Author: lebureauetc

Life in Control?

by lebureauetc, posted in inspirations, Pilates

How was my last experience with THE WORK in LA?

Besides being a nice excuse to get away from my daily routine, soak up some needed warm sunshine, and reconnect with some wonderful inspiring people, this time I was not so thrilled to be doing “The Work…” I left Seattle in pain and knew I could not cancel my trip, and still stay in the program due to my pain. It would also not be sufficient to just go and observe. I know that they expect to see us participating, moving, and working! If I did not go and experience first hand the work in my body I would have to drop out of the program. I have worked hard to get in and stay in the program thus far, and their philosophy, which I also believe in, is that you have to experience something if you want to teach it.

What was my pain?

I had intense pain in my left neck, trapezius, and shoulder. At the time I did not know that my pain was due to a big herniation between C6 and C7. Just found out this past week (1 full week after completing my week in LA).

How was my experience?

One word can sum up my last trip to LA for “The Work,” “OOOUCH!”

How did I get my herniation?

What can I say? It’s always a dynamic! As we all know, life is just that, one messy but beautiful dynamic. Whether we like it or not it usually makes sense, if not right away then it will down the road of life. Personally, after contemplating how I got so badly injured, I would have to say that its my own damn fault. For starters, my injury has been accumulating all my life and I have done my fair share of slouching! Also, having broken my back when I was 7 at L1/T12 (another story) does not help either. I have always felt an unrelenting stickiness in my low back that I constantly try to pull out of. Maybe that’s why my love for yoga grew at such a young age? Unfortunately, my stretching efforts to get out of my low back usually only manifest up at my neck. My husband can confirm this as he hears me crack my neck every night before I get in bed after my nightly yoga stretch routine. He always warns me often that I should not crack my neck so much and that “cracking” was not a ‘good’ thing but it felt good to me and I never thought I would be where I am now.

More recently, around the beginning of February I also fell on my head. It was a nice fall, but none the less, it did have some impact and I felt the consequence in my low back and my neck the following day. If any of you Pilates Enthusiasts are familiar with an exercise called the ‘squirrel’, I was doing a variation of just that on the Cadillac with my feet in the fuzzies, except I was in a backbend and to what I recall a bit twisted. I cannot even remember how I got in that position to be honest. I was in my bi-weekly pilates session and at this particular moment I was just playing and having fun. My Pilates sessions, to be honest, are usually my “recess”:). Simple fun!

Almost 2 months after my fall, and I was still feeling a nagging tightness in my neck and upper left back. Part II of The Work was soon approaching and I was a little nervous because I knew my body was not feeling the best. I was convinced that it was just a rib or part of my upper thoracic that needed to be adjusted back into alignment. My husband, Pontus, as most of you know is a Doctor of Osteopathy and can help me time to time if i’m nice of course! I was nice(he’s usually nicer), so he did try to help me on several occasions. He was not able to manipulate what I was sure I needed to be manipulated and was blown away with how tight my left trapezius muscle and levator scapula had gotten. He advised me not to mess with it any more and just do gentle stretches and ice as he thought I had a nerve pinched.

I however, being stubborn and wanting “a fix” decided to go to a chiropractor I had seen before for iliocecal valve difficulties when I was having trouble with digestive issues. I was able to make 2 appts back to back right before I were to leave for California for The Work. I was so happy that I was able to get in and I thought I would finally be able to get some relief before the MAT portion of The Work(the most challenging module as you do not have any support from the apparatus). I had worked hard on my homework and felt prepared but I also wanted to feel better in my neck and shoulder before going into the big demanding week ahead.

My first chiropractic appt went well. The chiropractor was able to adjust my low back and also my upper thoracic. I felt some relief, but still had the nagging pain in my upper neck and left shoulder. I went back the following day and before I left Pontus said to me, “do not let him touch your neck!” However, when I arrived at the chiropractor, I said I was still feeling tight and stuck in the same places. He listened and told me that he thought he could help as he just returned from a course that was all on the neck and upper traps so I said, “ok, see what you can do.” Well, I know now that saying that was a BIG mistake! Right away I felt and heard a huge ‘POP.’ I did not know what to think…so what did i do? I continued with my day in auto pilot and even went to a yoga class and did Headstand(how stupid am I?). I should have iced! That night I was in so much pain I barely slept as my left trapezius and neck were hurting more than ever.

