This week’s offering comes from a place of quiet personal transformation and reflection, taking form in a meditation with a supporting poem, that l hope will resonate, providing support and nurturance for you in times of change.
Over the past three months, I’ve been navigating a profound shift — body, mind, and soul. Journeying through my Pilates training and spending reflective time with the HIVE cohort of wonderful women.
What started as subtle changes in my physical practice has rippled into the deeper layers of thought, identity, and energy through our cohort meets. Meeting resistance, softness, truth, and release along the way and in the process understanding my motivation vs intention.
This simple poem reflects essence of that journey — the unravelling, the remembering, the tenderness, power, quiet truths and the quiet resilience that comes to the surface when we move through change with presence and let the layers fall away.
(円相) Ensō
In the Zen teachings one word to ENCAPSULATE this essence would be Ensō which represents wholeness, the cycle of life, imperfection, and the beauty of the present moment symbolising the process of becoming, not perfection. It reflects the fluidity of transformation — just like my journey over the past three months. Often drawn in a single breathstroke, it embodies mindfulness and freedom.
This week may these words offer you a gentle mirror for your own path.
Whether you're in a season of growth, stillness, or searching — perhaps something here speaks to where you are, and reminds you that:
You're not alone in the becoming.
The Art of Moving with Purpose
In a world that rushes, the art is not in how fast we move —
but in how aware we are with each step.
Whether lifting, reaching, walking, or still — every movement is an invitation.
An invitation to return.
To move with purpose is not to force.
It is to listen.
To notice the breath as it rises.
To feel the feet as they root.
To allow the spine to grow tall,
not in effort, but in remembering its nature.
Purpose is not intensity.
Purpose is clarity.
When we bring attention to motion,
even the smallest gesture becomes meaningful.
Reaching becomes intention.
Rotation becomes freedom.
Stillness becomes strength.
Zen teaches: “When walking, just walk. When sitting, just sit.”
In our practice, we might say:
“When rolling down, feel the spine.”
“When rising, honour the ground.”
This is presence. This is movement with soul.
So whether you're flowing through Pilates, still in meditation,
or just standing in line —
Move less to get somewhere.
Move more to be somewhere.
And that somewhere... is now.
In a world that often feels like it’s always rushing ahead, lately I’ve been discovering there’s something deeply grounding about embracing both strength and serenity, through mindful movement. This isn’t just about exercising or working out—instead it’s about listening to your changing body, discovering its potential, and honouring it in a way that feels both nurturing and empowering. After having many and varied conversations of late this appears to be the realisation for many.
As someone who’s worked in functional, creative movement and mental health for over two decades, I’ve come to realise that the practices of yoga and pilates combined can offer more than just flexibility or toning—they provide the foundation for functional movement, which translates into a body that moves well in daily life.
That’s what I want to share with you today: how yoga, pilates, and functional movement have shaped my practice and how they can help you find balance, strength, and serenity in your own body.
Finding Balance: Where Strength Meets Serenity
Strength and serenity often feel like they live on opposite sides of the spectrum. One calls for power, endurance, and effort. The other asks for stillness, peace, and surrender. But over the years, I’ve found that true strength is born out of moments of serenity, and serenity becomes more profound when rooted in strength.
Here’s how each practice contributes to that balance:
Yoga: Building Calm from Within
Yoga has been such a huge part of my life—it’s where I learned the art of stillness and breath. I’ve found that yoga doesn’t just open your body, it opens your mind and spirit as well. It allows you to be present with yourself, tuning into what your body truly needs.
But yoga also challenges us. It asks us to hold poses that stretch and strengthen in ways that build both endurance and flexibility. It’s in those moments of holding a pose, when everything burns but you choose to stay, that you begin to understand how strength and serenity aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re intertwined. Yoga is where I first learned that functional movement isn’t just about looking a certain way; it’s about moving in a way that supports everyday life.
