“Wasted” written by Laura Burdo.

Confession

So, I have a confession.

I have to come clean.

I just ended a complex and dangerous long-term relationship.

By long-term, I mean many years, with an emphasis on ‘term’, as in serving-a-sentence. Though not one of penance, so much as it was of sins committed.

I had to end it, literally drop it like a bad habit! I felt powerless over it, and in certain ways, my life had become unmanageable.

In The Beginning

Looking back, in the beginning, the relationship was super exciting! We’d hang out, throw back a few brews, pop open a lil bubbly, or share a rare bottle or two… or more, but who was counting?

We’d commiserate, and just yuck it up together. You know, take the edge-off, chill… just wasting time, money, and energy.

As time went on, this bond between us grew, we became almost inseparable, especially during stressful and sad times in my life. This relationship was always there for me to lean on.

And that’s just it – the leaning -revealing a weakness which served more as a crutch, and morphed into an intricate co-dependency.

Eventually, evenings would evolve into emotional roller-coaster rides, rage, and all too often, words wished unspoken.

Balancing Act

Denying the problem, I’d interact again-n-again in a similar fashion – perpetually pretending that things were OK, and under control.

Look, you know how obsessive-compulsive relationships can be considered ‘normal’, to a degree? But then, balance can become unstable, and everything gets tipsy.

And say, have you ever tried to detect dependancies in your life, and wrestled whether they’re problematic enough to admit and attempt to liberate yourself?

Yea, it gets uber confusing and complicated to choose change. And HOW! One requires real wisdom to know the difference.

Tables Turned

But what about when it gets way worse than that? When you try to negotiate new limits, and want to take back control, only to find that you can’t?

In my case… progressively over time, dynamics within my relationship were exhibiting an insidious undermining – a competitive control crept over important things (not to mention people) in my life. It was like the tables were being turned on me and it was taking me down! Just maybe, it was even going to ultimately end me!

That Crossroad

One day, a memorable moment suddenly showed-up.

A way of escape was extended to me! A few faithful friends stepped in-between to intervene. They’d witnessed the throws and woes of this horrid relationship of mine. One announced, “It’s that relationship or me! You must decide, don’t you see?”

And there it was… I saw that figurative Crossroad. I stood there and stared right at it. I could see clearly that I had to choose just how much of my life was I willing to lose.

Let me tell you… that was a sobering state to be in.

Unfriended!

Inside my soul, I knew a hideous beast lurked within this complex and dangerous relationship. Its intent was to intimidate, isolate, and to possess me. I also knew that he would not easily let me go, and nor would he go without a fight.

Can’t you agree… this relationship just had to end?!

SO I WASTED THIS ‘FRIEND’!

My weapon was God’s grace.

The ammo was a 12 Stepped ladder.

The target … Sobriety.

My aim… Serenity.

Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher

For more check out these articles:
1) Happy Easter Fools Day
2) A Penny
3) Stop Shaking

P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.

“Stop Shaking” written by Laura Burdo.

Do You Like Rain And Thunderstorms?

I do!

But, I will confess I prefer to seek shelter from the storms – insulating myself from risk and harm instead of being out in them.

Stuck… and just having to weather it!

It’s a natural reaction to self protect, and avoid, and shrink back a little bit, isn’t it?

It’s Greek

There’s an original Greek word for a violent storm, Seismos – which literally means a shaking.

Imagine an earthquake, a tsunami, or a volcano. Can you feel the rumble? Have you felt that within yourself – within the battles of your mind, or deep within your belly?

I 100-percent relate.

It’s not unlike this when we go through the storms of life!

The type that whip us around, knock us down, and sometimes drag us under.

Can’t Escape…

But these storms of life we can’t always escape. We can’t always find complete shelter – and nor should we!

For the stress, and the struggle, and the sufferings are ultimately for our own promotion and for our good.

Calm Down

So let’s calm the fear, walk away from worry, and denounce doubt. Especially, the kind that hinders our health and just turns us all inside-out.

