Greetings Pilates teachers,
On this bright and invigorating Soulful Sunday, I'm writing to you from Sofia, where I'm currently leading a studio apparatus course on laddder barrel, wunda chair and Spine Corrector. The venue is a short walk from my Airbnb, and the route takes me through a serene park. Unlike the often grey mornings in London, the weather here has been splendidly sunny, allowing me to enjoy the morning tranquility and the vibrant hues of sunlight filtering through the trees.
These peaceful walks have been a beautiful reminder of how fortunate we are to experience the wonders of nature. It’s crucial for us, as Pilates teachers, to appreciate and incorporate this natural beauty into our lives and practices. Recently, I came across a fascinating fact: London is classified as a forest due to its substantial number of trees and parks.
According to the United Nations' criteria, a forest is an area with at least 10% tree canopy cover and a minimum land area of 0.5 hectares. Greater London exceeds these thresholds with a tree canopy cover of 21% across the city (Big Think) (Time Out Worldwide).
Additionally, London is considered the world’s largest urban forest. The city hosts approximately 8.3 million trees, almost matching its human population (The Street Tree). This classification is supported by the Forestry Commission and various environmental studies that highlight London's extensive green spaces, including parks, private gardens, and street trees (Big Think) (Time Out Worldwide).
Thus, while London may not resemble a traditional dense forest, its significant tree coverage and urban greenery qualify it as an urban forest by contemporary standards
Traveling to different cities, I am often struck by the unique ways each place embraces nature. Sofia is no exception, with its lush green spaces providing a refreshing backdrop to my daily routines. It's a poignant reminder that no matter where we are, nature is a constant, soothing presence that we should cherish and engage with.
On this Soulful Sunday, I encourage you all to take advantage of the weather—if it’s agreeable—and spend some time outdoors. Whether it’s a leisurely walk through a local park, a visit to a nearby body of water, or simply finding a quiet spot to breathe and reflect, let nature be your sanctuary.
Remember, we are merely guests on this planet. Our true host is Mother Nature, and it’s our duty to respect and honour her. As you take your walk today, find your special place and let it rejuvenate your spirit. Embrace the tranquillity, the beauty, and the profound connection we share with the earth.
Enjoy this moment of calm and reflection, and let it inspire your practice and teaching in the week ahead.
Best wishes,
Michael