3 Amazing Words = 1 New Pilates Equation

3 Amazing Words = 1 New Pilates Equation

The original Pilates equation we all know.

Strength + Stretch = Control

I propose an additional one.

Pilates: Focus+Flow=Excellence

An article by Janice L. Marturano found me this week.

It got me thinking about Pilates. Imagine that.

1. Focus

Center.

(OH yeah)

Concentration. Attention.

Pilates trains the mind as well as the body. As a teacher and practitioner of the Pilates Method I must show up and respond during my workday and I must pay attention during my workout. Pilates requires one to focus on the task at hand.

We are born with the capacity to be present.

When we train this capacity of the mind, we are learning to cultivate the space we need to make conscious decisions about how we spend our time.

It is in this space that we can bring all of our experiences, education and inner wisdom to the moment.

It is in this space that we begin to reveal our humanity and embody our passion to make a difference, to lead with excellence.

The more focus, the more one is truly present and therefore the greater the capacity for excellence.

Even the Pilates environment is conducive to focus. A place for everything and everything in its place. Pilates allows you to give yourself and your clients the respect of being present and engaged in what is going on right now in front of you.

3 Amazing Words = 1 New Pilates Equation

Eckhart Tolle has a lot to say about savoring the present moment.

As you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease…whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care and love – even the most simple action.

So our ‘simple action’ is the Hundred and what follows it on any given day.

2. Flow

Flux. Circulation.

Movement.

Huzzah!

To honor the present moment is to be in the psychological state known as flow.

From Wikipedia:

Flow is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.

Flow is completely focused motivation. It is a single-minded immersion and represents perhaps the ultimate experience in harnessing the emotions in the service of performing and learning.

In flow, the emotions are not just contained and channeled, but positive, energized, and aligned with the task at hand.

That’s me, positive and aligned… So in this state of flow we engage in our flowing movement. Trippy.

3. Excellence

Accomplishment.

You’ve done something.

Quality.

It’s good.

Virtuosity.

Remarkably good.

3 Amazing Words = 1 New Pilates Equation

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