BEing in Balance: Body + Mind

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Through life’s ups and downs, we find comfort in knowing we are never alone—others before us have faced adversity and emerged with strength, resilience, and wisdom.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

As we know Joseph Pilates was way ahead of his time when it came to his teachings. Not only the movements but greatly the philosophy behind them. I was amazed as I reread this letter Joe wrote in September 1939 how it pertains not only to the times our world was going through then but inline with our current challenges. It can be disheartening, how little things have changed when it comes to the knowledge of general health and wellbeing.

Joe's letter to his clients as at the beginning of WWII as Germany invaded Poland.

"The lack of knowledge of general health on the people's part is largely responsible for world conditions today: responsible for combat, discouragement, crime, and premature death, because a healthy body - which most do not have - makes for a clean and healthy mind. It gives strength and decision of character and a directness of purpose, a refinement, purity, goodness, honor, justice and mortality. The mind, when housed within a healthy body, possesses a glorious sense of power.  This world of ours is in turmoil and no one is positive of its outcome, and it is now more than ever before, more practicable and sensible, to be in a perfect state of health, both in body and in mind, in order to more successfully confront the problems continually arising"

Thanks to Gary Calderone "The Pilates path to health"

and The Pilates Center, Boulder Co for sharing this letter

Let’s Start Small

We all want to feel better, move better, and live better. But sometimes, trying to overhaul everything at once can feel overwhelming. So let’s take it one step at a time. We’ll begin with a few simple actions and build on them together over the coming weeks.

1. Just Breathe

Yes, we all breathe—but many of us do so shallowly, missing out on the full benefits of a deep, intentional breath. Proper breathing helps oxygenate our tissues, release toxins, and gently move our muscles, fascia, and even bones.

This week, take a few minutes each day to pause and focus on your breath. Try four to five deep, full breaths. If you're familiar with music, think of each breath as a whole note:

• Inhale through your nose for a count of 1…2…3…4, feeling the breath flow like a waterfall down your back.
• Pause at the bottom.
• Exhale slowly for 1…2…3…4, feeling your body soften and release.



This practice nourishes your body, supports your organs, encourages circulation, and helps reset your nervous system. It’s a powerful tool—especially helpful when waking up, before bed, or anytime you feel scattered or anxious.

2. Get Moving

Movement is medicine. Whether it's a gentle stretch, your own short routine, a class, or a walk outdoors—just move. One of the simplest and most effective ways? Go for a walk outside.

Walking connects you to nature, gives you fresh air and vitamin D, and pulls you away from screens that often trigger stress responses. Not to mention, it lifts your mood, gets your blood flowing, and clears your mind.

3. Fuel Your Body Well

Hydrate with pure water throughout the day and aim to eat whole, nourishing foods. Skip the processed items—they’re often filled with artificial ingredients and void of life-giving nutrients.

A helpful shopping tip: stick to the outer edges of the grocery store where fresh foods are typically located. Better yet, support local farmers or visit your nearby health food store. You can even grow a little of your own! Start with a few herbs in pots indoors, or as the weather warms up, try a small outdoor container garden. Leafy greens, tomatoes, and even cucumbers can thrive in pots. Bonus: it gets you outside and your hands in the dirt—another health booster!

Start Simple, Build Steady

Choose one of these small actions to focus on this week. Let it become a habit before adding more. Trying to change everything at once can lead to overwhelm—and that’s the opposite of what we’re going for.

Take inventory before you begin. Then, after a week, reflect: what feels different in your body or your mind?

You were wonderfully made to thrive—not just survive. With consistent support, your remarkable body and mind will come to life in new ways.

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Know that you are Loved and Blessed.