Animal Patterns
Do you have pets? Find likeness to their natural athleticism when you move around and do everyday tasks. Take inspiration from the way your dog, cat, or even your pet turtle moves. During class time in the weeks ahead I’m looking forward to a progression doing all the animal patterns in a sequence:
The Cat
The Cow
The Dog
The Elephant
The Clam
The Pigeon
The Frog
But perhaps Joseph Pilates put it best when he said:
Cats as well as other animals acquire this ideal rhythm of motion because they are constantly stretching and relaxing themselves. Watch a cat as it lazily opens its eyes, slowly looks around, and gradually prepares to rise after a nap. First, it gradually rises on its hindquarters, leisurely stretching its forepaws (with extended claws) and legs. Observe closely how all its back muscles actually ripple as it stretches.
Healing Night:
Watch cats on YouTube or Sir David on Netflix.
If you don’t live with an animal, the internet is full of cat stuff.
Key detail to note from the life of the cat: Leisurely Stretching
Looking at the world around us for inspiration to move into the body is a process to develop over time. There is joy and relief to be found in movement that embodies animals and the natural world. My hope is that our time together invites you to pay attention to yourself and your present experience. I will continue to share things that motivate and inspire. This is once again a place to turn to in your journaling practice as well. Draw a weekly picture of an animal doing their stretches. Imagine narrating you are Sir David Attenborough when you roll out your mat and warm up your body. We create meaningful practice through attending to our existence in the world.
See you soon!
Michelle
P.S.: Water before coffee.