I have, over the years, been confronted by people in my community who decided to go in direct competition against me. I try to take it in stride, but sometimes it is irritating.

I saw a meme the other day that reminded me that, the eagle, a mighty and noble bird, will occasionally be pestered by crows. One can see the image https://pin.it/4mIPCMA of a crow hanging on the back of the eagle and aiming at its neck feathers. But the eagle is not bothered. It will simply rise and rise in altitude until the crow can no longer stay because it cannot breathe at such altitudes, and it lets go.

That is a fitting metaphor that I have tried to hold in the fore of my mind. How do you handle such situations? Do you use this mindset elsewhere in your life?

I have never opted for anything but the high roads, simply because those are my standards. Thusly, I have been rewarded with amazing people who come into the studio to embark on a journey with a genuine instructor.

Her words are so true. What a lovely woman. It is amazing to consider that not only was Joseph Pilates a creative genius but he managed to draw gifted people to him who carried on his work and bolstered it. It is important to bear this in mind when confronted with the "contemporary Pilates" versus "classical Pilates" polemic. 

How is this technique delivered to you? Is it finely tuned to meet your specific needs? Are you making profound changes in your body? In the connections between your mind and body. Are you noticing that aches or pains that you used to have regularly have abated? When you decide to undertake a program in Pilates, you should get results in various domains and at levels and time frames that depend upon you and your instructor. Feel good in your body, get the most out of this life!

Outside of the studio looks like a war zone. And the last two days the excavation, scraping and bull-dozing machines have been right outside the front door, making the building rattle and vibrate as if there were bombs going off. Today in particular, there was no safe way to access the studio, and one client did brave the giant work zone to come for her session.

Immediately following her, I have another session scheduled. After spraying down the equipment and doing a mental overview of the lesson plan, I waited. After 5 minutes, I started stretching using the Wunda Chair which is aligned so that I can see out the front door, and be ready to welcome clients into the studio all the while keeping the equipment clean and ready to go! After 9 minutes I began to have my doubts and continued my workout while moving to the Cadillac, but still standing just in case the client came in super-late. I finally gave up and abandoned myself to a well needed session.

I don't always make time for myself, and because I practice martial arts, I do not feel that my body and body/mind connection gets neglected. However, the work of Pilates on the equipment brings about unique sensations that cannot be found elsewhere and really does put the body back in balance. During my training and apprenticeship I had to do the requisite hours of self-practice. I understand the purpose for beginning teachers. But, after 20 years I can say that keeping up a practice that is longer than 30 minutes, is really important. Each time I revisit the classical repertory or I create exercises for specific populations I am reminded of how amazing the work is and how great one feels afterwards.

So this is why I turned my situation of my client not showing up into something positive.