I left to teach that morning before I left that afternoon and was in pain the whole time and realized I even had a hard time bending over and tying my shoe laces! I called Pontus at work and asked him, “what should I do?” He said, “Brooke you will be okay, just take some pain meds, turmeric, anything to reduce inflammation and ice.” I am thinking, okay, I will be okay, just take it easy.

IN LA…

The following day, my demanding schedule was looking straight at me! On average I had 3 Pilates sessions/lessons a day. On Saturday and Sunday it was an all day MAT workshop with Jay Grimes. We must have performed the Mat sequence at least 5 times each day. It was actually okay when I was warmed up and moving and continuing to reach and create my own traction and length, but very painful to just lie down and put pressure on my back or the transition from lying to seated to standing etc. IN between moving I iced and lathered on arnica gold cream and red tiger balm like never before! Everyone knew I was not feeling the best and asked me if there was anything they could do, I thanked everyone for their concern. There were several others who were also going through some their own issues they were working out as well. One individual had a torn rotator cuff and there were also some other interesting cases! We were all in it together and I think just knowing I was not alone helped me in addition to just continuing to breathe, believe, ice, and take epson salt baths in between my sessions as I counted the days till I could go back home!

So what got me through probably the most painful week of my life(beside child birth of course)!

I know I was in pain and I needed to come up with a plan to hep myself get through the intensive week and Mat workshop with Jay Grimes. Besides reminding myself to “take one day at a time” and also calling my husband and hearing him reassure me “that everything will be okay”…I knew it was important for me to start my day off right. Some of you that I teach may here me say, do not rush, take your time, and most importantly set yourself up for success! I used this for myself and this helped me in my misery! Here’s a look at my morning routine and how I set my day up for success.
-literally rolled out of bed at 6am. Sat and on my bed and breathed deeply to create and find space in my back and neck.
-Drank my morning ritual of warm lemon water and and also some l-glutamine as I caught up on the morning news briefs and iced my neck.
-I followed with my bullet coffee(I brought my inversion blender with me) and my berries and a coconut chocolate drink with bone broth to kick start my day with sustained delicious energy. UMMMM, so good.
-I would then normally do a 15 minute full body yoga routine to help wake me up and uplift my body from the nights sleep. Unfortunately, the routine was too painful and instead I did some light stretches targeting my upper back, chest, and neck all while I held and gently lifted my head to create traction for my compressed hurting neck. I usually stood up against the wall in my room just breathing and lengthening my back in and up against the wall. This would help me align myself so I could work on melting my front body into my back and the wall to give me support all the while lifting my spine and creating more length in my neck out of my shoulders.
-9am – walked 1 mile to the studio listening to some Hawaiian happy reggae to continue my beautiful day.

Some of my mantras that were particular useful to me were…
take care of me
start with a good position
be present and observe
less is more
work smart
control and contain self
release
let go

We cannot always control the ‘life’ that is presented to us whether that be a particular situation, disagreement, argument with family or friends, problem at work, or personal challenge possibly with the state our body is in. Regardless, if there is a reason, deep down we know that there always is (whether we like it or not)….we do have a choice to control our mind and our actions to help better our situation. This in a nutshell is Pilates….the art of Contrology. THE ART OF CONTROL. I hope, that I can continue to fine tune my Pilates in and out of the studio to better serve my life and as a consequence the lives that surrounds me. I am so grateful.

LOVE,
Brooke

stay tuned on what comes next…:)

SQUEEZE THE JUICE OUT

by lebureauetc, posted in Uncategorized

Jay Grimes, a Pilates elder and my teacher of “the Work,” often says, “Keep your eyes open, mouth shut, and the body will tell you everything you need to know, the body doesn’t lie, people do, the body doesn’t!”

