Having Rael in my Lounge at Five in the Morning

By Kerrie Murphy

When I read online that Rael was inviting the BASI community around the world to join him in his first live streaming mat class, I was very keen and excited. When I found out it would be running at 5am Melbourne Australia time on a Sunday morning, I paused and thought … OK. Being the mad, “mat fit” girl that I am, (thanks to Rael) I had to be part of this event.

So there I was, all set up, lounge furniture moved away, my mat rolled out and computer data streaming into the larger plasma screen – all at 4.30am; warming up.

The 10 second count-down and then we were all present, live in Rael’s mat class. I giggled to myself in amazement; it was actually happening.

As Rael began his warm, heartfelt welcome to everyone, I was sitting on my mat, sending my wishes back. Hello from Australia!!

The live stream opened the door to Rael’s class and enabled us to share with him and the class at that moment in time. It was a truly unique and powerful experience. The atmosphere of the studio was very relaxed, while the verbal cueing and corrections that Rael gave to the students flowed with such ease and spontaneity.

I have been taking classes with Rael during his visits here in Australia since 1998, so it felt very familiar to me. I was as attentive as if I was in the studio, taking on the corrections and applying them to my own practice. Yet I was not alone. At the same time, all around the world, people were logged on, drawing in their focus and performing the tasks too; ” lengthen the legs, keep the knees together and lift those feet a little higher! ”

It was wonderful, being in the moment where we were all embracing this time together. Yes, I too was performing an excellent seal puppy!

The flow and rhythm of the class created an energy that was felt throughout the world, all performing the 100’s together, breathing and rolling at the same time around the globe. It was like were at one universal conference.

The constant passion, excitement and enthusiasm that Rael brings to the work, finding more detail and precision in the movements, resonate around the world.

The live streaming captures the present. As Pilates teachers, I feel this is what we are doing for ourselves and our clients every day. We observe and consider what the most appropriate approach to the class is at that time. This form of media highlights the way we communicate, keeping it real and raw. It is what we bring to our classes every day; what maintains our passion and enthusiasm for the work.

Thanks Rael. If we can’t see you as frequently as we would like here in Australia, this is a great way to stay in touch and share a moment in real time with you and the other BASI members around the world. Believe me, when we start breathing and rolling at 5am in the morning, we are aware that we are alive and present!

Kerrie Murphy is director of Infinity Pilates Studio, Melbourne, Australia