Take heart!
Stop shaking!
Start standing on stable legs, on faith, and grounded feet!

Therefore, lift up the hands that hang down, strengthen those feeble knees, lift your eyes up to the mountains and know that your help cometh!

You say you’re doing pretty well under the circumstances.

Well I say, “What are you doing under there”?!

Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher

For more check out these articles:
1) Pass the Trees Please
2) Oh Time Divine
3) Mush It

P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.

“Pass the Trees Please” written by Laura Burdo.

Take A Walk On The Wild Side

” And into
The forest I go
To lose myself
And find my soul. “

It’s trendy and it’s the new craze.

It’s Nature meets Mindfulness.

Maybe, it’s not new to you…

What is Forest Bathing?

Forest Bathing is the practice of taking a short, leisurely visit to a forest to improve mental health and to boost physical immunity.

(And not to be confused with an energetic walk or hike.)

Shinrin-Yoku (森 浴)… and What It Can Do For You

The practice originated in Japan back in the early 1990s. The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries coined the term Shinrin-yoku (森 浴) – which translates roughly as forest bathing.

(Rumor has it that some practitioners actually practice this ritual au natural. Gulp! But, keep your shirt on, folks… and your shorts and shoes, too, please!)

Why Go Wild?!?

This practice is proven by scientists to benefit physical and mental health as it helps lower heart rate, blood pressure, reduce stress- hormone production, boost immunity and mood, and improve overall feelings of well-being.

In addition to that impressive list of benefits, quite uniquely, recent research showed significant increases in human natural killer cell activity after forest bathing. And its positive effects last a month following each weekend in the woods.

Wow!

The positive effects last a month after woods- walking. Now, that’s sumthin’ to PIP about!

Let Me Be Your Guide

The aim of forest bathing is to slow
down and become immersed in the
natural environment.

Tune in to the smells, textures,
tastes and sights of the forest.

Breathe deeply and take in the
surroundings by using all our senses.

Close your eyes and just listen.

Then upon opening your eyes,
imagine that you are standing on
holy ground, in a magical place,
and as if you are seeing the world
for the very first time.

The Benefits of Forest Bathing

Many health care providers are incorporating forest therapy as an organized stress- reduction strategy. There’s no question that stress takes a terrible toll in the United States; a 2016 study found that work-related stress alone accounts for up to $190 billion in healthcare costs each.

Fortunately, there continues to be a growing interest in the US and in the UK. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to organize Woods Walking group!

Warning!  Helicopter Trainer on Patrol

Now, at the expense of sounding like a helicopter-trainer, may I make a few suggestions?

Consider possible pit-falls and precautions pertaining to the terrain, weather, and wildlife. (Geez, I sound over-protective, I know.)

OK bear with me… maybe bring along some basic First Aid items. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray!!

(Whew, what a real nag, right?)

Well, at least I refrained from hinting about leaving a breadcrumb trail! 😒

What Would Joe Do (WWJD)?

And now, let’s get back to Joe.

Joseph Pilates said, “By all means, never fail to get all the sunlight and fresh air you can!”

As a child, Joe would lie in the woods for hours, hiding and watching how the animals moved, how the mother taught the young. This helped him understand natural movement and how to mimic it within the human form.

 

 

Reflect Respect

This brings to mind how many fundamental Yoga asanas and Tai Chi moves mimic animals – and these practices also reflect respect for nature.

Who doesn’t love Tree and Up-Dog? How about the Sun Salutation Series?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I like Pulling-Up-Earth’s-Energy and Cloud-Walking in Tai Chi.

You may have your own favorites, too.

So, save the favs … but, grab a friend, or two to DO some Forest Bathing.

What are you waiting for?

Nature’s calling!

And may the Forest be with you!

Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher

For more check out these articles:
1) Oh Time Divine
2) Mush It
3) Age on Stage

P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.