I was recently in LA to perform my second assessment for the program “The Work.” My second assessment was on the mat portion of the Pilates system. I needed to perform the “mat repertoire” in 30 minutes showing the ‘2 way stretch’, ‘my seat connection,’ ‘my back connection,’ in addition to maintaining a flow and a rhythm that allows the movement to integrate. If done well, someone watching would be able to see the wholeness of the work; instead of seeing someone performing many separate exercises. Jay, wants us to use and be able to show how the previous exercise helps us lengthen and deepen into the following exercise and so forth. The back, therefore, would ideally continue to open, lengthen, and find more space and as a result the practitioner, would find more and more freedom in their body.

After completing my assessment I realized I was not as prepared as I should have been. Going into my assessment, I felt a bit anxious and I was ready to get it over with! Reflecting back on my performance I realize that I was not integrating myself fully in the movement, instead, my mind was too busy thinking of the next exercise and how many reps etc I had already completed. I was also too concentrated on hitting certain “ta da” points in my exercises even if that meant I had to sometimes ‘throw’ myself into an exercise just to be sure I hit the ‘ta da!’ Unfortunately, as I now realize, my ‘ta da’s’ were not coming from an integrated and supported place that would reflect what I needed to be showing for my Pilates assessment. Debbie, my teacher, who assessed me saw what I felt and asked me, “Brooke, do you think you could have been more ready for the assessment?” My face turned bright red as I looked right back at her and said “YES!”

Although embarrassed and upset at myself for not committing myself more fully to my work, I know that it is okay for me to ‘fail’ sometimes. Like I was staying in my last post… “Can’t appreciate the sunshine if you never see the rain.”:) I have committed to being more aware in my own practice and thinking of the whole instead of the ‘pieces’ even if that means I do not hit the smaller “ta da’s”; the whole practice should be one big bang!

I know I can go through the movements of Pilates…

Just as I am sure many of us, are talented at going through the motions of our day to day stuff! However, can we also truly stay integrated and ‘squeeze the juice out’ of what and how we do things in our life and show up fully? Maybe even with a BOOM! 🙂

That said, I hope you can all take a deep breath and get your juices flowing with whatever you are up to.

Brooke

Perfectly Imperfect

by lebureauetc, posted in Uncategorized

 

Dear beautiful friends,

I just completed module 1 (out of 4) of ‘The Work‘ with Jay Grimes and the amazing staff at Vintage Pilates. My husband asked me when I got home, “aren’t you happy to be home?” I said, “well, not really.” Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband and my 2 lovely girls; however, having an opportunity to study the method of Pilates and converse with a like-minded community of people is just so rewarding! My Mother in law asked me what I learned? Now that is a BIG question. I said I needed to reflect as there were so many lessons I experienced over the past week. I am so passionate about the practice of Pilates and how our body can teach us so much about ourselves and who we are. My week was simply full of “play”, self discovery, reflection, and trying to let go of habits that do not serve me well… The more I understand about myself the more empathy and awarenesses I hope to bring to people I am with on a daily basis as well as those I teach.

One lesson I will share with you:
“How do you teach a kid to swing?” Jay asked us. He followed that question by saying, “put the child on a swing and give them a push!” We should move, feel and practice to learn a skill/movement to get good. We do not get good by trying to be perfect. If we correct every imperfection and movement without allowing mistakes to happen how will one ever learn what wrong and right movement feel like? We have to be “bad” before we get good. Do you allow yourself to be bad and make small mistakes? Do you allow those you are with and the ones you may teach to be Bad and make small mistakes? Do you allow yourself and others to move, feel, enjoy the experience for what it is, and trust that we are all perfectly imperfect?
-Having also just recently vacationed on the Big Island of Hawaii I updated my “happy hawaiiawn reggae” music and found a song that complements ‘my lesson’. Its on iTunes, if you want to listen. Want more happy music? I have many fun happy songs, just let me know and I would be happy to share some more:).

“Perfectly imperfect”
– Ryan Hiraoka on itunes.

 

GRATITUDE!

by lebureauetc, posted in inspirations

As 2016 soon comes to a close, I naturally spend time reflecting on the opportunities, obstacles, choices and experiences that have filled the year. 2016 was a busy year! Starting my own business, Le Bureau, was a big experience for me that I am excited to continue to grow and develop moving into 2017.   Thank you to all of you who have supported me and contribute to making Le Bureau such an amazing space to work on yourself!

Another big part of 2016 was ongoing struggles with some health issues (Gastrointestinal) dating back to 2012 (when I suffered from 2 severe cases of food poisoning back to back). Since 2012 I have experienced and sometimes suffered through several treatments, seen numerous doctors, and tried countless natural remedies. Through my experiences I have learned a whole lot! Although, I would prefer not to experience the feelings I have had and continue to endure, I am also so grateful for the pain and unpleasant feelings as it has not only helped me gain a greater perspective on life and what is important to me, but it has also taught me so much that I would otherwise not have been exposed to.

The difficult times and experiences has given me greater knowledge and has ultimately made me a better person, not only because I have become more aware of what I do, and how integrated and beautifully dynamic life is, but also how this obstacle has helped me connect and relate to more people who are also suffering in body or life. With that said, I have much gratitude for the lessons I have learned and the people who have helped me along the way. As always I have much gratitude for my loving husband, Pontus, who not only continues to believe in me and my abilities, but also helps me remember that life is too short not to go after what we really want to do!

With what ever triumphs or challenges you have experienced or continue to experience, I hope you are also able to hold much gratitude for your journey as I have mine.  Just remember to, get up, keep moving, stay integrated in your purpose, and as Pontus would say… “Just do it!”

RETREAT UPDATE

by lebureauetc, posted in 2017 Hawaii Retreat, Pilates

Dear Friends,

I have an update regarding the Roots Down Revival Retreat for 2017. Those of you who have signed up already know that I needed to cancel the retreat this past week due to some very exciting news…unfortunately, it was obviously not the best timing.

The reason I had to cancel the retreat is that I am one of the few who have been accepted into Jay Grimes’ Master Pilates Program, “The Work” out of Vintage Pilates in Los Angeles for the class of 2017. Being accepted into “the Work” is an opportunity of a lifetime that I couldn’t give up. I hope you all understand and appreciate my decision. “The Work” consists of several modules that are 7 consecutive days, all in LA. The first module is from January 11-18th which would have coincided with the retreat (January 9-13). It was very hard for me to disappoint those of you who were planning on coming and participating, especially after pouring my heart into this retreat. As I plan on the retreat being an annual occurrence I hope to share this special and beautiful place and retreat experience with all of you in January 2018.

TRUTH?

by lebureauetc, posted in Uncategorized

 

Come butta Friends?
(whats’s up)

For me I can say cosi cosi(things are ok).  Lots always going on. Life is such a balancing act. Wow!

As some of you may know I am taking Italian lessons each week at North Seattle community college. It is just the right amount of time (2 hours/week) to challenge me but also a nice break from my weekly routine. Although I am not very savvy when it comes to language, it is quite fun (sometime just funny) to try to speak the language. I really enjoy listening to my Italian teacher talk and also enjoy learning about the cultural differences between Italy and the rest of Europe as well as the US. One difference that my teacher hit on last week was that here in the US (as a generalization) we tend not to be honest with ourselves and when communicating with others we seem to fear the truth and think it would be rude to bother people with our problems. On the contrary, in Italy, my teacher says that it would be offensive to lie and not tell it as it is. “Italians speak the truth!” This is so true and thinking about it makes me smile every time…

As you and I both know, the truth is sometimes hard to handle, however, I do strive to live as the Italians live. I know sometimes it’s easy to just leave the truth for another day…but why? What good will that bring to you? Will it inspire change and growth? HMMMM:)

Last but not least, my teacher also says, the the Italians only do things that bring them JOY.

