Have you ever wondered how big a role faith plays in your day to day life and the goals you set for yourself? I'm not talking about religious faith. I'm talking about that "if you believe it's possible, it will be possible" kind of faith.
It's awards season (for film and television) so I have been hungrily consuming all of the nominated films (in case you were wondering where the hell I've been?!) and watching all the round-table interviews. I'm always reminded of some of my favorite acceptance speeches. Without fail, they always seem to look into the camera with a glistening tear that threatens to tumble down their perfectly made-up cheek and say "don't stop dreaming, you can have this too if you don't give up".
Until a few months ago, while I love this idea of having a dream and clinging to it in a white-knuckle death grip, I'm not sure that I actually believed that it was possible. I think I may have lacked the faith in myself. If you've been reading along with my ramblings for a while, you'll likely be aware of my New Year's resolution to love myself. January's resolution or virtue as I call it was celebration and I did my best this month to celebrate the little victories and appreciate the happinesses that I experience throughout each and every day instead of wasting time on the crap that bugs me and the headlines that break my heart. Which is also why I grew wary of posts about my muffin top and love handles and how un-perfect I may still be.
You see here's the thing. I believe that I experienced an inner transformation. Nothing totally earth shattering, yet something significant enough that it took literal years to happen.
As my thirties gained momentum and I began staring down the barrel of the big Four-Oh, and my ass was falling and my waist was spreading and my pant size was increasing and I was feeling more and more miserable... I knew something had to be done. I started swinging kettle bells and doing P90-x and the Biggest Loser, yet nothing could stop it. I felt like I was fighting a losing battle. Then of course you all know what happened next. I write about it ad nauseam, I started practicing the Tracy Anderson Method, I lost 19 pounds, I gained 9 back, I ate this, I stopped eating that, I yo-yoed around a bit, I got fed up with Continuity and spent the summer revisiting Metamorphosis and basically I got my groove back, just like Stella! Well kind of. I had to sacrifice one of my favorite things. I gave up sugar in July.
There was only one way to do it, I had to have faith that I was capable of doing it. By September I also had to give up the huge battle that was constantly being waged within me and that was the battle for the perfect number on the scale. I let that go. I realized that my body had a number that it wanted to be at that kept me in my skinny jeans that I didn't have to kill myself to maintain. In other words, I decided to trust my body and have faith that it knew what it was doing.
It was a pretty big aha moment. I'd already had faith in my chosen workout. I loved the method, it did what it said it was going to do and once I cut out sugar, the rest of my body seemed to catch up. I'm not ripped, or super thin, or perfect, but I am happy to dwell within the body that Tracy and I created and I have faith that I can keep this up well into my old age if I want to.
Since then, my body has been really cooperative. I stepped on the scale two weeks ago and was up a pound and a half from that goal weight, so I shifted a few things around diet-wise and was back at that weight again a week later. There have been weeks at a time where I have been resting as much as 3 pounds below it, but I wasn't killing myself to stay their either.
If you're one of the many women who are facing those middle years and it seems that it's nothing but a struggle, if you really are working out and are sincerely watching what you eat, I know it's really hard, but just try and have a little faith that it's going to happen for you. Perhaps you need to have a look at your expectations and adjust them slightly. Maybe the workout you're doing isn't quite the right one for you, or maybe the foods you're eating are not the right ones for your body - things like gluten and dairy are hot topics for a reason.
And in the mean time, if you made the resolution to lose some weight this year, to maintain your current weight, or to simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, it's time to check in and take stock. It's January 31st people. Real life has kicked back in. are you still putting into practice all the things you said you were going to?
My chosen virtue for February is clarity. With my new found appreciation for my unique voice and its value in the world (I am still struggling with it a little, but having faith that the belief will come) I will be looking for some clarity on how to best use it. You're welcome to join me in seeking some clarity in your own life in whatever area you think needs attention for you.
Tracy and Gwyneth seem to be doing the same. Goop has put out a great question and answer post with Tracy that you might want to check out here and it includes a great little video of Tracy showing us some new moves from the set where she's been filming some new content. For your convenience you can watch it right here.
I'd been considering stopping my Continuity order. I have so much content already and am lagging behind, so I've put it temporarily on hold, but seeing how fantastic she looks... I may not be able to stay away. Lol.
Enjoy this last day of January. Look for something to admire or appreciate and let yourself be happy. You deserve it.
Big hugs,
Shan
Shan, when was it in Continuity that you got fed up? I remember reading about it, wondering what level it was? I think I am on Abcentric 1.2.2? Thanks. LOVE your blog!
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks so much.
DeleteFirst I gotta say congrats for getting through Meta! That's fantastic. Choosing to carry on is really committing to a lifestyle of working out regularly and that's really terrific. Whether you do all the levels or do them in exactly the right order is not really what's important here - for my way of thinking anyway - the Method is great no matter what sequence you chose to do as long as you keep changing it up. (just my opinion)
I don't remember exactly when I got sick of parts of Continuity. I think the first couple of months right after Metamorphosis were just ok and then I felt like Tracy wasn't into it. I later learned that there was a very good reason for that, but it was hard to work out to.
Then when the ball was introduced I threw a little tantrum. I hated it and there was no way in hell I was going to work through three long miserable months doing a workout I didn't want to do, but I'd paid for it and of course didn't want to miss anything, so I did it super quick, I think it ended up being a new level every three days - so essentially two new levels a week. It was killer on my body but I think it helped get some of those results from meta back.
Then I remember at the very end of 1.3, it must have been level 9 - I loved it. From there it just got better. And it's been pretty great since. All of the year two workouts - so anything starting with 2 feel good to me.
But again, we're all different and like different things. I remember girls thinking I was crazy because they loved the ball, so don't just take my word for it.
Good luck.
I think Tracy looks better than ever! But girlfriend needs some lowlights-- that super, white blonde is washing her out, LOL!
ReplyDeleteParker, she does look so good. To be honest, I hadn't noticed her hair because I couldn't get past how fantastic her abs and butt looked framed by those little pink shorts! Wow.
DeleteIf only I could be that brave AND look that good doing it.
Hi Shan!
ReplyDeleteSo odd that you would post a title about Faith.
As I have been meaning to contact you for a few weeks now.... as...shock.... horror. I am feeling my own faith in TAM dwindling somewhat.
I am now on the 2nd disc in continuity (level 6), and though I am very dedicated to the workout - 5-6 days a week, with 30 min of cardio most days, my hard earned Meta results seem to be slipping away from me - especially on the back of my legs and bum.
I've tried upping the reps, - especially on the current level which really does seem very easy - I miss that pleasant pain of knowing you are working the muscles ya know?
Is it just me - or is continuity just not as effective as Meta?
Does anyone supplement the workouts with anything else?
I always do the bonus arms, and recently have started to tag the ab section from the fantastic original Matt DVD onto the end of each workout.
I keep meaning to supplement the workout with one of her webisodes/Gwyneth posts, but that would push the workout to nearly 2 hours!
I would really appreciate some advice from those out there who are further into continuity like yourself, as I feel my faith in the whole thing slipping, and obviously its much easier to get up at 5am if you believe you are going to get results!
Thanks so much
Sophie
p.s Have you managed to see all of the Oscar and Bafta noms yet? I've been cramming in films like a demon over the past two weeks - only Django and Armour still to see.
Dare I ask what you thought of Les Mis....?!
Not sure what Shan will say, but I am a bit further than you, and I felt exactly the same way! I remember reading Shan's blog posts awhile ago that sounded similar, but I think she sucked it up and ended up really enjoying the next discs after where you're at...so I stuck it out, too, and was also rewarded by finally getting back to where I could "feel" it working, the tightness during the workout, etc.
DeleteSophie, I think it's more a mind game that happens than anything and the fact that we get a bit tired, because, let's face it, most of us entered Meta pretty darn out of shape, and we put so much effort into Meta. Once graduation is over I think we expected the 'light show' whatever. It's a bit like a romance...smile. Familiarity breeds contempt if you let it. So, it's just a phase, seems like Tracy may have gone through it too, but, it doesn't last long and all I can suggest is too really hit those moves, make'em count, don't lag, legs higher, don't let your mind wander on you. Put on the ankle weights. Re-read Tracy's book. Also, make sure and get a great play list, change up the music to more va-va-voom... And, don't forget to visualize what you want to look like, you are now visualizing a not so lifted butt, etc., try not to do that, just say "Wow, my butt is so great and so lifted," or "Tracy really knows her stuff, I'm getting better every day."
DeleteWe are all so strong now that sometimes I think we just expect to feel the pain, maybe we don't have too now? But it sure seems like to me that I'm still sore at the start of each 10 days!
All is well! Keep it up, the mojo is on it's way girl! Congrats on your great accomplishment! Not everyone has gotten to where you are now...own it!
All the very best, JAH
Hey Sophie, I think the girls kind of nailed it. There are some levels you just kind of end up moving through. And as Jah mentioned, keeping your energy us is pretty important.
DeleteBut before I add my two cents... eeeeeee, yes lets talk movies!!! I still have to see The Sessions, Anna Karenina and Beasts of the Southern Wild.
Don't think I'll see Amour for my own reasons. Likely there are many people who feel that way about Django. Difficult subject matter can he painful to watch.
