As a doctor who addresses patients' desires for facial perfection on a daily basis, I am the first to point out that we are all asymmetrical.  I know, for example, that my right eye does not open as wide as my left eye when I smile, and that a bump on the right side of my nose makes it very difficult to find sunglasses that sit straight on my face.

So how is it possible that before I began my Anya experience, I was completely unaware of the asymmetries of my body?

I remain astonished by the anatomical insubordination of my right wrist-- with great focus and strain it only partially grounds, while the left wrist effortlessly obeys.  It is as if, at 36, I am only meeting my wrists now for the first time.  How were they such strangers?  And my toes?! They are clearly all radical free thinkers.  And I never knew!
Each session is a glorious exploration of my body-- such a basic tenet of my human experience yet so new.  To know the names of the joints and bones and ligaments in a text book of anatomy is useful in medical school, but to know how to think, where to focus, what to push, what to pull to make the adjustments requested in pilates, is a different thing altogether.  I am excited to exercise this mindful awareness of my body.  There is much to learn and practice in harmonizing left and right.
When I walk out of Studio Anya after a private session, I feel as though all of my parts are working harmoniously in alignment.  These experiences are welcome additions to my life as I feel lengthened and stretched, graceful and de-tensed, peaceful and centered.

Written by Hadley King
Body Banter