By Rael Isacowitz
Some weeks are more difficult than others, and this one has been particularly trying. I asked Stella in desperation yesterday whether she thought the universe was testing me. She laughed and replied, “probably”. In truth, this is small stuff, compared to the bigger issues in the world; but it is a failing of mine to get wrapped up in the day-to-day and lose sight of the big picture.
Yesterday my day was capped with a post I received from a discussion group I sometimes comment on. The discussion group is hosted and moderated by Reiner, a wonderful person and fine representative of BASI in Germany. He is truly an inspiration and his commitment to Pilates and interest in the wellbeing of this community have always struck me. The post that caught my attention was by a certain Kirk James Smith. I found it negative, pretentious, and in some respects completely untrue (non-factual). My knee-jerk reaction was to lash out with something scathing, but I thought of my mother, who always encouraged me to take a deep breath and respond later (my dad was more of a hot head). In this case my mother was right. In most instances mothers are right, as I always tell my son Elan!
So I responded in what I thought was a statesman-like fashion and am reprinting my response here to let you all decide for yourselves. Prior to my response, Roy, who is an intellectual and writer to the core of his being, wrote some brilliant responses. You will love them. Unfortunately, Kirk James Smith responded to my piece with comments that completely ignored what I had written and continued with his self-serving rant.
At this point I have elected not to respond. Judging by my first encounter with him, at a workshop in 2008, I know it is a bridge to nowhere. I encounter such people periodically in my sessions; my radar picks them out in a crowd like shining beacons of trouble waiting to happen. They do not come to learn, they come to show how much they know. They are the reason I now start every workshop by asking people to turn of their phones and to enter the session with an open mind and open heart. If they cannot do that, the session may not be for them.
So read on, dear friends, and feel free to click through to the full discussion (the original post was on Tuesday at 8:52 pm).
It is difficult to know where to begin with posts like those of Mr. Smith. I agree wholeheartedly with his reference to Roy Isacowitz, in which he said that blood is thicker than water. Roy and I would do anything for each other. We love each other, we have known each other since birth, we are truly like brothers. But let me assure him, that Roy has a mind of his own. He is an accomplished professional, a successful writer and playwright in his own right, a man of 61 who certainly would not be swayed to write on my behalf, if he did not believe it, to his core.
I also applaud Reiner for rising above ego and pettiness and seeking out professional dialogue and universal respect. Is this not what we mean by embodying Pilates? And with such spirit in mind, and my ever-evolving desire to integrate the spirit of Pilates into my life, I will respond to some of your points.
You refer to my “little” book Pilates Anatomy, coauthored with my colleague Karen Clippinger, as simplistic and one that could be written by any PE student. Karen is a professor at CSULB and one of the most brilliant minds in the field of Kinesiology. (Please do yourself and favor and read her book, Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology). I assure you that over a period of 2 years we analyzed each exercise in Return to Life to the nth degree and brought to the book our combined experience, knowledge and philosophies. I am hard-pressed to believe a student of kinesiology could have done it. But that is your opinion and you are entitled to it.
You say that I completely omitted what makes Pilates so special. I assume you mean the mind-spirit. I again could not agree with you more. That is the reason we clearly state in the beginning of the book that we are aware, and hope the reader is, that Pilates is an in-depth study of body-mind-sprit, yet in this text we are taking on the anatomical aspect only. As Roy correctly says, my first book, Pilates, is largely devoted to drawing attention to the deeper aspects of this system, over and above the repertoire. It speaks more of my personal journey that has included years of study of yoga, dance, athletics, a masters degree in human movement and of course 34 years of Pilates. Please note this has included years of study in the “classical” work, including with one of your mentors, Romana Kryzanowska. When you started in 1998 I had been doing the work for 20 years. You may call it pulling rank; I call it speaking to many years of devoted practice. Over 34 years I have seldom done less than 3 Pilates sessions a week and usually more, no matter where I am in the world.