“Oh Time Divine” written by Laura Burdo.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

Time is divine… and time is a thief.
Life is a gift… and life is a bitch.

Double-minded?
I think not.

Seasons

We all have ever-turning (and churning) seasons in our lives.

Seems like just when we finally get the hang of something… or about when we start to get comfortable… wild winds whirl and we sense a shift in the atmosphere.

Ut-oh, what happens then?

Do you cringe at change, or combat it?

Maybe you expect it, and welcome it.

Divine Rhythm

When a season is light and lingering, of course, we delight in these times of tranquility. But, do you look over our shoulder at what could be coming down the pike while holding your breath a little bit?

So, what’s happening here?

Are you waiting to exhale… or are you waiting to inhale? No matter, maybe.

The natural answer to either state is merely to breathe. Metered and cyclical, as if each inhalation and exhalation is a compliment to the other.

Compatible – each are equally dependent upon the other.

This is a divine rhythm. Every breath affirming our existence as we trust that we belong in this life – in this time and space.

Your Weather Patterns

Have you noticed that we are all at the same time experiencing our own unique weather patterns (of life)? Some are sunny, or partly cloudy, while others are cold with lots of precipitation.

Maybe this is why Socrates once said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Let’s talk about those heavy and hovering seasons. You know… the ones that call for some true blue long-suffering.

Ut-oh, did I just hear you groan?

Reaction

I get it… just typing those two words hit me.

I feel it in my chest or deep in the gut somewhere… like an old memory or like an anxious dread. This must be a common reaction because, c’mon, no one likes suffering!

But, we do have some say over the matter. We don’t have to be taken down or let the pain settle in. Instead, we could determine to gut it out.

Long Suffering

Did you know that long-suffering is an actual characteristic that we can develop? Yep.

The actual definition is having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people.

Bet you know how to obtain this quality.

Yep again… we just have to deal!

It’s like what Robert Frost, the great American poet told us in his writings. He said, “The best way out is always through.”

Rhyme and Reason

Instinctively, we know that trying times are testing and teaching us. And yet, we struggle to feel appreciative. Of course, that too, is part of the lessons learned.

Hey, how bout the seasons that leave us mentally screwed-up, as they appear to have no rhyme or reason?

Jessica Jones (a super hero character) said, “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stranger.” Pretty good one, right?

Now, we could try to resist these stages of changes within us. But should we?

Isn’t that like trying to wear a hat on a very windy day, shoveling sidewalks while it’s still snowing, or talking to a person who isn’t listening? I mean, we can do that, but it can be exhausting and ultimately futile.

In addition, these reactions would only rob us.

Behind the Divine

What would happen if we expected and accepted all things? As in… whatever arises, love it.

Say to yourselves, everything is as it should be. And then relax, because nothing is really under (our) control anyway.

It is said that change is taking place continuously, all the time, behind the scenes, underneath it all… even when we can’t quite detect it.

May I suggest that that is the divine design at work within us?

Fly with Byrds

You may already be acquainted with these wise words – courtesy of The Byrds.

Remember the song, Turn! Turn! Turn!

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it’s not too late.

And… there it is.
The revelation is still relevant.
PEACE and PRESENCE is the PURPOSE.

Final Words

Let us make peace with… self, others, loss, pain, and change.
And know this… God has made everything beautiful in its time.

Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher

For more check out these articles:
1) Mush It
2) Age on Stage
3) No Apathy

P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.

“Mush It” written by Laura Burdo.

A Little Story

A long time ago, in a mid-west town, this happened one snowy school-cancelled afternoon…

Suit Up

I remember requiring assistance getting into my snow suit – along with the usual accessories – mittens, earmuffs, and a hat, as I was only six years old. Now the boots… well, I put them on all-by-myself!

So there I stood, donning my new fuschia-pink snow suit with big fluffy earmuffs which practically covered my entire face. A white hat sat upon my head with pig-tails poking out at the sides.

We (my siblings and I) were anticipating snowball fights with neighborhood friends, sledding, and my personal favorite… making snow angels!

