Hiding

As the city slowly seems to be shutting down for an unwritten rest in these last weeks of summer I too am feeling a need to go under the covers.  Although it isn't what it seems.  I am not planning a vacation at the beach where I can soak up the last of summer's rays, but instead am looking for a place to hide.  

Yes.  Hiding seems to come up a lot in my blog these days.  I am well aware of this thank you very much.  

To my own credit I tend to be a person who is pro-active.  I do take on my fears face them and move through them, but first I hide.  I have done this all my life really.  I get overwhelmed and wish away the feeling in my gut and chest that makes my heart beat faster. Like I believe I have mentioned- I am neurotic and highly anxious.  I cover it well, but that calm exterior is just a facade - inside I am a jumble of nerves.  

So what did it this time?  Well things are going well.  In fact, my career and social life are at an all time high and things are moving fast in the perfect direction.  I know. I know. Happy dance time. But I tend to do poorly when people take notice.  In fact - I think that is what is making me feel the urge to dive under my pillow.  People are beginning to watch me, and while I am grateful and perplexed I also have that "vomitous" feeling again.  I tend to do two things when I get like this.  First I run.  I run and run and run until I feel I have out run the anxiety and fear that is chasing me down.  Second I hide.  In today's world this is more difficult.  What with technology it is impossible to fully disappear.  After those two things I am able to come up for air refocused and face the fears.  And, honestly, it always seems to be less scary once I face it.

Pilates has always been a great exercise for me because it is a combination of inner focus (hiding in a way) and power (like running).  It is nearly impossible to let your mind wonder for a long period of time because it is such an internal exercise.  It calms my mind while allowing my body to constantly focus and move.  The perfect combination of power and inner focus can be seen in the abdominal series or "FAB 5".

Single Leg Stretch

• Neutral pelvis (pelvis flat to ceiling)
  
• Right knee into chest,  hands on right knee, extend left leg. Tuck chin curl head toward bent knee.
  
• Switch legs while maintaining stable pelvis.  Deepen abs with "HA" breath as legs switch

Double leg stretch

• Neutral pelves
  
• Bend knees to chest, hands on ankles, nod chin in toward chest and curl forward
  
• On inhale, extend both legs and arms to 45 degrees
  
• On exhale, circle arms to beginning position as knees pull into chest
  

Criss-Cross

• Neutral pelvis
  
• Lace fingers together and support neck, tuck chin curl forward, bring legs to table top (90 degress)
  
• Keep elbows wide, cross right arm pit to left hip bone, left knee is bent and right leg extends to wall
  
• On exhale switch legs and arms
  
• Stabilize pelvis throughout

Scissors

• Imprint Pelvis (lower back to floor, pubic bone is tucked)
  
• Nod head in and curl forward
  
• Extend both legs to ceiling, point toes, Hold right leg with both hands, extend left leg down
  
• Pull on right leg and then switch legs bringing left to ceiling 
  
• Stabilize pelvis as legs move

Double leg lifts

• Imprint pelvis
  
• Nod head in and curl forward
  
• Extend both legs to ceiling and glue inner thighs together, flex feet
  
• Lower legs down without moving spine and exhale to bring both legs up