You say “little” Pilates Anatomy book. I assume by “little” you do not mean in length; you mean it as a derogatory and judgmental comment. Pilates Anatomy is 200 pages and Pilates is 334 pages in length. In contrast, Return to Life is 105 pages and Your Health is 64 pages, both written by Joseph Pilates himself. So again, this is your opinion and I will defend your right to have it.
Regarding the workshop you attended, the title of the workshop was “Pilates, Biomechanics and Reality” not “Pilates, Biomechanics and Truth”. I would never profess to know the truth. I can however speak of how biomechanical concepts have been taken too far and are causing negative repercussions. Actually the thrust of this workshop is to find middle ground between the “classical” approach to body positioning and the contemporary approach. I feel that the contemporary approach has at times deviated too far from the intent of Joseph PiIates and in so doing is missing the point of some of the exercises. I am sorry that you found it shallow in substance. It would be futile to try and discuss with you the challenges of taking on such an enormous topic in a relatively short workshop. Yet again, I defend your right to your opinion.
As to your own background, I know 2 of your teachers well, Mary Bowen and Moira (Stott) Merrithew. In many ways they represent the diversity of our Pilates community and I will do all I can to defend that diversity. I highly respect and love both these women. I have taught together with Moira, as I have with many other professionals, including my own teacher and mentor, Kathy Grant. I will always regard such interactions as highlights of my career. I can only think that these 2 teachers would be disappointed and embarrassed by your demeaning attitude.
There are many other points I would love to make, but this is probably not the forum. Let me close by saying I am truly saddened by your words. It is not the Pilates way, and will certainly not take this community in a direction of unity and understanding. At the same time I am encouraged to see others express their open-mindedness. I often envy the music industry. Would you ever hear Eric Clapton saying Jeff Beck does not know how to play the blues like he does? Would you hear Sheryl Crow saying Natalie Maines does not know how to sing? Would you hear Isaac Stern saying Izhak Perlman does not play the violin in the true way? NO, what they do is admire each other and collaborate with each other. Will the time ever come that we can truly learn from each other? I hope so, but until then I will defend your right, and everyone else’s right to an opinion.
Rael I think your reply is very well worded and what this reminds me if is what a friend sent me this week. “If only closed minds came with closed mouths.”
Knowledge is power and your book and work gives us all so much.
Its the end of this week and next week will be so much better !
I agree wholeheartedly!!!
With Rael so eloquent, professional, and almost humorously showing who has the “spirit” of Pilates. I can only kind of listen to Raels mother right now (and my husband)…so I did edit out most of what I really think. Perhaps I should wait until tomorrow? Here is a copy of the invitation ‘Kirk’ will receive from me. Feel free to tell me if I should leave out the part about the planet he lives on.
Dear Kirk Smith,
Your negative “interpretations” reveal you as a bit embarrassing,
uninspired, and extremely insecure. I don’t think you should be trying to teach others in the same field I have been in for what feels like since
I was born. It will only be an oxymoron.
However, I do live a life that helps people, and wouldn’t turn you away.
Come to New York from whatever planet you live on. Ill teach you not only what Pilates
is all about on all levels, but how to behave and succeed inside this big world….
And maybe even more importantly, inside your own head.
Kindest Regards,
Lynda Salerno Gehrman
Dear Rael,
Yes, it was a rough/ tough week, but you came through like a champion. The reality is that you have a community of people that love and respect you. We admire your passion for teaching and the true art of Pilates. A nae sayer usually means you are doing the right thing. I will leave you with this thought – the Universe will never give you more than you can bear.
Hi Rael, I’m quite new to pilates but have been a shiatsu practitioner for some time and more recently also a stretch therapist. I wanted to thank you for the help your book has given me from the point of view of understanding what’s going on anatomically in the body as we move about. Alongside whatever other people’s subjective opinions are as to depth, length and breadth of this book I want to say it’s near perfect for want I need right now. I think it’s easy, wonderfully clear and actually remarkably fun to read and most important it puts together for me in one unfolding narrative the story of human movement in a way I’ve been trying to piece together for ages. And for this I would call it a very sweet sized jewel.