At first I was really skeptical about Tarantino directing a film about slavery. On the other hand, everyone else seems to steer clear of the subject. No one wants to talk about it. It certainly had its flaws, but it also showed courage, loyalty, friendship and love and of course because it's Tarantino it had a huge dose of vengeance, so in the end it didn't disappoint. I keep hoping he might one day do a Native American film! That's a story where history could use a little re-write if you're asking me. We got shafted when the Americas were colonized.
As for Les Mis, I know that a lot of people loved it. I think it was beautifully done, but Russell Crowe kind of killed it for me. I hate saying that but I don't think he was the right guy for the role.
I feel like The Impossible got robbed, they should have had a few more nominations and I certainly didn't feel that Lincoln warranted as many nominations as it's gotten. And don't even get me started on Life of Pi. How the hell did the academy overlook Suraj Sharma? He gave an absolutely riveting performance that brought me to tears and made me laugh and he did the whole thing alone! Stunning. whew. Best I don't write about these things. Lol
As for your workout Sophie I think several things are happening. You are already really fit and strong. Some of the Continuity levels are certainly on the weaker side. You can try upping the reps, adding weights and supplementing, but who wants to spend 2 hours doing it? I know I don't but I am also Lay-zee!
What you could try - which is what I did with the ball series - is you can do a level for 3 days, then do the next level for 3 days and so on. If you don't have new levels waiting in the wings, go back and mix in some meta levels or the Mat DVD or Tracy's PDS if you have that - whatever you've got on hand. I found changing the workouts up quicker for a 4 or 5 week period gave me the jump start I needed. Then as the levels got better again, I went back to normal.
In the summer, each day I did a meta level and added the leg series from my corresponding continuity level - so my daily mat routine was about 45-50 minutes. I just felt like I needed that. When it started to feel too hard, I was able to go back to just doing continuity.
I hope that helps. In any case, the workouts do begin to improve at the end of 1.3. so hang in there. Also don't be afraid to look at other workouts. It will remind you how great this program truly is.
Hi Shan (and Jah)
DeleteOk this will be my 3rd attempt to send this reply - the past two times for some reason wouldn't upload..?
Anywayzzz
Firstly I'd like to thank you both for the reply.
Wouldn't it be great if could all get together in a park somewhere, sit on the grass, share a picnic and set the world to rights? - I bet we would have some great conversations!
I take some solace in what you say about things improving at the end of 1.3 - also makes me feel a bit better, knowing I'm not alone in my questioning of continuity.
Also have a small admission to make - I can't recall which one it was, but one of the workouts on the first continuity discs, was just so bonkers, I tried it for about half of the first session and went straight onto the next set of 10 - I just knew I would be a grumpy ol mare doing that lot of craziness for 10 days!
Soo heres the plan - am going to complete 1.2.3 (does anyone else get a little confused by the number system?!) as I find it difficult to start something and not see it through - as there is always the worry that the magic happens on the last day, and unless you see it through you will miss the pay off !!
However, starting tmrw - (ts 22.15 here at the mo) I will bolt onto the end that 15min goop workout - its the perfect little bite size segment for a supplement! In addition I will continue to do extra abs and the bonus arms.
Also..... I emailed the TAM help line people - explaining how I felt, and am now going to ... SWAP to Glutecentic - has anyone else done this - swap sides part way through?
As for the films... well... 6 days to go to the Baftas and I still have quite a few to try and squeeze in.
So far this is what I've seen:
Lincoln - Incredible piece of craft in my humble opinion - especially when compared to the Disney like nonsense of Warhorse.
I thought the costumes, lighting and production design were incredible, though I must admit the script was heavy in places - though that may have something to do with my limited knowledge of american history!
Les Mis - am with you 100% when it comes to R Crowe - unusual casting for sure!
I went to the cinema thinking it would be a matter of endurance rather than enjoyment, and I was surprised by how much I was moved by it.
The editing was a little clunky in places I thought - especially at the beginning, and I thought the locations were not great - its hard to sit and watch something which is meant to be Paris, whilst known its been filmed in Greenwich South London - Christopher Wren was very very English!
Life of Pi - I know !! Where is the best actor nomination for that!? And how can it be nominated for production design when 80% takes place in a boat?!!!
Personally I LOVED Silver Linings playbook, and would def see again. The casting is fantastic, and its good to see De Niro back on form. The editor should be fired though - if you've not seen it, and plan to, I'll just say one word 'necklace' - you'll see what I mean when you watch it!
Zero Dark Thirty - Jessica Chastain was v v impressive I thought. Though as a film, I sat there thinking ' yep I sort of know all thins already'.
It highlighted to me the need I feel we might have for a film which educates the audience on why we are in the mess we are.
One which asks so awkward questions like ' Why does the middle east have such a DNA deep hatred of America and the West'?, 'What does the Taliban really stand for'?
'How did this start'?
Its only through understanding and compassion for other peoples voices that space can be made for reconciliation...