Prior to these wintery festivities, we had to complete schoolwork and tend to the family pet. These were strict orders from our father.

Seemed fair enough, and so we perform our tasks, leashed the dog and headed for the front door.

An Unexpected Twist

Just before anyone could take hold, this impetuously independent dog charges boldly into the great outdoors. “Tanner” was his name. Craazy was his game. Being a Shepard / Husky mix, this made him large, energetic, and strong-willed. (I’ll tell more about this four-legged feisty foe another time.)

I caught a glimpse of the end of the long leash and dove toward it, grasping with both hands. I recall the snow being high and slippery.  Now, one might say that my small stature was no match for that rambunctious rebel… or was it??

You see, all I needed to do to subdue the dog’s rant was to create a drag and tire him out, right? Then I could save the day by saving the dog and bring him safely back home.

At least, that was this six year old’s plan.

Stop

But slow down, he did not!

Tanner charged up and down the main drag including some side streets, slid-into and climbed-out of ditches, chased a few dogs, and circled around too many trees to count. Yet, I held onto that leash for dear life – for his, and for mine.

Worries and thoughts racing. What if he ran away and became lost in the cold? Or he caused an automobile accident that injured people. Also, I feared that we may receive rebuke from father for allowing the dog to escape in the first place!

This scene continued for quite awhile as Tanner was rather young and spry – but, ya know what, so was I!

I suspect that being a gymnast made me no stranger to pain. Perhaps, it even helped me endure the discomfort of being jerked around, dragged over rough pavements, and bashing into the occasional inanimate object or tree along the way.

Ugh, and all that twirling. Remember the long leash? Well at times, I was on my back or sideways, but periodically, I’d be completely face down in the snow.

Spectators

Neighbors were gathering to observe this spectacle. Some were staring with gaping mouths, others laughing. Bigger boys were chanting, “MUSH, MUSH!” and other obnoxious things.

But, ALL were shouting, “LET GOOO!”

I overheard my brother exclaim, “My sister’s a fighter, she won’t let-go!”

(Speaking of my brother… he recently recounted the details of this day with me.  We had a good laugh when he said that if this had occurred during the smart-phone era, it surely would have been captured on video and posted on social media!)

Show’s Over

Although attention spans may have been a bit longer back then, still the crowd dispersed. Tanner’s show-boating slowly dwindled and then his mania just stopped. And would you believe, right in front of our very own house?

And there we were… panting and wrung-out. Tanner’s coat snowy and his paws were mud. My snow suit was ripped in several places and my hat lost.

My siblings and I sulked up to the house together… like a scene in the movie, Dead Man Walking. We readied ourselves for punishment.

I’m still hanging onto that leash. Tanner’s tongue… (still) hanging out.

Father

Father runs toward us with an expression upon his face that confused me. It looked something more like pity then anger. He lifted me up and held me, and attended to my bruises while brushing wet clumps of icy snow from my hair.

I asked, “Father, what does MUSH mean?

I told him that the punk boys were chanting it at me.

He roared with laughter and said, “Basically, Tanner fled and you, my dear, became the sled.”

 

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on this story, it both warms my heart, and saddens it.You see, that pattern of rescue, responsibility, worry, holding on too tightly, and not knowing when to let go has permeated my life. At times, this caused considerable conflict and perhaps pain to others, but certainly to myself.

 

Today, I understand that the best I can do – in all situations – is to seek the wisdom to know the difference.

Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher

For more check out these articles:
1) Age on Stage
2) No Apathy
3) Meet Your Feet

P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.

“Age on Stage” written by Laura Burdo.

Old is a Decision

Did you know that there are really only three stages of age? There’s Youth. Middle-age. And “Hey, you’re lookin’ pretty good!”

Age

A poor little three-letter word that’s so often treated as a four. A word that congers up soo much emotion – and gets soo much rejection.

But hey, let’s not feel too sorry for it.

