When the mind is willing....

    During ballet class a few days ago, my ballet mistress was giving us a complicated and challenging combination. I followed along closely, marking the movements in my imagination. I have learned that using my imagination is a powerful tool in helping me move through complex movement patterns.

   One of my barre buddies sidled up to me, and began telling me the reasons why she couldn't do the combination. My attention was divided. I didn't want to be rude to my friend, but I certainly didn't want to be disrespectful to my teacher. Most of all, I didn't want to lose my concentration. I smiled at my friend and said, "The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak."

    I moved to another spot. I found myself surrounded by another group of dancers who were commenting on how difficult the choreography was, reciting their physical limitations, their injuries, their short comings, and why they weren't going to be able to do the combination. I began to wonder why they even came to class.

    These strong, beautiful women were defeating themselves before the music even began. Instead of focusing on what they could do, they were telling themselves what they couldn't do. Hmmm, maybe it wasn't the flesh that was weak; maybe it was the mind that wasn't willing.

     I wondered what my friends were teaching themselves. I also wondered what would happen if they trained their minds instead of their bodies. Instead of programming their minds for failure, what if they imagined themselves moving through space with ease and grace, power and strength? Just imagine what they could accomplish!

    What we believe is what we become, and sometimes our belief system needs a tune up. Our brain is inherently flexible, and is always willing to explore new ways of thinking, feeling, sensing and moving. Be careful what you tell yourself, because your nervous system is always listening. And remember to use your imagination to help you move when the going gets tough. You may be surprised how much easier life's challenges can become.

     

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP

Celebrating Independence Day....

    The past few days people have asked me how I plan to celebrate Independence Day. I said I was going to ballet class in the morning, and I was going to clean my house in the afternoon. I was asked, "No picnics, cookouts, going to the mountains, or fireworks?"

    No. I didn't want to celebrate in the traditional way. I prefer to have some quiet time for myself, which happens to include taking a ballet class on the 4th of July when I have a ballet mistress who is willing to teach. I also like to have time to reflect on this date and what it means to me.

    The past few years I developed a fascination for the American Revolution and read many books on the subject. I love history, but not the kind where you memorize names, dates, places, etc. That's just boring. I like the kind of history where you get to know the people who made it and hear their personal stories. I love to learn how they became involved in the birth of a nation.

    Their stories are amazing and inspiring. I am overwhelmed when I think of what these men and women sacrificed and the risks they took to build this great country. They put their lives on the line so I can have the freedom to go to ballet class, on a picnic, to the mountains, or do anything else that I chose to do. Not just today, but every day of the year. As a first generation American, I sincerely believe that is well worth celebrating. Don't you?

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP

A different kind of family Christmas....

  Everyone has their Christmas traditions and time they spend with friends and family. Our Christmas tradition is simple; my husband and I spend a quiet Christmas together. But when my husband had to abruptly leave town on the 23rd, my plans for Christmas suddenly and dramatically changed. No quiet Christmas Eve dinner at home. No Christmas Day champagne brunch at the Brown Palace. My Christmas just got thrown a curve ball.

    I knew I would be bombarded with invitations if my friends knew I would be alone on Christmas. However, I really didn't want to be pulled into someone else's dysfunctional family Christmas. Nor did I want to go to a movie and go out for Chinese food. I figured sitting at home watching old movies sounded like my best choice. Then I remembered that there was a special edition Christmas morning ballet class scheduled this year. When I first heard about it, I was astonished that anyone would consider taking a ballet class on Christmas Day. Suddenly it sounded like a brilliant idea.

    I woke up to a freezing cold morning with a few inches of snow on the ground. You just have to be in a good mood on a morning like that. It was glorious! I listened to Christmas music and sang along as I maneuvered the slippery roads to the studio. When I got there, Christmas music was playing in the studio. The front desk was transformed into a beautiful and festive buffet table laden with food for after class. Dancers were bubbling with greetings and laughter, as well as a spirit of joy and camaraderie.

    Sometimes things don't always go the way we plan. We can either fight against the change or go with the flow and find another option. I didn't get to spend my traditional family Christmas with my husband. But, I did get to spend it with my ballet family. Like all families, we certainly have our level of dysfunction. I sure am grateful for them; they made a difficult Christmas a whole lot easier. And that is what family is about.    

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP