Apr 1, 2019
A PENNY - Pilates Preacher
Meet Ms. Penelope, a darling three year old girl, born on the cusp of Valentine’s day.
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A PENNY - Pilates Preacher
Meet Ms. Penelope, a darling three year old girl, born on the cusp of Valentine’s day.
A PENNY - Pilates Preacher
“A Penny” written by Laura Burdo.
See My Penny
Meet Ms. Penelope, a darling three year old girl, born on the cusp of Valentine’s day.
Since the time she was lying in her crib, crawling across the floor, or standing at my feet; I’d sing over her this little jingle…
Pick A Penny
“Find a Penny, pick her up; all day long you’ll have good luck!”
Remember this rhyme?
The origins of this superstition may stem from ancient times when metals were believed to offer protection from evil and harmful spirits to those who possessed them.
What’s Wealthy?
When cultures began using coins as currency, obviously those who had more of them were considered wealthy. Thus, the accumulation of money translated into good fortune.
Perhaps this fact contributed to the good luck association with finding a penny.
My Lucky Penny
Some people believe that different outcomes will occur if the penny is found either heads up or down.
If the penny is heads up you may freely and joyfully pick it up, and experience good luck. If it faces tails up, you can pick it up and turn it over for the next person – just do not take it with you because you will be bringing yourself bad luck.
Yet others believe that the penny you pick up should be passed along to someone else the same day to ensure your own good luck.
Sigh, if only it were that easy.
It’s But A Game
These games we play can be fun, but of course, they aren’t actually reliable.
And yet – positives like hope, faith, and expectation do have proven scientific substance – according to many studies.
We’ve all heard of the placebo effect. Often times, people ascribe such things to receiving miraculous healing and other surprising happenings.
Think On This…
A great many people throughout the ages have commented on the topics of good luck and happiness. They have contributed their part in the exploration of these much sought after attainments.
Mr. Pilates said, “Everyone is the architect of their own happiness.”
All this may be true, but perhaps the truth lies somewhere in the skies. Let me leave you with this.
As your faith is, so be it unto you!
Talk soon,
Laura Burdo The Pilates Preacher
For more check out these articles: 1) Stop Shaking 2) Pass the Trees Please 3) Oh Time Divine
P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.
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WASTED - Pilates Preacher So I have a confession. I have to come clean.
WASTED - Pilates Preacher
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.
TOP TEN TIPS - FROM TOP SPORTS PSYCHOLOGISTS - Pilates Preacher
“Top Ten Tips – From Top Sports Psychologists” written by Laura Burdo.
Top Ten Tips
Want to know how you can use sports psychology and mental training to reach your health, fitness and sports goals faster, easier, and get the results you want?
Here is a compilation of some top mindset tips to help you build new motivation, confidence and major breakthroughs in your fitness, your training and in your life.
10. Positive Images: When your are exercising, use your positive mental images throughout your workout to create feelings of speed and power. (e.g., If you’re walking or running and you come to an unexpected hill visualize a magnet pulling you effortlessly to the top). Use visualization before, during and after your training to build confidence and new motivation.
9. Power Words: Make positive self-statements continually. Negative thinking is common; everyone has an inner critic. Become aware of these thoughts early on. Don’t fight with them; simply acknowledge their presence, and then substitute positive power words. (e.g., When you’re thinking: “This hurts too much, I want to lay down and die”; say to yourself: “This feeling is connected with getting healthier and doing my absolute best.”)
8. Present Focus: Practice being in the present moment. Remind yourself to stay in the here and now. Instead of replaying past mistakes, or worrying about the future, let past and future events fade into the background. Be right on, right here, right now.
7. Advantage: Use everything in your workout to your advantage. For example, if another person passes you, tuck in behind and go with his or her energy for as long as possible. You may catch a “second wind” and be carried on to a personal record.
6. Chunking Goals: Focus on your immediate target. Break your training goals down into small, manageable pieces and begin to focus only on the first portion, not the entire workout (e.g., Say to yourself: “I’m just relaxing and getting my rhythm during the first part, or the first workout session”).
5. Body Scan: Pay close attention to your tension level and training form. Do a body scan while working out and relax your tight muscles frequently. Ask yourself: “Are my shoulders and neck relaxed; how does this pace feel; how much energy is left in my legs?”
4. Pain as Effort: If you have “good pain,” the pain of effort, that is not seriously damaging your body, just shift attention to your breathing or cadence of movement, and let the discomfort fade into the background. You can also use the pain as feedback. Register it not as pain but as effort level. Say: “Now I know exactly how hard I’m working. I know how this pace feels. My body is doing what it should be doing.”
3. Detach From Outcome: Look only at what you need to do right now (e.g., your pace, your breathing, your concentration); your final time, place, or score will take care of itself.
2. Focused Attention: Be aware of distractions. Breathe out unwanted thoughts with your next exhale and re-focus your attention instantly on what is important right now, at this moment.
1. Celebration: Enjoy and appreciate your fitness and strength. When you exercise, relax and let your body do what you’ve trained it to do. Remember that your goals are to be realistic, so all you need do is to perform up to your capabilities.
Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher
P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.
TOP TEN TIPS - FROM TOP SPORTS PSYCHOLOGISTS - Pilates Preacher Want to know how you can use sports psychology and mental training to reach your health, fitness and sports goals faster, easier, and get the results you want?
TOP TEN TIPS - FROM TOP SPORTS PSYCHOLOGISTS - Pilates Preacher
“Top Ten Tips – From Top Sports Psychologists” written by Laura Burdo.
Top Ten Tips
Want to know how you can use sports psychology and mental training to reach your health, fitness and sports goals faster, easier, and get the results you want?
Here is a compilation of some top mindset tips to help you build new motivation, confidence and major breakthroughs in your fitness, your training and in your life.
10. Positive Images: When your are exercising, use your positive mental images throughout your workout to create feelings of speed and power. (e.g., If you’re walking or running and you come to an unexpected hill visualize a magnet pulling you effortlessly to the top). Use visualization before, during and after your training to build confidence and new motivation.
9. Power Words: Make positive self-statements continually. Negative thinking is common; everyone has an inner critic. Become aware of these thoughts early on. Don’t fight with them; simply acknowledge their presence, and then substitute positive power words. (e.g., When you’re thinking: “This hurts too much, I want to lay down and die”; say to yourself: “This feeling is connected with getting healthier and doing my absolute best.”)
8. Present Focus: Practice being in the present moment. Remind yourself to stay in the here and now. Instead of replaying past mistakes, or worrying about the future, let past and future events fade into the background. Be right on, right here, right now.
7. Advantage: Use everything in your workout to your advantage. For example, if another person passes you, tuck in behind and go with his or her energy for as long as possible. You may catch a “second wind” and be carried on to a personal record.
6. Chunking Goals: Focus on your immediate target. Break your training goals down into small, manageable pieces and begin to focus only on the first portion, not the entire workout (e.g., Say to yourself: “I’m just relaxing and getting my rhythm during the first part, or the first workout session”).
5. Body Scan: Pay close attention to your tension level and training form. Do a body scan while working out and relax your tight muscles frequently. Ask yourself: “Are my shoulders and neck relaxed; how does this pace feel; how much energy is left in my legs?”
4. Pain as Effort: If you have “good pain,” the pain of effort, that is not seriously damaging your body, just shift attention to your breathing or cadence of movement, and let the discomfort fade into the background. You can also use the pain as feedback. Register it not as pain but as effort level. Say: “Now I know exactly how hard I’m working. I know how this pace feels. My body is doing what it should be doing.”
3. Detach From Outcome: Look only at what you need to do right now (e.g., your pace, your breathing, your concentration); your final time, place, or score will take care of itself.
2. Focused Attention: Be aware of distractions. Breathe out unwanted thoughts with your next exhale and re-focus your attention instantly on what is important right now, at this moment.
1. Celebration: Enjoy and appreciate your fitness and strength. When you exercise, relax and let your body do what you’ve trained it to do. Remember that your goals are to be realistic, so all you need do is to perform up to your capabilities.
Talk soon,
Laura Burdo
The Pilates Preacher
P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.
PIPS WITH PEEPS - Pilates Preacher
“Get Back On The Horse” written by Laura Burdo.
Get Back On The Horse
Interview Introduction
Laura: Hello, I’m Laura Burdo, The Pilates Preacher, with another PIP W/ PEEPS!
I’m here with PRESTON ALLEN, my 12 yr old grandson.
Preston: Hey Everybody!
Check-Up
Laura: Preston, we’re checking back in with you. It’s been about a year now since we set-up your very own Reformer at home in Colorado… so, how’s it going?
Preston: Umm, not so much.
Laura: Oh? How so?
Preston: Like, it’s not.
Laura: I see… humph…we’ll have to work on this.
Preston: I’m too busy with school, guitar, gymnastics, and horseback riding!
Creative Compromise
Laura: Well, wait a minute here, Preston. JOSEPH PILATES touted the benefits of a perfect balance of body mind and spirit. He himself, coupled his own gymnastics and martial arts background with good body mechanics, posture, and correct breathing.
He said that recreational activities can not only train the brain and body, but it renews our vitality and lifts our spirits.
Get Back On The Horse Son
Preston: Didn’t you tell me once that Joe said horseback riding is a lot like doing Pilates?
Laura: Yes, good memory, Preston!
Joe wrote about that in his book, Return To Life Through Contrology.
Get Back On The Horse 2
Interview Introduction
Laura: Hello, I’m Laura Burdo, The Pilates Preacher, with another PIP W/ PEEPS!
Laura: I’m here again with PRESTON ALLEN, my grandson.
Preston: Hey everybody!
Never Be Your Beast Of Burden
Laura: So, this beast is no burden. And to this guy, neither is physical disability and injury, right Pres?
Preston: Yea, I was born with Cerebral Palsy – which has affected mainly my walking gait, and sometimes I can trip or fall. Recently, I had a serious injury to my ankle, so I had to rehab… a lot.
Laura: I know, Pres, and you’ve dealt so well, using your various therapies throughout the years.
Burden Bearers
Laura: Among these interventions, has been Pilates (since you were a tiny baby), PT and sports conditioning, but your absolute favorite is … FANCY!
Preston: Yea, Fancy is a large Appaloosa mere. Horseback riding has been great for my body – plus it really helps clear my head.
Head Over Heels
Laura: And she’s the head of the herd, so I bet she’s really smart and strong-willed!
Preston: Yes, I’ve learned a lot from working with her. I love her, and we have a special bond together.
Laura: Yea, I can see that!
Joe Quote
Laura: This reminds me of the philosophy of JOSEPH PILATES in which he touted, “Be in control of your body, and not at the mercy of it.”
Laura: Well, thanks for sharing with us, Preston!
Preston: Thanks and g’bye!
Talk soon,
Laura Burdo The Pilates Preacher
For more check out these articles: 1) Wasted 2) Happy Easter Fools Day 3) A Penny
P.S. To hear more, please be sure to sign up to the 7 Heavenly PIPs.