“Once upon a time…”

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ONLINE PILATES MAT CLASSES BY THE LIFT GIRL www.liftgirlpilates.com

“Once upon a time.” How many times have you heard that phrase before? It kicks off all the great folk stories and fairy tales throughout history. Its origin is English and implies that what follows is a unique happening, or at least a very special one. These magical words set the tone for fantasy: before you know it, you’re traveling back in time.

It’s a great universally accepted opening line. Everyone’s soul smiles whenever it’s whispered. The mental imagery that follows is always positive, the story line always rich in content, and the endings always happily ever after. Once upon a time. What’s not to like? And have you ever noticed how, when people hear this phrase, they stop, take a deep breath, relax, and pay closer attention to what comes next? We clear our minds of meaningless chatter, boost our posture, and look forward to the range of emotions about to unfold within us. It’s nice to be carried away once in a while by a beautiful story.

I believe fairy tales were designed to speak to our soul. I wonder what kind of world it would be if we could find that spark within ourselves without having an exterior influence take us there. What if we felt that same magic and could call upon this “reserve” of energy anytime, anyplace? Now, wouldn’t that be extraordinary!

All my students have a once upon a time. I call it BP. (Before Pilates.) I will sometimes say to my clients, “You know, once upon a time, your body and movement patterns were in a completely different state.” (Not so good for the most part!) I remind them of just how far they’ve come and how their personal story lines have improved dramatically. The “something special” continues to unfold in each lesson. The conversation is like clockwork, because one day you awake and suddenly feel differently inside your own skin.

As an instructor, I love witnessing such moments in my students. I know that I no longer have to convince them that these movement patterns/exercises WILL change their musculature if they’re only patient. At that phase in their journey, they come to each lesson with a greater amount of patience and acceptance. They no longer beat themselves up for failing to do the exercise perfectly, or trying to impress someone instead of practicing Pilates for the right reason…your health. At such a critical crossroads, my students begin trusting more, and because they do, we’re able to move from one level to the next.

Once upon a time is about where you once were, what journey you are about to embark upon, how you are going to get there, and what magic is about to take place. Life isn’t always perfect, but the truth of the matter is that, when you’re right with yourself, and your once upon a time is behind you, you can handle anything, moving forward with stamina and grace.

Bye for now!