away or forcing out a fake message, I’m able to see past it to also express light – and if anyone needs to hear this: remember it’s ok to be here too, to sit with the anger fully.
That said, I am not without hope and excitement for this new year. As my uncomfortable feelings ebb and flow, I continue to come back to the things I know to be true for me right now: I want to take care of myself, I want to make space to feel good in my body and mind in whatever little way I can, I want to feed my humanness by connecting with and supporting my community however possible.
I am thankful, in a way, that the new year’s spell has been broken. The expectations that typically come with a new year don’t match the energy of the winter. It's still a time of less daylight, the weather is still cold, and nature is still underground. It’s a time for continued restoration, slower movement, and healing.
A recent client conversation comes to mind about how she ended up with the message that only some workouts count and rest is never factored in as part of the things you can choose to do to take care and nourish yourself. Yes, we are in the business of movement, but we advocate for balance in that movement.
Whether you’re feeling hopeful, optimistic, angry, confused, or something else entirely, every January offers a chance for reflection on the year that has passed and intention setting for the year to come. A hell of a lot changed last year. And I – as a person, biz owner, and community member – am challenging myself to do things differently in this new environment.
Celebrating Our 2020 Collaborations
If you missed any of our collaborations or chats, we’d love to share them with you again. Check us out!
Brittany and Molly had a chat about what we're teaching here at The Co, and why we're passionate about it.
Sofia Negron on Act2 interviewed Brittany about her road from dancer to studio owner.
Brittany talked with Dr. Alex Duma of FICS on the importance and collaboration of Pilates, movement, and chiropractic medicine.
Then there were two conversations with sexual health educator Liz Mallers on the importance of awareness, feeling good and embodied in your body, and approaching your body, movement, and sex from a place of pleasure, here and here.
Brittany also had a convo with Roshina Jimenez of The Alchemist's Kitchen on the healing power of mindful movement, the chakra system, and better sex, and how they are interdependent on each other.
New in 2021: Pilates Party
Our Pilates Party is a low cost, low commitment way to keep moving with your friends and family. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or you are looking for a safe and healthy way to stay connected with your loved ones, consider booking a private virtual class for you and your friends.
All you need is a minimum of 5 people and you will be able to book a one-time or a recurring class. You can choose from a variety of class themes and we will create a customized experience for your group.
Client Spotlight
We are celebrating that we get to be a resource for a former client who moved to Arizona several years ago. We were so sad to see her go, but happy to help her in the search for a new Pilates home, one that’s been serving her well as she reports progressing significantly in her practice.
Recently, when she experienced a foot injury, we returned to some brief work together virtually. We were able to brainstorm movement options that were available to her even with her injury, so that she didn’t feel like she was losing momentum or her mind.
This particular celebration feels extra special because we got the chance to continue to foster a lovely collaborative relationship that started years ago in the studio in NYC and now exists cross-country. Not to mention we turned a situation that felt really anxiety provoking and disappointing into something totally manageable creating a sense of relief.
Witchy Wednesday
We really enjoyed the last year of playing with something completely new in the physical and virtual studio through our monthly Witchy Wednesday. Thank you so much for everyone who participated!
Honoring a new year intention to make more decisions from intuition, we are transmuting Witchy Wednesday into a new monthly group gathering. Stay tuned for more info on that!
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. Both the change that just inevitably happens in life and the change they are choosing to make in themselves by coming to work with us.
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 to highlight partnerships we are part of or movements we are in support of. Below are some organizations doing work we are really loving and that we feel deserve more attention. Check them out, donate, volunteer, or connect however you can.
For our Pilates community: Misty Lynne Cauthen has a mentorship program for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to build a structure for themselves and their business that is sustainable, authentic, diverse, and inclusive. (It also covers why D&I are a necessity to build something sustainable and authentic.)
You can also check out Sonja R. Price Herbert's work on decolonizing Pilates and fitness. We have learned so much from her in the last six months and continue to come back to her as we get clear about our role in what's wrong with the health and wellness/fitness industry and how we can be part of sustainable change.
For our artist/dancer community: Pilates is so intertwined with the arts and especially dance. Our instructor Molly put this organization on our radar and it's a great one to check out: Brown Girls Do Ballet.
For our human community: Justice for Elijah McClain. As a massage therapist and musician, Elijah was a fellow healer and artist. We want to highlight continued efforts for accountability in Elijah McClain's death because ultimately we believe that everyone deserves freedom in all its forms.
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.