Reflections on Body, Mind & Spirit: Pilates Challenge, Resting the System, and Finding Peace in a Forward Fold

My May Reflection

A day we remember those who have passed on, Memorial Day weekend is typically one where cemeteries are full of beautiful flowers placed on the graves of our loved ones. Those who are no longer with us, what would they tell us about how we are living now? What wisdom would they bestow if we are listening?

With that thought in mind, I've looked at Body, Mind, & Spirit through the lens of wisdom...and choosing...

Body - Pilates

As written before, I'm attending a Pilates class that is really firing up my deep core muscles. A great thing! Admittedly, this is a tall order for me. I'm a person who really likes working out. However, Pilates is challenging for me for various reasons (primarily because you are lying down and listening to verbal cues, one must listen intently to know what to do). I am committed to the practice as I know it's good for the body. What's been helping in this matter is thinking of my future self - the future, stronger self will be very grateful for the actions of the present self. That includes future self five years from now, as well as, future self sixty minutes from when class begins. I choose to do it now for benefits later.

Challenge for you:

What is one thing you can do today that will benefit you tomorrow?

MIND - Nervous System

"The nervous system is a learning technology. It wants to learn. It wants to grow. It wants to evolve. It wants to adapt." ~ Dr. Sukhi Muker

In a recent interview, Dr. Muker, spoke of cultivating and nurturing the intelligence and life force within us and in doing so we can maximize our health and life potential. At the center of this is our nervous system. I was intrigued with his approach and perspective on relaxing and recovery. We hear often that we need to recover, relax, and reduce stress. Dr. Muker emphasizes that for the nervous system to be able to reach its potential, we need to utilize our parasympathetic nervous system - (rest and digest). He advises to give yourself a "break" after learning, an intense meeting, or intense work. It is very important to help the subconscious relax.

Challenge for you:

Start to pay attention to how many "breaks" you give yourself during the day. Notice the difference of jumping from task to task compared to stopping for a moment and catching your breath.

SPIRIT - "Increase Your Peace"

"Peace be with you"; "be at peace"; "they are a peaceful people". We have all heard various phrases about peace. One that I had not heard of is "increase your peace". That phrase alone caught my attention. I've chosen to increase my peace following former commander of the Navy SEALS, Mark Divine's wisdom.

His challenge for us: For 1- 2 minutes daily for the next week, spend time in a standing forward fold. Start standing, feet hip-width apart, soften/bend your knees, hinge your hips, and maintain a straight back.

Use props like a chair to hold onto with your hands if needed. Breathe deeply, in through the nose and out through the nose, while focusing on elongating the spine. Make sure there is no lower back pain; if there is, bend your knees more.

Listen to your body, adjusting as necessary. Rise slowly, engaging core muscles. Repeat daily, gradually increasing the duration to 5 minutes as comfort allows. This mindful practice fosters flexibility, soothes low back discomfort, helps digestion, cues the parasympathetic nervous system, and promotes well-being and alignment.