History of the emergence of a Pilates studio within the New Earth Light-Community
The physical body is a part of our being that has reached a high level of perfection. It has an evolved consciousness, as demonstrated by its complex and precise functioning. If we consider it the dwelling place of the Spirit, as it truly is, we treat it with the dignity it deserves.
José Trigueirinho Netto – The Physical Body in Healing.
Introduction
The practice of Pilates dates back to 1914, when German Joseph Hubertus Pilates created equipment with the springs from the beds in the infirmary where he worked as a nurse during World War I, after being imprisoned in a concentration camp in England. This enabled him and his patients to receive treatment that was previously unavailable at the time.
The initial recognition of his technique came in 1918, when none of his patients succumbed to the flu epidemic that killed thousands of people.
Thanks to a donation from a contributor, the New Earth Light-Community, affiliated with the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Federation (FIHF), now has a Pilates studio in one of its areas, allowing more than ten members of the Light-Community to receive weekly treatment.
History of Pilates in the New Earth Light-Community
The person who made this Pilates studio possible for the New Earth Light-Community was Fabiana Magalhães, a Planetary Light-Network contributor and enthusiast, who has been a Pilates student since 2018.
Fabiana told us that Pilates served as a kind of rescue in her life. At that time, she had gained a lot of weight and was going through a period of depression. On Mother’s Day 2018, a studio where she was receiving physical therapy raffled off a basket of various products and a month of Pilates classes. She decided to give the basket to her mother and try the practice for herself.
It was a very positive experience for her, and Fabiana decided to continue, stopping only in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, determined to continue somehow, she searched online for Pilates equipment for sale to set up her own home studio and thus stay engaged. She found what she was looking for, and as she placed her order, she said she felt an inner calling that told her: “This isn’t for me, it’s for US!”
She felt the call came from Our Lady, and that these Pilates equipment should, in fact, all be donated to the New Earth Light-Community.
It was then that she contacted Érica Godoy, a tenured member of the New Earth Light-Community, who was then studying Physical Education. She offered to cover all of her Pilates instructor training after graduation, as well as make her home available for Érica to stay at during class.
Érica accepted the offer; The proposal was presented to the coordinators and approved. Thus, it became possible to establish a Pilates studio within the Light-Community, with a resident instructor.
Benefits of Pilates
Érica explained to us that Pilates works on the overall development of the individual, improving flexibility and muscular strength. It works, based on the principle of breathing, to treat respiratory disorders, postural deviations, and bone, muscle, joint, and neurological disorders. It also improves cardiorespiratory fitness and contributes to the prevention of injuries and chronic diseases.
At the New Earth Light-Community, the Pilates method is included as a practice in the Balance Workshop at the Tibetan Park Living School and also collaborates as an extension of the Health and Healing sector of the Light-Community.
Galilea, founder of the Light-Community, affirms that working with the physical body is of utmost importance, as it helps us release processes that are not inherent to it, such as tension, physical pain, and even illness—these often originate from people’s negative attitudes toward life.
In short, Pilates assists Consciousness in its search for Balance, enabling the being to “reconfigure” this posture, this physical form.
Erica tells us: “I feel that what we experience is predicted based on the possibilities of each being. As Trigueirinho already said, those who lack discipline with physical practices, have difficulties, etc., and must develop this aspect in this incarnation. However, there are those who perceive the benefits more consciously, and these are more assiduous. I see that, as we learn from everything, everything is fine!”
Fabiana says she was moved when one of Galilea’s daughters, who walked on crutches, told her that she didn’t have the strength to hold a drum with her hands—and that, after doing Pilates, she began to have the strength to hold the drum and play!
Galilea tells us that everything we can develop within the Light-Community is very positive, as it makes us more independent. Having a professional like Érica in the Light-Community not only enables us to work on the physical improvement of our members, but also provides the backdrop for work carried out at the level of consciousness.
“I feel like I’m accomplishing something God expects me to do. And this proved real to me because of the fluidity with which everything unfolded. And we know that what we accomplish within the Light-Communities is what we must work on within ourselves. So, I see the primary need to focus on what is most internal within me, to balance my strengths and energies. This is in addition to the great joy I feel in doing this work.” – Erica
Gratitude!
“I realized that the time I dedicated to Pilates, which I dedicated wholeheartedly, was able to benefit the entire Light-Community. I am so grateful to God for this opportunity! I also thank Our Lady for speaking to my heart, and to Érica for embracing the role of Pilates instructor for everyone!” – Fabiana
Patrícia, a full-time member of the Light-Community and a Pilates practitioner, says she has had the experience of entering class with pain and leaving stronger, and she also feels deeply grateful for the opportunity, the studio available, and the instructor.
When practicing Pilates, Narayana, a full-time member of the Light-Community, says she notices her day begins differently, with more energy. She expresses her hope that everyone has the opportunity to try this practice at some point.
“These days, those who dedicate themselves to inner development and adopt, also externally, a rhythm of life that is appropriate are, in reality, willing to participate in a transformation in which their body will be the crucible of a sublime and sacred chemistry.”
