I heard this quote by Pema Chodron and it made me think about Pilates. And the sayings:
You’re only as old as your spine
Get a backbone
That person is spineless
It’s striking the meaning having or not having a strong back can communicate. Not having a strong spine has been used to convey a deficiency in character. Without a strong spine you cannot hold yourself up which can lead to a narrative that says you aren’t strong emotionally/physically/mentally/spiritually. Or you cannot defend yourself thus you are helpless. Having a strong spine would imply you can withstand a lot – that you are powerful.
I love a good anatomical metaphor, and I can see how those phrases came into use and acquired their meanings, but I think there is a lot of beautiful nuance to be explored by unpacking the generalizations and typical uses in the bulleted phrases above.
We’ve worked with many clients with chronic back pain and debilitating neurological conditions and can testify to the amount of character, strength, and power each of them have despite not having the standardized “strong spine”. To us, showing up curious, with an “open heart” each week to be active participants in their own healing conveys loads of strength. Understanding, and radically accepting, that the definition of strength in each body is going to evolve over time and circumstance demonstrates resiliency and centered character.
Coming back to the essence of Pema Chodron’s quote, it seems to convey being aware and connected to your center, which anatomically is the heart and the spine. But dive into the metaphorical meanings connected to the heart chakra and having a strong spine and you uncover the concepts of self-love, self-esteem, self- confidence, and self-acceptance. Possessing these subtle energies is truly powerful and trickles into our physical being in magical ways.
Instructor As the Student
Our very own instructor, Molly, shared some thoughts this month on the stories we tell ourselves regarding limitations.
How can we differentiate between working within and honoring our limitations due to injury versus the limitations we place on ourselves because of learned narratives from the past (or worse, cultural norms that are often baseless)? Navigating between the "I can't do this" and the "I don't want/like to do this. This isn’t for me” ideas we learn can make moving in our bodies freely with pleasure very difficult. Recently, in a reformer class I took there were sequences I have previously deemed not right for me (and therefore everyone) because of preconceived notions about my body, and bodies in general. I felt surprised to make it through the class in one piece, but fully expected a sore lower back and debilitating hip pain on my "bad side" the next morning. I was shocked to feel neither. It made me re-evaluate what I may have been holding myself back from - both in Pilates and in life. I feel like a lot of the limitations we place on ourselves are fear based. It is a way to keep us safe. But at what point can we pause, realize where we are, acknowledge we are alive and well, and get curious to challenge ourselves in new and different ways?
Ritual Repertoire
Join Brittany for a six minute movement ritual with prompts to consider all the ways your spine can be strong and your heart can be open. Let it serve as balance to feelings of overwhelm, anxiousness, or a small breath break in a busy 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. That change does not happen in a vacuum, but instead has ripple effects. In that way, we are in the business of change in the individual, the community, and the world.
This month we are continuing to honor the importance of acknowledging the cultures, healing practices, beliefs, traditions, and rituals that have been siphoned into the fitness and wellness industries from China, Japan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Tibet (to name a few) have been separated from the people that belong to those lands and cultures.
Bali has been one of the hardest hit places since the beginning of the pandemic due to its borders being closed to tourist. In normal times, tourism accounts for 80% of the island's economy. Over a year with no travelers has devastated its people who give so much to those who visit. I personally know people around the world who have sworn by Bali's healing magic, and have experienced it myself. Especially if you have been to Bali before, please considering contributing to the Bali Life gofundme campaign.