
As we reflect on the week that's passed and look ahead to the week that’s about to begin, it’s a perfect moment to remind ourselves about how we are and what we carry around with us.
I recently came across an old Zen parable retold in a children’s book by the author John Jay Mewes. It’s a story that has profound implications for us all, especially as Pilates teachers, guiding others towards physical and mental balance.
Two travelling monks reached a town where a young woman was waiting to step out of her sedan chair. The heavy rain had created deep puddles, making it difficult for her to cross without ruining her silk robes. Frustrated and impatient, she scolded her attendants who were unable to help her across due to their hands being full.
The younger monk noticed her but said nothing and walked by. The older monk, however, quickly picked her up, carried her across the water, and set her down on the other side. The woman didn't thank him; she simply shoved him aside and continued on her way.
As the monks continued their journey, the younger monk brooded and remained preoccupied. Unable to hold his silence any longer, he exclaimed, “That woman was selfish and rude, yet you carried her on your back and she didn’t even thank you!”
“I set the woman down hours ago,” the older monk replied. “Why are you still carrying her?”
This story resonates deeply because it illustrates how we often hold onto burdens long after the event has passed. We carry around our own metaphorical bags of rocks—past relationships, conversations, situations—that serve no useful purpose in our present lives.
Pilates Teachers:
Here are some tips to help manage what we carry and ensure we don’t burden ourselves unnecessarily:
Reflect and Release: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what’s troubling you. Acknowledge these thoughts, then consciously decide to let them go. Journaling can be a helpful tool in this process.
Mindfulness Practice: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. These can help centre your thoughts and bring you back to the present moment, reducing the grip of past worries.
Ask Yourself: Is it Worth Your Peace of Mind? Whenever a troubling thought arises, ask yourself this critical question. More often than not, you’ll realise that holding onto it isn’t worth sacrificing your peace.
Physical Activity: Engage in physical activity, like a Pilates session, to help release built-up tension and stress. Movement has a remarkable way of shifting our mental state and letting go of emotional baggage.
Seek Support: Sometimes, talking it out with a trusted friend, colleague, or therapist can provide new perspectives and help you release what’s been weighing you down.
As Pilates teachers, we not only guide our students through physical transformations but also through mental and emotional ones. Remind your students (and yourself) that the journey to well-being involves shedding unnecessary burdens.
Put down your bag of rocks. Your back does not deserve it, and your peace of mind is far too valuable. If this message resonates with you, commit to not letting anything or anyone disturb your peace of mind this week. Comment “I’m committed” below.
Let’s hold each other accountable. Have a beautiful week and remember, no job, person, or situation is worth compromising your inner peace.
With love and positivity,
Michael
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