Tag: gratitude

I love you

by lebureauetc, posted in Uncategorized

Dear friends,

As we welcome November, I would like to offer my thanks to all of you who continue to support and practice with me at Le Bureau.  I count my blessings often that I am able to do what I do and also have the opportunity to teach from my home.  

It was not always this way.  I started teaching Pilates in 2006 after completing a 600 hour +comprehensive classical Pilates training through Power Pilates, New York.  Before this I taught school for 2 years after attaining my masters in teaching, at Seattle University..  I thought I was going to be a Kindergarten teacher as I chose to do my student teaching in a Kindergarten classroom at Our Lady of Lake catholic school, in Seattle, Washington.  Well, that did not last long.  

I married my husband, Pontus in 2003 and we moved to Iowa to begin his/our journey as he started Medical school.  Although I started teaching as a substitute teacher in Iowa, I was drawn to movement and longed to teach exercise classes.  On the side of teaching school,  I become certified in personal training and acquired several other certifications to teach –  about any class you can think of! 

The practices of Yoga was my first fitness crush I discovered.  There was a vibrant Yoga community in Des moines, Iowa and it became my ‘family’ away from home.  I left Yoga classes feeling both energized but also calm.  That said, the first 2 years in Iowa, I immersed myself in all things Anusara Yoga, a Hatha based practice that blends ‘heart’ themes.

In 2005, we moved to Ohio for a year for Pontus’s first year of medical rotations and I made the decision there not to renew my teaching license but instead to solely devote my time to learning about the body through many various fitness modalities.  I worked as a personal trainer, taught fitness classes, including yoga, and also worked as a french tutor, and at a restaurant in the evenings.  It’s amazing what you can do without Kids!  It was here in Ohio, where I began my journey in Pilates.  Out of curiosity to learn more and understand what Pilates was all about I enrolled myself in a weekend mat training through a Power Pilates studio in Sylvania, Ohio.  After that weekend, I was hooked.  Pilates made sense to me right away as I could grasp how it would benefit my body.   I signed up for the comprehensive training not long after that.   I had to let go of some of my classes I was teaching as well as the restaurant job to commit myself to the long training hours, but I enjoyed every second and I am so happy I chose this path.

After we left Ohio in 2006, we moved back to Iowa for a year, then moved to Redondo beach, CA for a year, and then to Salt lake city, Utah for 3 years before moving back to Seattle in 2012. I taught Pilates at ALL of these stops along the way.  I also started the Pilates program at an Equinox in Manhattan Beach, CA in 2008 and also the Pilates program at Seattle Athletic Club(Northgate) in 2013.    I have had made some amazing friends doing what I love to do over the years…

Fast forward to March 2016, I opened Le bureau Pilates in my home living room and I have been teaching from ‘home’ ever since.  In October 2023, I started teaching group Pilates mat and Yoga classes and this has been a wonderful addition.  The classes are a way  to connect socially, physically and I love  how it is becoming a small community.   Thank you for trusting in me and being part of the Le Bureau community.  

Please check out and enjoy my most resent Youtube tutorials and classes!

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!”