I mean, it does do some mean things.

And it rhymes with mean little words like rage and cage. But ohh, it also rhymes with sage and page…as in, maybe, just keep turnin’ em?

I’m well aware of the reactions. So much so, that I look for alternative ways to say “it” while I’m teaching or coaching. For example, I like to say, “Such and such tends to occur as time goes on.” (Wink-wink, and not ‘as we age’.)

Panic Manic

But friends, we need to resist hitting the panic or punish button, OK? And just get a grip on ourselves.

Look, we all need reality-checks, and sometimes maybe even a checkup from the neck up!

Competition?

A few months ago, I hired for myself a counselor, a nutritionist, and a Crossfit coach. You see, I was turning the big 5-O, and I wanted to get myself into a better place of self-control, strength, and discipline (but nothing too crazy, mind you)!

I set a goal and entered The Ms. Cincinnati Natural Figure Competition (historically, the longest running show of its kind.)

In my youth, I was an accomplished light-weight bodybuilder and held numerous overall titles. Now that I am ‘middle-aged’, things are a little different (oh hell, they are a lot different)!

They put me in the Masters category (but hey, thank God it wasn’t labeled Seniors, right)?
I placed third. Felt pretty grateful…not for the trophy, but that I did it… and trained without strain or injury.

The Best Part

Best part – I found some treasures within myself that I had misplaced, chucked away, or never even had before.

Soo, not bad for a middle-aged woman, right?

But… do you know what?!

I think I overheard a few people in the audience saying,

“HEY, SHE’S LOOKIN’ PRETTY GOOD!”

Humph!

Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher

For more check out these articles:
1) No Apathy
2) Meet Your Feet
3) In the Quiet

P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.

“No Apathy” written by Laura Burdo.

Got apathy?

Humph!

The Struggle

Here’s some empathy for you… because I struggle at times, too.

But, I have more for you.

 A dialogue between us and apathy.

US: I really need to start focusing on my health.

APATHY: Well, it probably won’t happen, or help much, anyway.

US: I must improve my health because my life depends on it.

APATHY: You’ve tried before, but ‘cha always fail.

US: At least, I’ll feel better about myself and have more energy.

APATHY: Well, good luck with that. I’m just gonna go take a nap.

 

Just a Character

We all remember, Eeyore, right?

He’s the character in Winnie-The-Pooh.

He comes to mind when I think on this topic.

Here’s one of his more infamous quotes.

“End of the road. Nothin’ to do. And no hope of things getting better.”

(Heck, that sounds like Saturday night at my house!) Ugh, sound familiar? Hope not… but I get it.

Now, I’m no doctor, so I’m not trying to diagnose anyone.

But, if that sounds like the inner-dialogue in your head, you just may be suffering from a case of…

The Eeyore Syndrome

Okay, sure, Eeyore was cute.

But c’mon, what a sad lil guy, right?

A real pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey type.

So, of course, we don’t want to emulate him. I mean, that would make us a jackass!

Abolish Apathy

The other day, I saw a guy sporting a t-shirt that read, Fight Apathy… or don’t.

Well, that’s the spirit, was my first thought! But then, I realized the ironic humor. My second thought was… uhhh, but what if we are too far gone? I mean, true apathy might interfere with the fight, right?

We can imagine that there are a myriad of factors (some medical or mental health related) that play into apathy, which makes each personal case intricate and complicated, of course.

If we can’t fight apathy, it may indicate that we are too apathetic about even being apathetic. Some believe that it’s always a choice, no matter what condition we are in. Yet, others can feel quite the contrary.

Really?!

Here’s an example from one end of the camp. I saw this meme the other day on social media.

“Apathy is the overrated protection of that rock you’re hiding under.” Anonymous.

OUCH! I don’t know about you, but statements like that make me squirm (and maybe yell little bit).

Before we get all up-in-arms, we must consider the source of that quote -signed, “Anonymous.” Really?! Maybe the author is doing a bit of “hiding”, also, ah? Ugh, I suppose we are all guilty of it.

