What do we want from our experiences? Do we always have an expectation of what something is supposed to be, and do we let this expectation ruin the experience of what it actually is? In my world I always look at each person's expectation of what is wanted from Pilates. In Your Whole Self this week I talk about managing expectations and this being critical, in order to be present and enjoying what is happening right now. 

But first, a roundup of this week's classes and a great little Exercise of the Week...

Expectations and experiences — we have all been there, trying something new, doing something for the first time... We have expectations and rather than being present in the experience, we can let our expectations spoil the experience and feel like its not quite matching up — so it stops us from returning, repeating or allowing ourselves just to be present in the here and now.

In my teaching of Pilates — specially one-to-one — I always ask people what they are expecting from Pilates when they are starting for the first time with me.

Why? 

Because I want an understanding of precisely what they are looking for when they start Pilates. It helps me understand what they want to achieve and also what sort of programme will be best for them eg, are they looking for dynamic, fat loss (in which case Pilates may not be really right for them), do they want to focus on flexibility, mobility, complement another sporting activity (so therefore focus on specific area of body), or do they want to destress and find a level of relaxation? OR: are they looking for pain relief, recovering from an injury? All of these different reasons require a different approach to my teaching of Pilates. 

This is very different when teaching a group — expectations of a group can be tricky to manage, as every individual in that group will have their own expectations, and I know that some people who come and try for the first time will make a decision based on their expectations and whether or not the class meets up to them. 

My experience of teaching for a long time, means that I can often tell from body language, facial expressions, eye contact, whether or not someone will stay, but also it tells me that their expectations have spoilt the experience, and if only they could be more present with the experience they may feel different at the end of the class. They may still not want to return, and that’s ok, as long as they have been present in the here and now.

It’s all about allowing ourselves to be in the room. So if you are going to try something new, different, or returning to something you haven’t done for a while, don’t let expectations of what it is supposed to be ruin your experience and your enjoyment of life.

Have a great week, keep moving, stay in the moment, enjoy the experience.

With love

Jane xx