I did the live from Saturday today, and I was reminded of this beautiful poem I grew up with that my grandmother shared with me to help ease the pain of being teased as a child. I was too much, too smart, too loud, too sensitive... you get it. And at times I still think of myself as too much and feel tempted to hide myself out of fear that people won't like me or give me a chance. I hope these words can bring someone a sense of relief as it did for myself. 

Looking forward to the Summer Challenge this Saturday! Are there anyways you are getting prepared?? I'm cheering you all on all. <3

Take of yourselves and one another! 

During our barre series in a 60 min signature Marnie brought up, "with challenge comes change." 

Maybe it's not the challenge that one is afraid of but the change... challenge is logical, practical, and it makes sense. You can work towards it, build up to it, and practice it. But the change symbolizes something greater, it can be emotional... 

Who am I on the other side of challenge? What does it look like? What does it feel like? How do I accomplish it? Is okay to not be the same if I meet that challenge? Will I be okay, is this type of change good, true, and respectful to my body? What would it mean? Because life has meaning,  I mean something... my life has meaning. 

Maybe I'll meet who I'm meant to become on the other side of challenge... A version of me that faces fear with grace...that recognizes the fear but chooses to not be afraid because truth and love guide the way. 

I know my body can complete those last 4 sets of 8, but it challenges my mind & emotions to break old habits and accept the truth that I can do this with grace. Maybe that's the change we shall find when we meet a challenge we understand we are capable of.

Love Jessi G. ❤️ 

Hey loves. How are you all? 

 Has anyone had experience using toe spacers? If so, may I please hear your experience. I recently purchased this item to focus on toe strength and flexibility. It was said to me that I can train wearing them, since we workout barefoot, I'd like to give it a try. For me, during wide second pile it takes conscious effort to spread my toes and at other times I notice my toes crunch. I'm curious to listen to anyone else's experience. 

And Im open to hearing about any other toes/feet strengthening stories or exercises- I'm putting in the effort to build up the arches in my feet since I've recently discovered they are fallen. I'm excited because even though I've been working out with you all for a year, focusing on my feet now it feels like a new experience during the routines. 

Thanks! ❤️ 

There is a time for everything... 

Hey fam! It's not easy for me to open up when times get tough. Therefore, if anyone has been experiencing hard times, you're not alone. I've been experiencing some emotional things and it's been painful and it hasn't been easy. I've had a case of the blues and it seems it's been a season of sadness on my end. Tears, sadness, anger, and overwhelm. Its def been a season and im beginning to feel some light at times. I am incredibly grateful for the constant in my life which is showing up to the mat with you lovely souls daily. Thank you all for keeping it real and  sharing pieces of your heart and soul here. ❤️ Your life is meaningful and beautiful even when it seems messy. ✨️ Your life is purposeful even when things may feel hopeless. Continue to look forward and keep faith even when it may feel heavy and burdensome. Give up on the lies and things that weigh you down but don't give up on yourself- your soul- because these feelings will come to pass. Continue on the journey the best way you know how because there is growth in challenge and change both on and off the mat. You are not alone. I've wanted to give up plenty of times but I'm stubborn and I just can't give up and I know better days are to come. I believe in myself (even when I don't care to) and therefore I believe in you! Take care of yourselves. Thank you all! 😊 I appreciate you all. We got this!! May we all have an opportunity to Bloom this upcoming summer season. ☀️ 

Love,

Jessi 

“Perseverance commonly connotes effort and hard work to complete a goal despite barriers and obstacles”

Perseverance is trusting in our ability from our gifts to achieve what we think we cannot do. 

Along with discipline, M/BODY has given me the space to explore perseverance in fitness. In the moments I think I can’t go on or I am yearning for a reprieve, I focus on perseverance. And even when I give in because it’s tough, I practice patience with myself. I remind myself that, "Day by day, in every way, I'm getting better and better." I get to “come back and play tomorrow to try again.”

 That’s what perseverance means to me. Not trying to get it right the first time and if I don’t then I’m bad, rather, practicing patience and returning each day to enjoy growth. 

When I first began working out with M/BODY:

Cardio was hard- I practiced with low-impact until my heart grew stronger. 

Lunges were hard- It took time and practice.

60 min signatures were difficult the first few workouts- I just kept moving to the best of my ability. 

I am so overcome with joy to say, cardio is so much fun now! And lunges-I have mastered! 60 mins doesn’t feel grueling, but invigorating! Coming back each day, I was able to witness my growth and understanding. Now, I am preserving during those 4 sets 8 without stopping! 

Perseverance is a virtue that I carry both on and off the mat. It’s truly fun to practice perseverance with movement on the mat and I am so grateful to play everyday! So when things get tough, focus on perseverance.

"Our human tendency to think of discipline as a negative thing is unfortunate, and incorrect. It’s not as alarming or unpleasant as it sounds and is actually incredibly freeing. Discipline is the result of your free will making a decision to order your life, your duties, and your appetites. When practiced and established, we experience peace of mind; accomplish more; feel less stressed; and find that we have more time at our disposal, not less." -Genevieve Cunningham

Cheers everyone! 2022 was an incredible year, filled many ups and downs. It started with Covid, joining M/Body-making new friends, winning the Spring/Summer Challenge, to preparing for marriage to getting married, finishing school, to experiencing a miscarriage and having my first surgery ever, to taking time off to recover and grieve the loss of our baby. I haven't really been around on the CB since September and I've missed you all!

It has not been easy, but my soul is grateful for the experience and how much it's allowed me to grow.

My word for this year is "Surrender". To practice patience and humility often and to not possess the trait of self-reliance in excess which creates a collapse inward.

For Christmas I got a portal Barre!! I can retire my good ol' dining room chair. I'm so excited to workout with this barre this year! Peace and love to you all!!