To be fair, sure, there are elements of truth regarding that quote. I’ll admit to feeling a pang of conviction… and the guilt in me groaned a lil bit.

 

Carl Jung

Carl Jung talked about apathy.

He said, “There can be no transforming of darkness into light and apathy into movement without emotion.”

This hit me right in the heart of MY matter! It spoke both sense and encouragement to me. Inspiration was obviously knocking – and I welcomed it in.

Upon reading his wise words, I grabbed a piece of paper in hand.

Do This Exercise

Took immediate action… because I didn’t want to have the moment pass me by. I drew a vertical line down the center of the blank page.

One side represented the list of areas in my life where I needed movement and improvement.

The opposing side represented the areas where I felt a healthy degree of success. (I needed this to keep my confidence and self-respect in balance before listing the apathetic areas.)

I tell clients to take a lil compassion before taking big action.

This way, we propel from a positive place, rather than from a place of punishment.

Take baby steps forward. Though the pace may be slow.. and a bit wobbly, eventually you get where you want to go.

May I encourage you to take-to-the-page along with me? Do remember to be humble, brave, and gentle, too. Accept mercy and movement, simultaneously.

Sometimes, just “seeing and hearing” yourself in writing makes an important impact. More than that, it can be a turning point and the beginning of greatness.

Joe Pilates admonished us by saying that every moment of our lives can be the beginning of great things.

A Final Word

Remember that guy’s apathy t-shirt? I’d rather sport a tee that reads.. “Fight apathy…AND CONQUER!”

No good thing can be born of apathy.

Think about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher

For more check out these articles:
1) Meet Your Feet
2) In the Quiet
3) Less Hope Full

P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.

“Meet Your Feet” written by Laura Burdo.

“Meet your feet.”

This is what I like to say to someone when I am introducing them to the Pilates Principles of alignment and posture.

Basic Pilates Principals

I organize their bodies to find the correct form – in terms of how to stand, sit, kneel, and recline – all in good alignment without strain.

I start at the foundation – which is the feet – and work from the ground to the crown.

Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci said that the human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art? Ahh, so true! The human foot is a wonder to behold – and yet is seldom told.

Our wonderful (and sometimes under appreciated) feet do so much for us. We take them for granted… until they have pain or create tales of woe elsewhere in the body.

It behooves us to not just make their acquaintance, but to really bond with our feet. Think of the feet as the ‘boots on the ground’. As in, they are the first line of defense against ‘attacks’ of compression and collapse.

The Human Foot

The human foot has so much to do with our overall skeletal support. For example; our spine, hips, and knees greatly rely upon them. Literally so.

In addition to all that, our feet naturally help to stabilize our coordinated balance. And they are endowed with tremendous pain and sensory perceptions – more than any other area in the body.

Wow! Think of the feet as organic high-tech devices!

The “Foundation” of Pilates

Joe Pilates, being a physical therapist and the founder of the Pilates Method (originally called Contrology) understood that the human foot was a key foundation of the body’s support system. He likened it to the foundation of a building. In that, if it isn’t structurally sound, then the entire integrity of the building is compromised.

Of course, it’s the overall CORE of the body which sealed the deal for the ultimate support. I teach that the ‘core’ is everything but the limbs, basically, from the bottom to the brain.

So may I say to you, MEET YOUR FEET!

* Stand or sit, recognizing three natural weight-bearing centers of each foot. * Perceive both sides of the ball, and the center of your heel.

* Loosen, lengthen, and spread toes

* Notice how you are distributing your body weight.

* Balance evenly as though you have a tripod of three suction cups under each foot.

And then … don’t live down there.
Imagine energy is rising from your ground and surging thru the crown – lifting upward and beyond.

It’s been said that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Seems lofty… can you feel it?

 

Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher

For more check out these articles:
1) In the Quiet
2) Less Hope Full
3) Gonna Be

P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.