Momentum Matters

Tis A Gift To Be Simple

Has this ever happened to you? You heard a song earlier in the day, and now it's running through your head repeatedly. You sing it. You hum it. The harder you try not to think about it, the more you think about it. It's stuck. Known as "earworms," some experts say the song represents thoughts we're trying to suppress, and others claim that earworms are simply a way to keep the brain busy when it's idling [source: University of Cincinnati].

As we move into the holiday season, I'm stuck on "Tis A Gift To Be Simple." It's a beautiful song and the lyrics represent exactly how I'm feeling these days. I've downsized to a cozy, little home that houses only those items we love and use every single day. I've released work that no longer represents me. I am enjoying time with family, friends and long-lost hobbies. And I'm loving the simplicity. That's why the song, composed by Elder Joseph while at a Shaker community in Maine, are stuck in my head:

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.

Several Shaker manuscripts indicate that this is a "dancing song" and references to "turning" in the last two lines are dance instructions. Whatever the intent, take a listen to a few of my favorite renditions. Maybe they'll inspire you to keep it simple this holiday season.

• Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss: http://bit.ly/rMPyNC
• The King's Singers: http://bit.ly/w1eHpX
• Jewel: http://bit.ly/vC8DgH

I'm off to visit Main Street for a simple gift for a special someone. ♥ shhh... 

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

 

My Cup Runneth Over

thx thx thx... I texted that to a friend and felt overwhelming gratitude that the sentiment carried the day in 2011. While I braced for a year of life-shattering loss, I also made the mindful choice to gratefully embrace the blessings of the moment. Here's what I discovered as I journaled my way through the ups and downs:

• Simple pleasures bring a smile to the faces of those in the midst of illness as well as those providing love and support: Monkeying Around
• Broken hearts can mend: Climbing Out of the Vortex
• Poetry shared by friends provides peace and healing:  All Is Well
• Bagpipes are poignant and stirring:  Bagpipe Send-Off for Dad
• Tis a gift to honor the dearly departed exactly as they wanted: Rest In Peace Sweet Darlings
• Acknowledging gratitude in the midst of transition makes life a whole lot easier: I Am Grateful
• Walking for a special cause is a humbling and empowering experience for walkers and honorees alike:  Walking for Tricia & In Honor of Dad 
• Taking a break is sometimes the best medicine:  From Depleted to Recharged
• Sharing wisdom and authenticity changes lives:  What I Learned From My Dad
• Celebrating graduations, weddings, and professional credentialing brings EXTREME JOY to parents, aunts and uncles, and extended family.

During this season of thanks, my cup runneth over with gratitude. Thank you, dear friends, for reading and responding to my 2011 blog posts. Writing from my heart made me vulnerable and open... and touched my readers in ways I never expected... and connected me with the gift of friendship, love and support. It also made me remember that gratitude is good for you.    

thx thx thx! Today, I am so very grateful for family, friends and each one of you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Leslie Hamp, Certified Journaling Instructor

 

Pilates for Men

Listen up guys... Pilates is for men! My baby (boomer) brother, who yanked his back and landed in physical therapy, discovered this when his physical therapist suggested he try Pilates to strengthen his core and back muscles. Here's what he had to say after a few classes...

"I have been to 4 different classes each with different instructors and each one different. The common theme is that they are tough and some of the exercises I am not strong enough to do yet. The other thing I notice is that not many men do this even though it is a killer workout. My goal is to mix this in with my running, walking, and elliptical machine and get up to 3 times per week. It is a nice change of pace."

Pilates, which was started by a man, is ideal for men (and women) of every age and fitness level. Joseph Pilates described his method this way:  "In 10 sessions, you'll feel the difference. In 20, you'll see the difference. And in 30, you'll have a whole new body."

Yep, that's true whether you are a guy or gal, young or old, a newbie or seasoned athlete. Everyone benefits from Pilates in much the same way, but let me focus on the guys for now. I don't know of any who would not benefit from increased core strength, flexibility, balance, and more efficient movement patterns. Pilates is an excellent technique for functional fitness, injury prevention, and cross training.

Practicing Pilates was a game changer for dancer George Balanchine, golfer Tiger Woods, basketball star Jason Kidd, pitcher Curt Schilling, and offensive lineman Ruben Brown thanks to increased core strength and flexibility, more efficient movement, better speed and endurance, and a focused mind.

Guys, ditch any thoughts of Pilates as a hard-core, no-pain, no-gain workout. In Pilates you probably won't sweat much (although some guys leave my classes with ringing wet shirts on). Instead you'll gain physcial and mental strength as you discover how to work from your core, lengthen short, strong muscles, and strengthen long, weak muscles. And you'll learn how to breathe. Deep into your lateral and posterior rib cage. When you finish each workout, you'll feel strong and centered.

In my classes the guys typically outperform the gals when it comes to push-ups and other strength exercsies. In fact, one of my most advanced students, another Joe who happens to be a youthful 79 years old, routinely outperforms classmates half his age. But alas; when it comes to stretching, men typically need to work on increasing flexibility, and Pilates workouts deliver.

Tim shared that he started private Reformer training with me because the equipment-based exercises stretch his tight hamstrings better than any other exercise he's ever done. He said the Reformer workouts also relieve stress, focus his mind, and ensure a full-body workout in less than an hour.

Pilates IS for men. Will I see you in class or in one-on-one Reformer training, guys? Click here to learn about private and small group training.

Leslie Hamp, STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor