Weekly Schedule 9/26/2022 — “We Have To Reach Out…”
Week 133 - Many thanks to everyone I usually work with on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for being so gracious about my illness. And a big thank you to both Sophia and Julianne for subbing for me. Thankfully not COVID-19 -- most likely just a bug from daycare -- I'm finally feeling much better and looking forward to seeing you all this week.
I was pretty flat-out on Wednesday and Thursday. It wasn't until Friday that I felt up to watching TV or movies, and watching the AppleTV+ documentary about world renowned actor Sidney Poitier, "Sidney" was a real pick-me-up. I appreciated the first-hand description of his life, particularly Mr. Poitier's experience of American racism in contrast with his prior experience growing up in the Bahamas. These memories, interwoven with historical vignettes and anecdotes from friends, colleagues, and historical experts, showed the life and times of an amazing actor, and a wonderful human who didn't shy away from his humanity. One of my most memorable takeaways was a line from his role of John Prentice in the film, "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner":
...[Y]ou think of yourself as a colored man. I think of myself as a man.~ via IMDB
In listening to this icon describe his values and perspective, I also appreciated what he said on "Oprah's Master Class" regarding fighting through struggle:
We are imperfect creatures. We are, that’s what it is. But we should try reaching for the better you, the better me. There is pain and there is difficulties, and there is fears and all the kinds of things that we live with. But it is through them we have to reach. We have to reach out, not just to each other, but to the universe.~ via Oprah Daily
By Saturday night I finally felt like reading, and finished up Where To Begin, by Cleo Wade. I purchased this book soon after the murder of George Floyd. In the end pages of this free-form book describing a variety of tools to use when you don't know where to start, were these two related quotes that brought be right back to the "Sidney" documentary:
When we are not taking care of ourselves, when we are run-down, exhausted, or fed up, we feel defeated. We feel like we are not good enough. We feel like there is something wrong with everything. We feel helpless. We feel cynical, like nothing will ever change. And is damn near impossible to tap into optimism or hope when we are in this state of mind. (p152)
When we show up as a person who is cared for and loved, we have the energy and ability to approach the world's problems with optimism and hope. When we are cared for, we are in the best possible headspace and heart space to find solutions for our communities that are kind, humane, just, moral, and ethical. (p153)
To tie it all together, we need to have energy and resilience to live our values and be our best everyday. Self-care becomes a little more meaningful in the context of all the cultural change we have to work toward.
So let's get to it.
Here’s what’s on the schedule this week:
Monday, 9/26/2022
7:00am PST - IN-PERSON GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Harriet)
Start off your workweek with this centering and energizing 50-minute small group Pulley Tower class that focuses on a balanced, full-body workout utilizing Gyrotonic exercise. Space for four (4) individuals. Open to all levels.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=11540424
Tuesday, 9/27/2022
9:30am PST - ONLINE Mixed Level Pilates Mat (Harriet)
We are using the fitness ball (55-75cm) and long resistance band (6-ft plus) this month, working cardio intervals weather-permitting, and functional core connections. Video available if you can't attend live.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=13574506
1:00pm PST - IN-PERSON Posture Focused GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
A 50-minute group equipment class exploring Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower. No previous experience required. This class is ideal for those who are working on improving posture with the goal of maintaining a healthy and active life. Space for four (4) individuals.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a form of deep abdominal strengthening, focusing on the body’s natural movement in three dimensions, breathing, as well as continuous motion that is smooth and uninterrupted.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=11540424
Wednesday, 9/28/2022
10:30am PST - IN-PERSON Prenatal and Postnatal GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Harriet)
A 50-minute group equipment class open to new parents and birthing people using Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower as well as additional props to help support the body. Pre-crawling infants welcome. Space for four (4) individuals and their infants.
Focusing on the ability of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® to increase circulation, mobilize and strengthen joints, and increase proprioceptive awareness, this in-person class focuses on connecting participants to their bodies as the demands upon it evolve and change.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=34790781
Thursday, 9/29/2022
9:30am PST - ONLINE Balance and Flow GYROKINESIS® (Harriet)
We are focusing on breathing to support our necks and shoulders, and continuing our hip mobility work to support moving to the floor. Please have a long foam roller (36-inch), and bath towel ready for class. Video available if you can't attend live.
Focusing on the ability of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® to increase circulation, mobilize and strengthen joints, and increase proprioceptive awareness, this Zoom class prepares the body for more confidence in standing balance work.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=13778332
6:00pm PST - IN-PERSON GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
A 50-minute group equipment class exploring Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower. Space for four (4) individuals.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a form of deep abdominal strengthening, focusing on the body’s natural movement in three dimensions, breathing, as well as continuous motion that is smooth and uninterrupted.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=11540424
Looking forward to seeing you online and in-person this week! Until then, breathe deeply, get your booster, stay socially distant, healthy and sane.
Warmly,
Harriet
Please be prepared to provide updated proof of vaccination when visiting the studio. Here's a useful link to have on hand when you've forgotten your paper vaccination card, or don't have an updated copy with you:
https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
Although the CDC has downgraded their recommended COVID-19 protocols, we require a negative COVID-19 test after traveling or being exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 before returning to in-person appointments and classes. We are also continuing to wear masks indoors. Online appointments are an option if you cannot provide a negative test and/or cannot wear a mask indoors. Thank you for considering our community as a whole and respecting these health and safety protocols.
2022 FOCUS: Firmly deciding, after reducing an abstract problem into its components, to proceed on a journey toward harmony.
Read the first email of 2022 here to understand how this became our resolution for 2022.
