A Day for Reflection

Cheri · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 175 Location:

Many moons ago I was a step/dance aerobic/weightlifting/walking/bicycling junkie. After years of injuries, torn muscles, dieting madness, and illness I quit – I had this picture in my head of what I wanted my body to look like and could not achieve that goal. I was burned out, depressed, angry at the world and often thought about killing myself.

After watching Marjolein on QVC for a couple of years I took a leap of faith and bought a Pilates Performer. A few months prior to purchasing the machine I had begun a spiritual quest for guidance on attaining personal happiness, freedom and power. As I sat on my new machine I mindfully set my intention – I asked that it be of service by healing my mind, body, heart and spirit. My Pilates Practice has given me the ease of movement, freedom from pain, created a strong and healthy body, and the gift of balance in all elements in my life both on and off the machine.

I have learned that I must generate a feeling of “having” rather that “desiring” to have. If I desire something my intent is to desire it, and I never get any further than the desire. Comparing myself to anyone else serves no purpose. I have learned that our words, thoughts and actions are very powerful and strive to choose them wisely. When I am mindful of the words that I speak, aware of the thoughts that flow through my mind and conscientious with the actions/choices that I make, I have the opportunity to create my own “heaven or hell” right here on Earth. Today will be heaven – I took the day off from work – going to putter around the veggie garden with the girls (my chickens), take a hot bath and shave my legs, take a nap, eat chocolate and take Artemis (my motorcycle) for an afternoon ride in the countryside.

Today is a special day for me – it marks the day I was born. My Earthwalk has been a challenging but joyous journey. I have discovered my Sacred Space, Energy, Breath and Gratitude and I have learned to fiercely protect and nourish them. Today be gentle and forgiving with yourself, embrace your process, remember that rest and playtime are just as important as work, and above all else love your self just the way you are right here and right now…wishing you love, light and laughter…cheri

wllwbrk · Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 2 Location:

A few things jumped out at me:
"mindful of the words that I speak, aware of the thoughts..." ~ I've adopted two phrases to live by - "Speak Life" and "It is true, but is it necessary?" Just because something is true does not mean it needs to be shared. Concentrate on speaking life to others and to your own spirit. The world will feed you enough negative. You can be a candle in the darkness by choosing to speak life. Light overcomes darkness but darkness cannot quench the light.
"rest and playtime are just as important as work..." ~ I am 53 years old and only just now implementing that lesson. I have experienced many peaks and valleys as is true with most people. The past few years have been particularly challenging between physical trauma, loss of employment, identification of sexual abuse and depression. I call it "being in the well". Sometimes so deeply that no light is visible above. I have struggled with the drive to be productive and your comments "be gentle and forgiving with yourself, embrace your process..." have affirmed the path that I have been working on. I need to live in the moment and embrace this fallow period. I am realizing that I have spent alot of time "wishing away" my life. Corporate life had me wishing for less stress and more freedom. Physical illness had me craving wholeness. The depths of depression had me seeking release even if it meant suicide. I must embrace this season of my life or I will have wasted the minutes I exchanged for its passing. The Bible tells us "be still and know that I am God". The knowing comes from stillness. Dwell in it and allow your spirit to be fed.

Thank you for sharing your "Day of Reflection". A belated "Happy Birthday" to you.
~ Deb
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marjoleinbrugman · Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 8 Location:

Cheri thank you for your wonderfully inspirational posts. I too have found solace and peace of mind from my daily Pilates practice. I would be honored of you would submit your experience as a story of change to inspire everyone. feel free to email me at mbsfitness@prodigy.net.
I would also love to share the beautiful blessing that you posted.