I am very happy to introduce you to my Guest Blogger Renee Ludwigs. Renee has exceptional people skills and possesses a natural compassion and caring for the needs of others. Today Renee is going to show us how developing our Core can lead us to a more tranquil and peaceful life. We understand The Core as it relates to Pilates. Now let’s take the journey with Renee and learn how developing our core can also bring us tranquility. It’s all part of having an Island Perspective!

So let’s get to The Core of the matter….

How Strengthening Your Core Can Lead to Peace and Tranquility  by Renee Ludwigs

Inner peace and tranquility – it’s all we really want. It feels so good, so right because it’s our natural, inherent state of mind. But in the go-go culture of today, it’s often hard to find.

We get caught up in thinking we should do this, should do that. All these shoulds wear us out and can even keep us from finding our best self. Sound familiar? Yeah, me too. And this not only hurts us, but those around us.

But luckily we can invite tranquility back into our lives – by finding our core.

You probably know that core strength is the foundation of Pilates, but you may be wondering what it has to do with inner peace . . .

It’s about focusing on your whole self – body, mind and spirit. And your whole self will benefit from regular core building exercises. By attending to your inner self, both physically and mentally, you’ll soon be on the path to enjoying sustainable tranquility in your life.
 
Here’s how to get started:

• Focus on your core.
Be quiet and still. Listen to your inner voice and internal knowing. Connect with your deep and true desires. Trust your ability to make wise choices about what’s best for you.

• Train your muscles.
Be patient and loving with yourself. Growth will come from conquering tough challenges, one at a time. Believe in the possibilities and your unique ability to bounce back when the going gets tough.

• Use proper form.
Eat healthy. Exercise most days. Get enough sleep. Make nurturing yourself a top priority. Surround yourself with positive energy and people who are full of hope and enthusiasm.

• Build balance and stability.
Take time to explore what makes you happy. Stay the course as you find your center, your equilibrium, your purpose. Little by little, with diligent practice, shore up a firm and stable foundation.

• Remember to breath deeply.
Put your whole heart into your own self care. Accept life events and people that you can’t control. Stop to breathe when it gets hard. Let go and flow through your daily activities with grace and ease.

Your body is a beautiful machine, a gift really. To remember your core, you can think of yourself as a majestic palm tree – confident, steadfast, beautiful and resilient. And what makes palm trees so flexible? Strong, pliable trunks.

Make good health the focus of your attention by empowering yourself – from the inside out. Create the time and space to nourish and strengthen both your outer and your inner self.

By living from the sturdy core of your being – you will naturally find more peace and tranquility.

Renee Ludwigs is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Tranquility Coach who inspires people to develop their own unique path to inner peace and tranquility by living with An Island Perspective. Discover powerful, fun ways of looking at life that will help you find balance and perspective by visiting Renee’s blog at islandperspective .com. And you can be a part of the “island tribe’ at Facebook.com/IslandPerspective and follow her on Twitter @ReneeLudwigs. Inspiration with a tropical flavor!
 

Susan Sommers is a Pilates instructor in NYC specializing in those 50+