I noticed in the past six months, that four teacher’s in my network of friends have built (or are building) online teaching tools/systems for their ongoing business development. More and more are moving toward the digital medium and interface of teaching and connecting with an audience.

In truth, I keep scratching my head a little torn by it. It kinda gives more fuel to smartphone fire that has cut into our interpersonal communication of smiling, laughing talking and touching each other. You know, IRL-kinda communication. But that may just be old-head me! I am not completely resistant to the medium; I do stream classical instructor sessions via Pilatesology quite frequently. My preferences is the IRL version, tho.

Looking Back to Move Ahead

As I look at the year behind me, I found a thread of thought and actions that I am planning to continue…IRL…to manifest through the next decade….with a few other friends and teachers…IRL….#PilatesSisters.

We all have made hundreds (some thousands) of online connections.  The solid ones were made and found as a result of some match or resonate chord in spirit, creativity, perspective, voice, history or choices, i.e., there is harmonious chord between  both the sender and receiver.  The stories of this site tell the evolution of some of these connections.

A common love of Pilates, respect for self care, community and connections with each other brought the small groups together and are the reasons I built this website. It is the reason for any of the initiatives that emerge from it. It’s the energy behind each of the persons seen on the site.

What evolves within this community was just simply in the cards. All I know is, I like being creative with the people you find here. IRL. It’s an eclectic bunch.

As a business owner, teacher and nurturer of so many others, self-care, personal work and my ongoing physical maintenance is the “second job” I manage after I finish with students and clients. It’s a second job that requires my quality time and attention. It demands my time IRL, and at my age, I am aware it’s so very nice to share some of that experience with colleagues…IRL.

Moving Forward With Intention

I am interested in deeper, rich connections and relationships with the work of Pilates and manifesting it in my body, particularly as it ages. I want deeper access to the eyes, hands and voices of 2nd Generation Master Teachers and I wanted to selfishly create a self-care program with a selection of 2nd Generation NY Pilates Master Teachers.
I invited a handful of my #PilatesSisters to join me.

I crafted a “round-robin” roster to organize our participation in small group sessions, workshops and/or one-one training, we hope to be led and influenced by some of the best of New York’s Pilates IIlluminati.

 

Follow along with the stories on this site to see what unfolds for 2020.

Deborah Lessen, Jan 29, 2020 “Dynamic Alignment of the Upper Body”
hosted by Michele Rinaldi, The Pilates Local

Phoebe Higgins, Feb 2020, Small Group Semi
hosted by Lisa Serradilla, Pilatium