Welcome to this week’s Newsletter.

Thankfully the snow melted, and relatively normal life was resumed!

Due to the issues the weather has created though we have a few classes to rearrange, so we are currently working through our timetable, and together with teachers and venues we will sort new dates and notify everyone affected.

A quick update on my health — I had a scan on my lower back last week, so will know more once results come in. Still experiencing a few problems with mobility but strength is the main issue and that will be my focus in the short-term. The flu over Christmas left me with a severe chest infection which I am still fighting, but I do think over the last few days I am starting to turn the corner. This has also affected my strength and stamina, as I find I am getting tired very quickly, so I am working on being patient and thinking long term improvements rather than quick fixes. 

Thank you to everyone for your kindness and understanding and support, during what has been a tricky time. 

For anyone who is going through a tricky time, this week’s Your Whole Self is focusing on the gift of losing track of time, and the benefits this has on our mind and body — I think it will resonate.

Face-to-Face Classes are up-and-running. Updates with replacement classes will be sent out as soon as we have confirmation from venues.

Online Classes continue as usual, and I think the Wednesday Kickstart Your Day Xtra is working well. 

One-to-One Pilates

If you are wanting to enhance your Pilates practice, Jenny runs one-to-one sessions from her home. As a Biomechanics Coach, Jenny brings this knowledge to your individual sessions, so they are designed for your unique body. Jenny will work with you and use the Pilates Reformer to boost your practice to meet your specific needs. You can contact her by replying to this Newsletter for information.

Your Whole Self — The Gift of Losing Track of Time

Have you ever been so absorbed in something that you look up and think how is it that late already? You put the kettle on over an hour ago and it’s gone cold! You’ve not looked at your phone once! And at least for a while, your worries haven’t filled your headspace — blissful!

We aren’t normally encouraged to lose track of time though, are we? We tend to live in a ‘clock-watching’ world, and I am very guilty of this myself. But when we lose track of time, it’s actually a sign that we are fully present with what we are doing.

When we give ourselves over to an activity, fully committing, the mind takes a break from its usual loop of ‘to do lists’ and ‘what ifs?’ The activity will be different for everyone, it could be to do with moving the body, walking, gardening, chatting with a friend, creating a piece of art, playing a musical instrument, or even just pottering, maybe decluttering or sorting your wardrobe. The main thing is the total commitment to it. 

In these moments, stress softens, the nervous system settles. Often we can feel our breathing deepen without even trying. It’s not that worries get solved, or forgotten about totally — they just loosen their grip in our headspace, and that space really matters. If we can find it, it allows the body and mind to rest from the constant vigilance, and being on high alert.

There is something deeply nourishing about letting ourselves become completely absorbed rather than fighting it. The joy of this sneaks in quietly while we are busy doing something we love, and these moments build our emotional resilience. They lift the mood, and leave us feeling more like ourselves when we do have to return to the clock. 

It doesn’t even have to be hours, although it can be. Sometimes allowing ourselves to commit to just ten minutes of full attention and focus can be enough. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing one thing wholeheartedly. 

So if you find yourself losing track of time this week, don’t see it as wasted time, but time well spent, giving you a pause from the noise of everyday life, and a gentle reminder that being present is one of the most restorative states we have. Think about what activities allow you to lose track of time and give yourself over to them, and do more of them.

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

With love and support,

Jane xxx