My Position Statement as a Somatic Movement Educator & Pilates Specialist

I believe that Life is Movement and movement itself is the changemaker.

I have faith that life is good and that the compassionate, indwelling spirit is ever-present, especially wherever two or more are gathered.

I stand on the shoulders of giants, as I seek to evolve my consciousness and to understand human nature via the body-mind towards supporting human potential and a world living in freedom and in love.

I observe and experience bodies and minds as distinct yet inseparable aspects of the self.

I appreciate inquisitive minds, deep breaths, strong & flexible spines, relaxed & resilient nervous systems, and empathetic hearts.

I align my intention with the principles of technique, reciprocity, and gratitude to inform and guide my relationships.

As a phenomenology enthusiast, advocating for “radically-different research”, I posit that “pilates is primary physical support for all faculties”(1).

I recognize the paradox of acknowledging limitation and defining boundaries to allow for creative expansion and excellence.

I am dedicated to somatic integration and movement practice, always with an intention to do no harm and to inspire connection.

I envision a world of peace and cooperation through Contrology* and embodied conversation.

I remain in awe of the mystery of the deep touch and power of words to both harm and to heal.

I pray that my words are spoken ~and heard~ as, with, and through loving kindness.

Today, with gratitude and love, I claim all this, until my last breath.

Carole Amend
April 29, 2018

Somatic Movement Educator, Pilates Specialist
Originator, Amend Integrative Model (AIM), a framework for movement analysis, pedagogy, practice, and communication

Amend Integrative Model (AIM) terms (2):

Somatic Integration: A paradigm of mind and body forever evolving through which we attempt to realize our humanity, recognize the possibilities as sentient beings, and become more whole as bodies, individuals, and societies.

Movement Practice: Any mental or physical practice that enlivens the spirit, educates the mind, informs the body, and/or heals the heart in order for the individual to reach his/her potential beyond current physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual limitations.

Embodied conversation: at its essence, a verbal discussion that elicits the embodied, empathetic, felt sense.

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*We owe this term to Joseph H. Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology
”Contrology is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”

(1) June 6, 2009, Pilates Connections Discussion Forum

Carole AmendApril 29, 2018Comment