Pearls of Wisdom for a Healthy Life.
“Have you ever considered the origins of pearls? A pearl is not a precious stone as are diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. They are of animal origin. Pearls are found in certain shellfish, most notably the oyster. It is generally supposed that they are the fruit of wounding and suffering. Each pearl is formed by an oyster’s internal response to a wound caused by an irritant, such as a grain of sand. Resources of repair rush to the injured area. The final result is a lustrous pearl. Something beautiful is created, though impossible without the wound. “
I wonder how many of us closed last year with gladness and embraced the new year with hope, enthusiasm and zest so often expressed as we begin another New Year. We start off each year with wonderful intentions, adopting a healthier fitness program, taking better care of our bodies, and making changes that enhance our overall outlook on life. For the most part we know why its important to be physically healthy and it is far beyond what we see in a mirror. But how often do we take the time to understand on a deeper level the value in taking care of our Self?
Life is all about wounds. We each suffer at some point in our lives whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Some suffer much more than others. It is all about being human. Are you prepared? Wounds are generally unexpected coming upon us like a summer storm. As it pours down, can you physically handle the challenge? Is your mind equipped to stay settled and focused? Do you have support systems in place? Do you believe you could produce a pearl?
I once suffered a wound, a life threatening wound. Unexpected may be the understatement of the year. One day I was exercising and the next I was on an operating room table undergoing life threatening, open brain surgery. Although I never saw this storm coming, I was prepared for it. I practice exercise, yoga, eating well and relaxing. These practices are my lifestyle. Spiritually, my faith got me through some of the darkest hours, my physical health helped in my rapid recovery and I had my family and many close friends rally around me. My wound enlightened me as to the preciousness of my family, my life and my life’s work.
Make no mistake. There are no guarantees in life. But we can certainly bend the odds in our favor. It is a proactive approach to creating pearls. It is the learning environment that we strive for at Get Flexy Studio each and every day. We teach you how to create a stronger body, mind and spirit that weathers any challenge that comes.
We learn that exercise means more than strength, cardio & flexibility. Exercise is purposeful movement that Yoga & Pilates offers as well as enjoyable hobbies that exercise the brain. Pearl fertility is encouraged by taking baby steps in healthier nutrition. It’s patiently exploring wellness for the duration of our lives, not just the duration of a resolution.
We hear every day that we need to exercise, eat better to live longer and lead more productive lives. By sharing my story I acknowledge that each of you has a story or two of your own. But can you make a pearl? Let’s walk into 2024 with this mantra, “This year I am reaching toward enhancing my life collectively.” This is what wellness is all about. Wellness goes far beyond what happens in class or on a piece of equipment. It is embracing the gift you’ve been given, complete ownership to, and therefore responsibility for your body. We know wounds are inevitable. However, we can gather the wisdom, endurance, and strength for the journey every day while practicing gratitude, kindness and giving that helps soften any suffering we may experience.
My New Year’s goal for us all is that we embrace the fact that wounds & adversities can be blessings in disguise - its all a matter of how we look at it!
Stacy (aka Pearl)