With that said, I hope you have many people, activities, routines, that bring you JOY …

The Pelican Brief

by lebureauetc, posted in Cocktails, Happy Hour, Recipes

UMMM…

I love this cocktail.  It’s a sophisticated summer sipper.  Those of you who came to my last happy hour know what I am talking about!

 

Below is the recipe…enjoy before end of summer.

1.5 oz Gin (I used Hendrick’s)

2.5 oz. Pinot Gris (I used Terrapin Cellars 2014)

1 oz. rhubarb syrup(email if you want the recipe)

1 oz. lime juice(fresh of course!)

dash or 2 of grapefruit bitters

twist of citron(lemon/lime/orange)

It takes a lot of WORK!

by lebureauetc, posted in inspirations, Pilates

It takes a lot of work…

to recognize that…

“We’re not perfect, and it takes a long time to get there!”

I hope you can laugh and love this phrase as much as I do.

Jay Grimes, first generation master instructor(learned the method of Pilates from Joseph Pilates himself) said this to over 50 classical pilates instructors this weekend at Vintage Pilates in LA. What a great weekend! As some of you may already know, I am hoping to be accepted into Jay’s Pilates Master Program, called, “The Work.” I performed my assessment on the reformer this weekend and overall, I believe, I had a strong performance. I will find out in November wether or not I am one of the few chosen to participate in his program. The program is an intense 1-2 year graduate program for certified teachers who desire to go beyond Pilates workshops and truly understand how all the Pilates exercises and the apparatus work together efficiently and effectively.

Back to, “we’re not perfect, and it takes a long time to get there!” I love this saying as it reminds me that making any shift/change in my attitude, in my body, in my actions takes time. It takes a lot of “WORK” also. WE need to choose and become consciously aware of our actions and recognize what we can do to ease the discomfort. Being disciplined and steadfast in your actions will hopefully affect your realistic goals:) you set for yourself. Doing all of this we will still have more, and more, and more to work on. Enjoy your journey, learn from it, love yourself, and repeat!

Ciao,

Brooke

Italian Spritz

by lebureauetc, posted in Happy Hour, Recipes

This drink is refreshing and oh so good  that you have to discipline yourself to just have 1!

The following recipe is inspired from our recent vacation in Italy.  The spritz itself can be made using different liquors depending on your mood and your taste.

Spritz ingredients:

-3 parts prosceco

-2 parts liquor.  (classic liquor to use is Aperol.  However you can get creative here!  If I want something less sweet I substitute Campari or if I want something more sweet I  substitute limoncello.  Maybe you want it bitter sweet, then add 1 part Campari to one part limoncello).  What do you feel like today?

-1 part soda water

As you see the following proportions gives you the boundaries for the drink.  As I mentioned, classic spritz is made with Aperol.  I personally enjoy Campari as it is less sweet and more on the bitter side.  You can also make the spritz “dirty” by substituting one part liquor such as aperol with gin or vodka.  Play and have fun with this recipe.  I hope you enjoy “cocktail hour” as much as I do!

 

Tangy Garlic Almond Dip

by lebureauetc, posted in Recipes

Ciao Friends,

The following recipe is similar to a hummus without the chickpeas!  It’s something that I tried at Cibreo Trattoria in Florence, Italy that I needed to try and duplicate as it was so good.

The following recipe is without knowing precise ingredients and/or measurements, however I have made it already several times and it is delicious.  Enjoy as an appetizer on bread, veggies etc…I personally enjoy dipping jicama, radish, and cucumbers in this dip!

INGREDIENTS:

-1 cup soaked almonds for a minimum of 6 hours to overnight

-2/3 cloves of garlic or to your liking

-1/4 cup lemon juice

-1/4 cup white wine vinegar

-1/2 cup olive oil

-water to your liking depending on how thick you prefer the texture

-fresh herbs such as tarragon, parsley, chives, basil.  Pick your flavor(s)!

 

Blend the first 2 ingredients in a food processor or blender until consistency is sand like.  Add the following ingredients and blend together until the consistency is to your liking.  Buon appetito!