Pilates: The Power of Precision
Pilates introduced me to the importance of core strength and alignment. While yoga stretches and strengthens, Pilates brings a new level of control and precision to movement. The focus is on building strength from the center—your core—and improving the way you move through space. I love how Pilates works deeply with the smaller muscles in the body, bringing awareness to posture, breath, and alignment.
The beauty of Pilates is that it’s not just about becoming “toned”—it’s about creating functional strength that supports every day. I’ve seen first hand how Pilates helps to create a lean, strong, and flexible body—but most importantly, it’s about training your body to function better in every moment, whether it’s sitting at your desk, lifting a bag of shopping, or simply walking.
Functional Movement: The Art of Moving With Purpose
This is where yoga and Pilates meet something truly magical—functional movement. In my own practice, I’ve found that understanding how to move efficiently, with control, and with intention has transformed my body in ways I didn’t expect. It’s not just about looking good or pushing through an intense workout—it’s about feeling aligned and empowered in every movement you make and taking into account recovery times.
When we move functionally, we engage muscles in ways that make daily tasks easier, healthier, and more sustainable. It’s the little things—how you stand, sit, or bend—that make a huge difference. These practices give us the awareness to move with more purpose, more ease, and more control, which is key for longevity and a pain-free life.
The Practices: Integrating It All - The Dance of the Soul
For me, Practice is where all these elements come together. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, but rather giving yourself the space to explore, reflect, and integrate what you’ve learned. Practice is the perfect way to take the principles from yoga and Pilates and bring them into real life, whether it’s through a series of intentional movements or simple mindful practices.
Why I’m Passionate About Sharing This
This is what I want for you—whether you’re someone who’s just starting out or a seasoned practitioner, I want to help you connect to your body, build a strong foundation, and cultivate serenity in a way that feels nourishing.
That is why l will be offering personalised 1-to-1 sessions from mid JUNE 25 to guide you through a practice that is tailored to your goals—whether you’re looking to build more strength, increase flexibility, or simply move more functionally in daily life. The beauty of a bespoke practice is that it involves evolves with you, meeting you where you are and helping you move forward.
Let’s create something together that works for your body, your life, and your unique journey. If you’re ready to embrace a balanced practice where strength meets serenity, I’d love to work with you. Let’s explore yoga, Pilates, and functional movement in a way that feels intentional, empowering, and, most importantly, personal.
NOURISH U - Where Strength Meets Serenity
Bespoke 1-to-1 Pilates & Yogalates
Elevate Your Wellness with Bespoke 1-to-1 Pilates & Yogalates Experience a movement journey that is as unique as you.
In today’s fast-paced world, your body deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. My private 1-to-1 Pilates and Yogalates sessions blend the flow of yoga with the precision of Pilates—enhanced with props like weights and resistance bands to create a more refined, mindful, yet strong conditioning experience. This tailored approach allows you to engage in a practice that is both nurturing and challenging, ensuring your body moves in the safest and most functional way.
What to Expect
A personalised program designed for your body, goals & lifestyle.
Hands-on guidance with expert attention in every session when in a physical space/studio/home.
Verbal safety adjustment cueing when practising on online.
Use of props such as weights and resistance bands to deepen strength, mobility, and control.
Providing nurturance in a safe, functional, but creative way.
A harmonious balance of mindful movement and powerful conditioning.
Visible results in posture, muscle tone, and flexibility—Pilates sculpts the body, creating a lean, strong, and balanced appearance that radiates from the inside out.
Ideal for:
• Anyone that wants to delve a bit deeper and slower into functional anatomy to help with their range of movement, injuries.
• Anyone wanting to sculpt, tone, and improve overall wellness through mindful movement
Sessions Available:
📍 In the comfort of your home, Private studio sessions or online.
🕰 Flexible, discreet scheduling for your convenience
This is not just exercise—it’s a refined movement experience designed for lasting strength, elegance, and beauty.
Spaces are limited to ensure exclusivity and focus.
Enquire now for a consultation and begin your journey to a stronger, more balanced you.
📩 salemayoga@icloud.com and via dropping me a message through this platform.
📷 https://linktr.ee/salemaveliu
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