So Rael if your goal is to educate and fascinate people wanting to know more about how their bodies function in a pilates context I have to say “mission very well accomplished!” in my case. Thankyou and keep publishing books like this one please !
Hi Rael,
I was actively watching the internet “heat up” while this conversation was going on…..believe me Mr. Smith did nothing for his reputation and you showed your true colors……grace, patience, dignity and a civilized conclusion to “agree to disagree”. Just look at the “Likes” that the bystanders were clicking for you. If Pilates instructors weren’t so darned gracious, Mr. Smith would have been eaten alive that night, but we didn’t need to go there. You and Roy did a great job using reason and facts to defend your positions. Another great example of showing us how to handle “those types”, whether in the Pilates field or not, and being civil with the uncivilized. Now Roy’s references to Shakespeare were just way over my head…..his intellect scares me at times; ( shhh…lets not share that with him!)
You handled him beautifully……I am grateful for your example, Carrie
All I can say is that I am in disbelief with how anyone in this world could say anything so untrue! This was a perfect example how one person try’s to ruin it for all because those who choose and act like the world will not get far but those who walk in faith and pour their hearts out and choose good will always go far cuz god is not the world! This was definitely a test between evil and good and anyone who always does the right thing and pours out their mind, body, and spirit to everyone in this world that crosses his path will not let an evil comment disrupt the family that everyone in Pilates from around the world is! This has been an ongoing thing in many peoples families friendships and all types relationships over the years and it’s sad how an individual can try to destroy the good but thru our strength and graces from god we are able to show compassion, kindness, love and be humble even to those who prowl thru the world seeking to destroy those who choose good! Rael, you will have not just a wonderful
week but many many more blessed years ahead!
All the best,
Janeen
Dear Rael,
In 2009, with much trepidation and at the height of the financial crisis, I opened my Pilates studio, PilatesMoves, in Essen, Germany. My professional success is due in a large part to my education with BASI. I asked one of my teacher trainers during the first modules to describe what personified BASI’s methodology. The response I received was to be „analytical“.
It is only with an analytical mind that we teachers can further develop an opinion on our own practical usage of the Pilates method. That has been key in my approach as a trainer and ultimately my client’s satisfaction. Afterall, it all boils down to that solitary moment when I stand there with my client and their ailments and…. my education.
Therefore, I take umbrage (and I think I speak for BASI colleagues WORLDWIDE) to the barage you and Karen received on the forum. I am truly disappointed that a fellow Pilates teacher would demonstrate such a lack of professional respect and be downright insulting. In this Body-Mind-Spirit profession, we must be loving to our clients, and each other.
Rael, once again you were a gentleman and I am proud to be associated with you and BASI. Bravo!
With respect,
Noreen
What an eloquent and substantial response. As I consider myself to be a beginning “classical ” teacher ( 10 years) who uses some contemporary accessories to assist with the exercises I have nothing but sadness where so called “well trained” professionals try to demean other instructors. Real’s books assist in my understanding of the anatomical processes in the method. With such bitterness in a mind how can that person teach the public with any integrity of the method?
Dear Rael,
it really saddens me, that comments like those of Mr. Smith have the power to make you defend your amazing work. You are such an inspiring person.I´m very proud of being a BASI student and I am thankful for the depth and knowledge and commitment that you bring along. None of your work could possibly be called “little”.The universe might not be testing you, but give others the opportunity to let you know how deeply we appreciate your work!
Katja
Dear Rael,
It is clear to me that you have always held yourself to the highest standards in your work, whether it is your books or teacher training and this is clearly evident to many people all around the world. I, for example, made the effort to travel from New Zealand to Sydney recently to attend a Pilates conference you were headlining purely because I was so impressed with the integrity with which you put together your book “Pilates”. Others travel much further to see you. The teaching community that you have created bears testament to others’ belief in your skill and integrity also.
When the evidence is overwhelming that you are helping people, why worry about the uninformed opinion of one person? I think that oftentimes, individuals’ comments in these fora receive more attention than they should.
Thank you for your work.
