Pilates and Cilantro

I have tried to love pilates. It is mindful movement so what’s not to love? I have always been convinced I should have a genetic disposition to love it.

Well, I have to be honest, I’ve never been into it. Believe me, I’ve tried. I have just always been a bit meh; I could take it or leave it. I think the counting, different breathing and lack of fluidity has always put me off.

During this bizarro version of the world right now, lots has changed. For one, my personal yoga practice has shifted. I have been allowing my right shoulder to heal. I hurt it this winter skiing and then stubbornly, I didn’t want to modify my yoga practice. Too many side planks and chaturangas later and I could hardly do everyday things with that arm. Gah. Silly. Anyhoo, my yoga practice is different and more purely self-directed now that I am not teaching classes. The backs and knees and shoulders of yoga students, for example, are not part of my mind chatter lately.

I am also running (not my usual thing), biking (again not my per usual), and now…I am doing a little pilates mid-day and looov-ing it. I know, shocking.

[Btw:That teensy paragraph above sounds like I’m killing it on the fitness front but in reality I am in maintenance mode. There have been considerably more calories going down the hatch every day.]

So all of this is to say…Most body work and movement has the potential to be ’embodied’ if the mind is willing. This is an obvious statement but I definitely needed some reminding. Pilates or whatever your ‘no thanks’ movement activity has been, might be just the shift you need to include more mindfulness into your day and to create additional body awareness during activities you already enjoy. Maybe the activity you are convinced you have a genetic aversion toward is something you will love.

It might be a little like cilantro. It is entirely possible that you have a legitimate claim to swearing off cilantro forever. Or perhaps, you just haven’t tried a salad dressing as incredible as the one I have included below. It might literally blow your mind.

Lots of love to you, your moving body and your taste buds. Enjoy it all.

Green Chile Cilantro Vinaigrette 

1/4 cup of cilantro, 1 garlic clove, 2 Tablespoons of green chilies, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of sugar (or whatever you use to sweeten), dash of sea salt, dash of cayenne, 2 Tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 Tablespoon of orange juice, 1/4 cup of safflower or olive oil.

Blend all ingredients, except the oil, until smooth using an immersion blender or traditional blender. Add oil as the last step pouring gradually while blending until emulsified.