The Portugal diaries. I have recently returned from a week in Portugal teaching on a Pilates retreat. A journey of many firsts - and a professional adventure in many ways! ![]() When Donna, Studio owner / Pilates guru (and also someone I am lucky enough to call my friend), asked me to teach on the Pilates retreat for ‘The Studio at Bank House’ I said yes! It was new and exciting and, when it seemed so far away, I was simply excited. I knew, even when I said yes, that I would be nervous. As it got closer, I felt more than that - scared and full of self-doubt. I also know, and have learnt over the last few years especially, that being out of your comfort zone really is a good thing for self-development. Of course, this doesn't feel so at the time. When the heart is beating fast and the stomach churning, you wonder why the hell you agreed to go abroad for a week, a party of 14 people, only knowing one of them. Oh, and to teach them Pilates too!! By then though, I was committed and I knew I would make it happen. Plus, if you can take yourself out of your comfort zone, push through things which feel uncomfortable, uneasy, new and scary, you get through it and realise you have grown as a person. Not only that but you can do it again! So, how was it? Different, new, and fabulous! Clinging on to a stranger as the plane took off was a new one for myself (and them!). As was arriving at a resort in a nice swift mini bus (rather than a painfully slow, stopping coach, crammed with hot holidaymakers, 4 children clinging onto spare sick bags from the plane - memories with my dearest sister from last time I was abroad! When we arrived, I was in awe of the place. The village was beautiful - quiet, calm, totally relaxed and tranquil (Not words I often use about my surroundings at home!). It was warm, safe, chilled. The pace settled quickly into a different life - not having to cook yourself meals, a few drinks (well they twisted my arm a few times!) and sleeping through the night - amazing after 7 years of a child who never sleeps through! Stepping up to teach a sea of new faces was a tough one though after my SPS classes. It always is - no matter how long you have taught for I think. But, from a life-long teacher, whom I respect very much - my Dad, it's the nerves showing you actually care and want to do a good job, giving you that little burst of adrenaline to perform to your best ability. I had wobbles, I missed home - for all its mess and chaos and kids hounding me every 5 minutes, it was bizarre to be only with adults for so long. I must confess that I cried at missing the school class assembly and sports day - and worried if everything would be going to plan at home (I’m sure my thousands of emails and lists helped with the childcare and running of the house though - nothing like being organised!). All these "firsts" were tough, guilt-ridden and tinged with emotion. There were a couple of times I had a good cry but I managed to suck it up, move on and kept going - as this is part of a greater long term professional journey for me, SPS and also my family. The days are filled with as much or as little as you like. An early morning class (which is awesome!) - waking up your body, as the sun rises, is a beautiful way to start the day. Pilates outside, with the sun on your face, the blue sky above you ( I always say look up / lift arms to the sky in my classes - which will never quite be the same at the village hall from now on!), the breeze through the palm trees (and the parrots squawking in the background is also pretty amazing!) The peace of waking early and setting out for class, with the sun shining and the stillness was a far cry from the school run and usual morning chaos! There was a mix of Pilates Pure Stretch and Barre Pilates. A full English breakfast (or any variation of) in the sunshine follows - leisurely and lots of laughing, tea and coffee. Sunbathing poolside, shopping in the local town, cliff top walks, trips to the beach...as little or as much as people chose to do. For anyone wanting a day packed with lots to do or anyone wanting a complete chill it was all there - you chose. ![]() Amazing evening meals in a variety of restaurants. One night we had live music and dancing out by the pool. Even working on the laptop in the sunshine also felt different. Being with amazing people was incredible - hearing their stories, their highs and lows, traumas and losses, to see how people have changed direction, turned things around and picked themselves up with life's knocks, Pilates bringing them together. It's powerful stuff! To share and learn from, often heartfelt things, was amazing - for me, the highlight of the trip. There was so much laughing, people made firm friends - many are returning in October for the second trip or already making sure they have a space next year. People who had never met are arranging to meet when they return home. I met a fantastic group of women whom I hope to see again. I knew what Donna meant when she told me the place was magical - I truly did fall in love with Burgau. Unlike most holidays I have been on, this is also a place I am keen to go back to. Leaving was mixed - I was excited to see the kids (the euphoria for them was nearly a full 5 minutes for the little one and maybe 30 seconds for the teenage one when I returned) and get back and see all my own clients. I missed my classes during the week. However, when I left and watched the Algarve drift into the distance, the only way I could not feel sad was to promise myself I would be back…and soon! I would like to say a huge thank you to the ladies who allowed me to teach them (and who, I have to say, gave some fantastic professional feedback on my sessions). Thank you to Donna for asking me to go and believing in me as ever. Thank you to Portugal for giving me an amazing experience…I will be back. I laughed, I cried, I learnt and I grew… El x
3 Comments
Dinah
8/7/2018 20:26:57
I love this with all.my heart.
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Sallyann Reed
9/7/2018 04:45:11
You were joy to meet Ellie and it was joy to be part of your classes, great times ahead for you young lady, and WE WILL meet up again very soon, when your next up in Sunny Taunton give me and Lesley a message, See you soon sweetheart xx
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Jo Wainwright
9/7/2018 15:47:52
Well written Ellie, it was also my first time away with the group and, like you, I was very nervous but I loved the whole experience. I loved your Barre Pilates especially. Keep up the good work and hope to meet up soon.xx
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AuthorI'm Ellie - I started my Pilates journey when I had a bad back. I fell completely in love with it! Archives
April 2019
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