Warm regards,
Rachel Stockwell
Dear Friends,
I thank you for not only embracing my words but the spirit that they were intended to convey. I have received such heartfelt words of guidance, encouragement and inspiration, that I realize yet again, that encounters like this build strength and character (this time it is my father’s voice I can hear – he was also right at times!).
Michael, please thank your friend for his wisdom, simple and to the point. I truly hope you and I get to meet more in the future and in musical terms – jam a little.
So my friends, onward and upward and – thank you!
Dear Rael, as always the impression you have made is quite profound, and eloquently stated. I loved Carrie’s response above; and would just like to add one short comment about your analogy to some very special musicians – you often refer to the “symphony” of movement, or the necessity of “rhythm” in observing the gleno-humeral joint. The truth is right there, in the music. Such a worthwhile approach to the work.
Wow! First I would like to say that I was attending a teacher training course and during our anatomy lessons I asked Constance if she knew of any Pilates Anatomy books. When she said that Rael was co-authoring one I was so excited!! I ordered one from Jeanne the week it came out and I love it.
I think that sometimes the universe sends us these people and we always have a choice whether or not to engage in the conflict. I believe and I know that many other readers of the Anatomy book see it as a practical, useful reference. When I first began my Pilates Journey one of the texts that I regularly referenced and still do to this day was the Pilates text written by Rael. One of the reasons that I chose BASI is because I believe that I was investing in one of, if not the highest quality Pilates programs out there.
I have never had the privilege to meet Rael, but with just my readings and experiencing his incredible teacher training course any one that questions him not spreading or emphasizing the “spirit” of Pilates is a fool. The bible tells us, It is not wise to argue with the fool because the listeners can not tell which is which. I am proud to have come from a training institution that did not sink down to the level of an obviously very ignorant and arrogant individual.
Keep on keeping your head up and thank you for creating such a wonderful program!
Rael, have admired you and your philophy in many aspects for many years…. and have added your new book to our Studio Library… respect your reaction and your integrity!!!
Dear Rael, you are surrounded all over the globe by instructors, students and world-wide known experts in the Pilates method who admire and respect your work and who love you for sharing your passion… and we cannot all be wrong! I cannot express often enough how grateful I am what you taught me.
Reading through the discussion I thought (what I often think when watching discussion rounds on TV or reading them): what does it bring to the world? How in this special case does the Pilates community benefit from it? On a sidenote: many theatre directors would be unemployed if Shakespeare’s work would always be performed traditionally! Should we not get back to our core business and instead on judging over someone’s workshop or book go in our studio and teach the best Pilates classes we have to offer? Should we not instead of investing our time to discuss about Shakespeare rather make other people’s life healthier and happier through Pilates, what we at the end (hopefully) all believe in? Exchange is good and helpful though, as long as it stays positive and objective and answers the purpose.
Hi Rael,
I bought your Book “Pilates” in 2008 and “Pilates anatomy” six months ago.
I also use your “pilates interactive” since 2 years and I have enjoyed your
long mat workout as well as a lot of workouts from BASI-trainers at
pilatesanytime.
In short I am a fan of your BASI method. I agree with Noreen, it is “analytical”.
The descriptions of the 45 exercises are very precise. I enjoy very much the
anatomical part of the book. It is exactly what I need to understand what
muscles are activated at each exercise. I admire also the concision of the book.
It is easier to say the same thing in much more pages…
Gerard (Berlin)
Dear Rael,
Dear BASI friends & colleagues,
I need to admit that I feel ashamed about what has happened. As I opened the internet forum and the facebook group I seeked to create a place where Pilates enthusiasts – independently of any Pilates school – could share their experiences, thoughts, questions and some times even hopefull wisdom. Never would I have envisioned that we would end up in such fight. Since then the mood has calmed down and I believe that we enjoy a more civilized discussion.
I want to personally thank you Rael for reacting with patience and also ending this discussion by not replying to Kirk’s further comments. You are truely a gentleman, a great and inspiring teacher and a great author. I love your books!
All the best, Reiner