Welcome to this week's Newsletter. It is November already, and — without saying the dreaded C-word — there's only 8 weeks to the end of the year, and the start of a new one.

Officially, November means Winter is knocking on our doors, and that's a great time for us to reflect about ourselves, how we're doing, where we're going and so on, and that's exactly what Your Whole Self below talks about. There's also a bit of news about myself too this week.

The Best Laid Plans Of Mice and Pilates Teachers…

Robert Burns must have had me in mind when he wrote his poem To A Mouse — where the quote: the best laid plans of mice and men comes from — as it perfectly sums up last week for me. On Monday all seemed to be going as planned: Keith was up in Sunderland helping his sister clear their mam’s flat, and my teaching should have been running perfectly, except that the week before my back had started to hurt — we had been away — strange bed, different chairs and so on. While showering, something happened to make it worse. It got progressively more painful as the day passed, and by Tuesday morning it all changed quite dramatically. Since about lunchtime on Tuesday I have been chair-bound, unable to walk, unable to lie in bed, unable to do anything really. Keith had to cut his trip North short and came home early on Wednesday morning to look after me. So it’s all been a bit unusual and out of sync for which we can only apologise and at this point things haven’t really moved on for me … read on below. 

JTP Book Club

It's the first week of a new month, so yes, it's the JTP Book Club. So, what have you been reading over the last month? 

Annie has made this suggestion: The Story of a Heart by Rachel Clark. One of the reviews states that 'the Story of a Heart is an extraordinary, compelling account of life-giving medicine'. Rachel Clarke follows the journey of a human heart. A child needs a new heart… a child dies… and then (you have to read it!) the families meet up. All true… not just one of the most empathetic books I have ever read but also a story about how heart transplants came into being. 

Once again I have been reading a Bob Mortimer book — his latest: The Long Shoe. It’s another thriller from the magical mind of Bob Mortimer, so there is some dark humour in it, told with an edge of comedy, but with a serious undercurrent. I really enjoyed it.

Keith has been reading from the Slow Horses series by Mick Herron. These have been made into a multi-season drama series showing on Apple TV, and I have watched the TV shows but not read the books. Keith is a big fan of the Slow Horses team of failed MI5 agents, led by their boss Jackson Lamb — who is a brilliantly conceived but highly unsavoury character. They have their trials and tribulations, though in the end they always seem to come out on top. So if you like a bit of a psychological action-packed drama, these books could work for you. 

Let me know what you have been reading.  

During this season of Wintering, this week I want us to focus on reflection and looking inward, and winter is the perfect time for this. The slower pace invites us to reflect — not in a critical way, but with curiosity and kindness.

I am having a personal experience with this at the moment, a new experience, as I sit and write this week’s Newsletter. I have been in so much pain this week I have been unable to move other than crawl around, unable to stand or put any weight through my legs. Unable to get dressed, unable to sleep … so I have had a lot of time to reflect and wonder how this has happened to me. I have been forced to live at a slower pace. 

As you all know my fitness is my world, Pilates has always been my saviour, so I don’t know how this has happened to me, and inward reflection is very pertinent.  

What I am learning is that reflection helps us to notice the patterns in our lives. Maybe you will discover how much better you feel when you drink enough water, or how Pilates gives you energy on days when you thought you had none. Maybe you will realise that you say ‘yes’ too often, or that slowing down actually makes you stronger. Maybe you will realise that you can’t save everyone. 

Remember this isn’t about judgement, it’s about gently asking yourself — what have I learned about myself over these past months? What do I want to keep, and what could I let go? 

I am learning that it is never too late to learn! I am learning that I cannot push through and expect always to be fine. I am learning that the advice I would give others I perhaps need to take myself, and not think that I am indestructible. Hands up everyone who recognises this pattern of behaviour! I know I won’t be alone. I have learned that even Pilates Teachers are vulnerable.

So as we head into another week, take some time to think about what lessons or themes from the past season do we want to carry forward as we begin to winter, and what can we gently set down?

Have a good week everyone — keep looking, moving, and feeling good.

With love and support,

Jane xxx