The Beauty of Balance

Life can be hectic and crazy. Trying to juggle work and all of its responsibilities, family and friends, workouts, travel,  doctor’s appointments, and even remembering to eat and what to eat can sometimes be overwhelming.  We are in an era where it seems that the more we do means the more meaningful and purposeful we are as individuals.  But sometimes that seems a little backwards.  Sometimes, we forget to balance.

I am currently in the process of obtaining my comprehensive certification in Pilates while working full time and I’ve absolutely loved every second of it!  But, I have to admit, it’s also been A LOT.  As if it wasn’t hard enough to get out of work on time to make a 6:30 PM class for myself or get myself out of bed to make a 6:00 AM class, it’s now making sure I allow enough time for my own personal workout AND planning one for others.

I have a demanding job (as many do) that requires a lot of my attention, time, brain power, and patience.  While my career has taught me so much about myself and has challenged every part of who I am, it’s also given me a different perspective on life.  What’s important to me?  How do I want to live my life every day?  What makes me happy?  Am I truly taking care of myself?  Whether that be physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.  But most importantly, am I being true to myself?  I can thank Pilates for getting me to that place of enlightenment.  The stress of work and the antsy-ness that comes with sitting at a desk all day brought me to Pilates.

As a Pilates student, your sole focus is on self; listening and connecting to your mind, body, and spirit during a session.  Connecting not only to those deep inner core muscles (“in and up”, “really scoop that belly!”), but also allowing yourself to connect to those deep inner thoughts.  The thoughts that center you, bring you to your authentic self, thoughts that bring you confidence and hopefully contentment and calmness.  Pilates has 9 core Principles which can be translated to everything we do throughout our days: breathing, concentration, control, centering, precision, relaxation, balanced muscle development, rhythm/flow, and whole body movement.  When all of these Principles work together, we find balance, within our minds and our bodies.

Now, for me, those personal sessions have expanded to teaching.  I may have added one more event to my schedule, but more importantly I’ve added something gratifying to my life.  I can now share the external physical advantages AND the internal lessons of Pilates with others.  By finding my balance within my Pilates sessions, I have been able to find my balance in life.  While work is important, my self is more important.  To me, that means finding time and ways to ensure that my days are full of breathing, centering, control, relaxation, flow…balance.

Kimberly Johnson