Mind Body Spirit

Pilates has been recognized as a core exercise that requires precision, and its popularity is increasing along with yoga. Observing different Pilates and yoga styles, one thing that is obvious is that the teachers’ perspectives reflect the quality and the meanings of the modality.In the field of Pilates, as long as my observation, most of the trainers’ views are the brain-centered mechanistic perspective, in which the mind that is in the brain controls the body. In this view, “thinking” is what the mind does and body is what follows that “thinking”. The goal of this view is to control the body using the brain- mind to achieve mind-body-spirit.Pilates can be an effective body-mind medicine modality if we create an appropriate intention. In order to do that, first, we need to shift from brain-centered perspective to body-mind perspective. Then we need to shift our focuses from “thinking” to “feeling”. Finally, experiencing “Being” allows us to connect our body,mind, and spirit to heal our-Self.In holistic view, mind is not in the brain. Mind is not the center of “thinking” but what feels the feelings. Body is not separated from the mind. Mind and body are not a one way structure but both way. This understanding is the first step for Pilates as a body-mind medicine.In order to explore our health through Pilates, we need to focus on “feeling’ not “thinking”. Feelings are what tell us the truth of what is going on in our body-mind. Thinking is the reflection of the illusion that are reflected through our beliefs. Eliminating the thoughts and focusing on the feelings is the second step to make Pilates a body-mind medicine.According to Rael Isacowitz, the founder of Body Arts Science International, there are ten principles in Pilates-awareness, breath, balance, concentration, control, center, efficiency, flow, precision, and harmony. In my experience, these ten principles are the same thing but only different nuance. I believe when I achieve one of the ten principles, the rest of nine exist at the same moment. The intention of experiencing the principles are nothing but being in the higher state of consciousness. As we get to this state of consciousness the ten principles are present and the time disappear. We are at the present moment. This is the third step to Pilates as a body-mind medicine.Exercise is an excellent way to engage wellbeing. Yet without the deeper understanding of the body and the co-relation with the mind, it becomes less meaningful. Only a slight shift from thinking to feeling enables us to open the door for the next step. Feelings are what represent the present moment and allow us to take to the healing process. Pilates already has the ingredients to change our health from deep inside it is a matter of how we approach with an appropriate intention.

Moon salutations, or Chandra Namaskara, are a unique series of asanas that are performed during certain kinds of yoga. This particular series includes a sequence of ten various poses, starting with a mountain pose and taking the individual through a variety of postures in order to complete a full salutation.Practice with the Moon’s EnergyWhat’s the best way to tap into the cool energy of the moon? Perform Chandra Namaskara outside under the light of the moon or least where you can see it from inside. Wear comfortable clothing, find a quiet place to practice, and dim the lights. Start your session with relaxing meditation. If practiced with a deep sense of awareness, each pose you perform helps develop a stronger connection with every breath. The series of your moon salutation can range anywhere from 8 – 16 poses and can vary based on the particular style of yoga that you like. Regularly practicing a well-balanced series of poses that incorporates a vast range of physical movements has several key benefits.Benefits of Moon SalutationOverall, yoga offers many amazing benefits for the devoted practitioner. When viewed in terms of sequence advantages or asana, it becomes obvious that there’s no part of this type of yoga that isn’t beneficial. Fitness naturally improves in addition to overall health by practicing moon salutation as an essential part of yoga. Here are some of the main benefits:- Performing these special types of exercises opens the root chakra.- Helpful in channeling the moon’s energy and inspiring creativity and relaxation.- Deeply relaxes both the mind and body and allows the person to completely focus on their inner being.- Physically speaking, it relaxes and stretches the abdominal area, ankles, knees, hips, pelvic area, and spine.- Improved circulation enhances well-being and encourages a better self image.- Improves blood circulation in addition to optimizing oxygen intake in order to increase blood flow.- Naturally eliminates toxins.These are just some of the benefits, there are many more. In fact, when moon salutation is performed at night, it’s proven to help people relax and sleep better overall. This is particularly helpful for individuals who frequently struggle with insomnia. Chandra Namaskara effectively eliminates chronic stress while soothing both the mind and body for a peaceful night’s rest.Restore BalanceOnce practicing Chandra Namaskara becomes a natural part of your yoga routine, you’ll soon discover how the poses help restore your innate emotional balance. This in turn naturally lets you become more open to ongoing change. Once you successfully achieve balance through consistently practicing your routine, it allows your creativity to blossom along with boosting your inner wisdom and path to enlightenment. In other words, it decreases negativity and encourages positivity in virtually every aspect of life.Since the late 1900′s, moon salutations have been a prime focal point. The practice itself focuses on calming and restoring balance to the mind, body, and spirit. It’s also believed to be aligned with the yin, or feminine energy. An evening moon salutation can be very beneficial to both your physical well-being as well as helping you sleep better. The practice enhances every aspect of emotional and mental health. Ending each day with a mindful, fluid asana practice instills a more positive attitude, productivity, good health, and a sense of deep serenity.