Ok I'll get off the soap box now!!
This week I have to see Amour, The Impossible, Anna Karenina, and Django...The Master is long gone, and Beasts of the Southern Wild is not out here yet!
Lastly, how is the edit of your own project coming along?
Northern Sould has been entered for Cannes, Sundance, Venice etc, andis due out in te spring - have all fingers and toes crossed for it!
Many Thanks again
Sophie
Hi Sophie, ahhhhh yes, a picnic in a park would be the best wouldn't it? My bestie from Leeds (used to live here)always said "we set the world to rights" after we'd gotten together. I love that.
DeleteI think you're onto a great idea of adding the Goop sequence to the end if you feel you're not getting enough out of the workout. There are just some segments where either you are stronger or it's not challenging in the right way so you have to supplement, I think we've all done it. I do it, I know Tricia does it, so you're on the right track.
Lots of people have switched up centrics or doubled up on centrics. That's totally fine.
As for the movies...
I am not such a fan of period pieces and films dealing with history and politics unless they're done in a really special way. Something about them has got to stand out for me and be done in a way it's never been done before and I didn't think Spielberg did that this time - apart from his casting of Sally. Love her! But that's just one simple girls opinion.
I loved the Hurt Locker but didn't think Kathryn Bigelow nailed Zero Dark Thirty quite as well. That said she took a huge risk and this was a story that Mark Boal had to tell and I think he did a great job. And you're right Jessica Chastain was perfect in it. Just amazing.
Silver Linings was brilliant! And you got it right on where De Niro is concerned. It was a lovely and fun film and it was fantastic to see Jennifer Lawrence play that roll, she nailed it.
I know what you mean about creating a film that illustrates why the west is hated but I am not sure that a film is the best venue for it. who'd be the best one to make it? A middle Eastern Filmmaker? Probably yes, but would they be given a voice?
Can I assume that you've read Noam Chomsky? I think he writes in a way that makes it clear that we are not so squeaky clean and politics and money can be a very dirty business, but I'm just not sure people are fully ready to hear that yet. OR see it as the case would be if it were a big production.
Oh Sophie, we could talk girl. TAM, movies, politics. Why do you live so far away?!
My film isn't locked yet, they are still doing color correction and sound, but I think they have a fine cut. I've only seen a rough cut so far so am dying to see the final film!! And see it with an audience. Yikes!
They did submit to Sundance for this year, but the submission was pre-mature and we didn't get in. So keeping our fingers crossed for TIFF. Keep me posted on how yours does!!
Big hugs and good luck with the workout!
The goop thing from Tracy was so motivating, but I got really distracted right at the beginning where she talks about "unless you've been getting daily massages, sunshine, etc"...I spent all day imagining a whole month getting daily massages in the sunshine! I guess I just ignored the part about the exercise. All I want to do now is work on my seretonin levels!
ReplyDeleteMorgan
Oh Morgan, me too. Let's run away and do that. lol
DeleteOk, I'm about ready to hit the mat and cardio. Today I looked over the Goop blog also Shan, fantastic, and just for good measure I just replayed Tracy's youtube video again here on your blog. Thanks for that and you sharing it with those who don't GOOP. Goodness, she is strikingly fit! She looks like an action hero in a video game. Never quite seen anything like it. Do you all see that? I swear she is now even more fit than ever and leaner too. Wow, is all I can say and I'm so happy to go sweat tonight because I want to look just like that, just like it! You hear me troops! Happy Days! We have the magic potion...boy, I'm feel lucky right now. This has turned into a real love day folks...and I think I'm turning a corner too in my life too. Exercise is really now a must and a privilege for me.
ReplyDeleteOk, gotta go...
Love the post, thanks, Shan!
Jah, I am so feeling the positive energy that you're absolutely radiating off the screen. Most definitely a love day for you my friend.
DeleteI'd love to look as great as Tracy too. She just rocks those little short shorts! Dam.
Shan, it's hard to believe she just had a baby not all that long ago isn't it! I think that's what being fit can do for you when you get pregnant, and Tracy is no spring chicken anymore either. She also mentioned that she pretty much has one of her protein shakes for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and then whatever she wants for dinner. It also sounds like she exercises in the later a.m., just like Gwyneth, maybe they have been doing it together via live streaming. The new Iron Man 3 movie is due out in the spring, can't wait for it...! I love seeing how Gwyneth is looking, so maybe she will look a lot like Tracy does now? We will see...
DeleteMy new year's resolution regarding TAM 6 days a week again is still intact, moving right along, starting a new 10 days tonight. New moves, new grooves. Have to preview it now.
Bye, JAH
Yes, it goes a long way if you're fit before you're pregnant I guess. I love seeing how great GP looks too. She and Tracy are definitely an inspiration!
Delete