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I always feel like these articles are a bit self-indulgent. Today, however, that feels just fine because I want to tell you about someone very special, my friend Fred. (That’s me and Fred in the picture at Shambhala Mountain Center almost three weeks ago.)

On the path

Alfred E. Smith from Tipton, Kansas. I met him on Friday, Oct. 9, at 5:30 pm and by 9 pm knew he was a person I would never forget. Fred is a rancher, a retired cop, the father of four grown children – two boys, two girls – part owner of a restaurant, editor and founder of his small-town newspaper The Tipton Times, a Christian, a seminary school graduate, a gifted writer, and a Buddhist; and since last week, my dear friend.

Fred has a statue of the Buddha sitting by the stream that runs through his property. It sits under a Cottonwood tree you can see from his front porch. Every time he drives his big blue Ford four-door off to Colorado his friends say, “Fred’s gone lookin’ for the Buddha again.” They mean it in jest and yet it is their way of acknowledging they don’t understand, but they don’t mind. They love him. Fred draws strength from his faith in God, but his faith allows him to see the depth of joy and open-heartedness that is fostered by his Buddhism. Like no other person I’ve ever met, Fred knows his own heart.

The fact that he exists in Tipton – an anomaly – speaks infinitely to his boundless sense of self, to his courage to accept himself without shame, quilt, or influence from those who might not understand him or want him to be otherwise.

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Excerpts of comments from our teachers about who and what they are grateful for:

Geoff:

There are so many people that play a role in inspiring my Pilates practice: Chantill and Kristen for teaching me to make dreams into reality. Don Fischer for showing me the power of a great attitude. Michal for diving into her teaching schedule plus Bootcamp! Angelina for expanding into teaching sessions and teaching me about hedgehogs, my favorite new cue. Colleen for amazing me with her togetherness and organization. Caitlin for being my first Pilates role model, I wouldn’t be half the teacher I am without her inspiration.

Jo:

I am influenced by so many people…I am particularly thankful to Judy, who allowed me to help her prepare for her surgery and who really showed me how profound of a difference Pilates and a positive attitude can make to an injured body. I am thankful to my husband Andy, without whom I would be unable to pursue my career so fully. I am thankful to my son Wiley, who was my inspiration to become a Pilates instructor.I am thankful for each of you who works at the studio…what an incredible group of people, individually and collectively! And last, but not least, I would like to thank myself. I am my own worst critic, and I’d like to just say…hey self, nice job!

Angelina:

I am soooo grateful for the Pilates Collective Studio space with it’s healing energy..not every space could contain all of the light energy emanating from our teachers and students! I am inspired by the courage of the students and their willingness to be empowered to nurture their bodies minds and spirits.
I am inspired by YOU!,
Chantill and Kristin~ Your awesome role models, I have learned so much from you ladies and benefited from your encouragement, You believe in the studio, in pilates, the students and teachers. You make all of the difference! Chantill’s graceful, elegant mindfulness and Kristin’s strength and gentle power! You guys rock!
Pam~~ You are a fabulous role model for me! I love seeing/listening to you work your magic with clients. Thank you!
Geoff~~ Your sense of humor, strength and skilled teaching, You are starting to realize how awesome you are…I can feel it!
Colleen~~You go, girl!! Energy, flow, focus and all right on time
Jo~~ I love your passion for Mama’s, your humor, confidence and take charge-ness.
Michal~~ What a blessing to have met you, my kindred friend! Your courage is my inspiration..I love watching you grow this new life!
Sarah~~Thank you for blessing my classes with your presence and attention. I look forward to taking some of yours
Tiffany~~ Its been great watching you teach and get your self practice! Dedication, focus and skill!
Caitlin~~It is great to have you back here! I look forward to seeing a lot of you this summer!

Sarah:

I am thankful to Kristie, Tiffany, and Gloria for being excellent role models for me as they balance their roles as teachers mothers and movers. I am thankful for Michael’s grace and openness to being a guinea pig for me! I am thankful for Angelina’s kick butt springboard classes and her uncanny ability to bring serenity and integrity to teaching. I am thankful for Jo’s playful spirit and intelligent advice about working with clients. I am thankful for Geoff’s centered presence (and for letting me observe). For Colleen who has always taken a couple extra minutes to teach me one last exercise or variation in passing. For Kristen for her passion and use of imagery. For Chantill for being a mentor and for her excellent communication skills and boundaries, mixed with just the right amount of support.

Caitlin:

I am grateful to Pilates Collective for opening its arms to me 5 years ago, and welcoming me back for the summer. When I moved away in 2006, I knew there was something so special about this studio. It is a gem; precious, sacred and unique. To work in a space where each teacher places such a high value on their contribution is astounding. We are all so lucky!
I am grateful to Chantill for being my mentor, teacher and fabulous friend! For trusting me, and in turn helping me learn to trust myself. I am grateful to Kristen for sharing her passionate teaching style and joyful presence. I am grateful to Geoff for being my first committed student, who is now a thriving, supportive, and inspirational teacher! I bow in gratitude to every teacher I have had the pleasure of sharing space with since I have been back these past two weeks- AND to every student I have ever had!

Chantill:

I am proud of all of you for showing up everyday with your whole hearts; I am proud of Michael for allowing me to give her a shove; of Geoff for his resilience and stick-to-it-Ness and his desire to be the best teacher he can be; to Tiffany for being open to what comes and being so willing; to Jo for her constant creative energy and honesty; to colleen for all the work she takes by the horns; to Sarah for using us as a safe place in the storm and moving forward even with fear; to kristen for stepping UOL and being willing to teach when I don’t want to; to angelina for her constancy and heart; to Pam for taking the next step and coming back; to gloria for being on the path with us all this time… is that everyone? To kristie for her love of pilates and trusting her own pace.

Michal:

Well, Joe of course, Chantill for knowing when to push me and doing it, god this is easy–ALL the teachers at the studio-I learn every time I’m in from every one of you, Chantill and Kristen for mentoring me and coming up with these brilliant strategies for expanding the business/studio. My clients for teaching me.