Letter 127: Mind Body Connections

When we find ourselves in movement

I was introduced to Jenna Goode through my friend and fellow TLC writer, Bess. I was so curious about Jenna’s passion for finding movement in her work and helping others through her passion. I asked her several questions in a Q&A format and you’ll see her thoughts here below. When people find what they love and work toward their passion, it creates an energetic chain for others who encounter them. I believe this is the case with Jenna and I’d be curious to hear what passions light you up, as well. Please consider sharing with us below in the comments! —Molly

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“For something really good to happen to you, you have to move beyond the place where you’re permanently in control.  I think of the way a surfer is always alternating between being in control (getting on the crest of the wave) & then surrendering ( being taken by the wave). I feel like that is a good analogy for a happy life: the combination of focused ambition with optimistic surrender.” 

Brian Eno

I want people to understand that they are not broken. Their bodies can heal and do wonderful things. This is a beautiful passageway to empowerment.

Although I’m a bit of an introvert, teaching movement and really diving into the how and why of pilates has given me the confidence to use my voice. I’m also an empath, so watching people move better and get stronger (physically and mentally), whether it's for a sport, healing from an injury, or just feeling like a better version of themselves, has been incredibly gratifying. Even the simple things like walking taller are so rewarding to see! 

That connection between mind and body is so important to me.

Although I’ve been active for most of my life, with dance as a kid and sports in my teens, I really got interested in movement and wellness in my last years of college and right after I graduated from the College of Charleston. I had always worked out in most conventional forms–running, aerobics, weight lifting, etc.- to stay in shape or attain a certain weight. 

I began to realize movement helped me so much mentally that the physical results were almost secondary.  

It was while working at the front desk at a Pilates studio in Charleston, that I discovered how closely the body & mind related in movement. I was hooked on the method Joseph Pilates created in the 1930’s fairly quickly. Although, I was a bit intimidated because at the time (the late 90’s), despite the fact the method was created by a man who was an athlete, Pilates teachers were often ballet dancers, whereas I felt like I came from a more athletic build/background.  

I fell in love with how Pilates emphasized whole-body health, breath, centering, rhythm, and control—to name just a few of its movement principles. It felt like a moving meditation to me. I still felt the athletic component, but it was also something I truly enjoyed.  

Practicing in my studio, Core Collective Broad, in Memphis.

I worked through the arduous process of Comprehensive Pilates teacher training which included over 700 hours of practice, observation, lecture & student teaching & eventually became a certified teacher. After having my second child, I realized that parenting brought me home more, away from the studio. While this was a new balance between work and motherhood, I found that I loved the flexibility, the outlet, and the balance of parenting in conjunction with my practice & teaching from home.

However, teaching out of my home felt, at times, a bit isolating. As a movement instructor, it’s important to stay inspired and have the opportunity to learn from other teachers. After having my third child, it was my husband who urged me to get out into the community and open my own space on Broad Ave here in Memphis. 

At first, I felt reluctant to open a commercial space and worried that I would be overwhelmed. But now, I‘m so glad that I took a risk. Owning a studio has not been without challenges and growth opportunities over the past 5.5 years, but I truly love the connections I’ve built with other teachers and the reach with our clients that we’ve been able to build.

My work is about moving with more ease and efficiency, whether it’s in a sport or just in daily life. It’s my very foundation. Pilates plays well with others and is a wonderful compliment to other forms of exercise wise & sports. At my studio, Core Collective Broad, we strive to strike a balance between the therapeutic and healing components of Pilates. So many people come to us with past injuries or movement dysfunction. In turn, we want to help people build strength, balance, mobility and flexibility.

Having the "always learning mindset” has been a central part of my work and journey. I don’t think one ever arrives. Our work with our bodies is truly a learning journey. Even after practicing pilates for 25 years and teaching for twenty, I still feel like both my practice and my teaching are evolving & expanding.

I love having the opportunity to train clients and teach teachers to impact even more people in our community. Our mission is to empower people through whole-body movement so they can sustain themselves throughout every stage of life. Movement can be modified to translate to young people and even into the later years of life. 

It’s the little things. I learn from watching people in the community—how they move in the grocery store or watching their gait running ahead of me or on a court or field.  My mind is constantly engaged with optimizing movement. Being a Pilates teacher stimulates my mental abilities, as well as my creativity. The process involves thinking critically, not just parroting out exercises or routines.

I love having the opportunity to train clients and teach teachers to impact even more people in our community.

My hope for my work is to impact the way people feel about their wellness and offer empowerment to move for a better body and mind. Mindful movement does so much to positively change our mindset with stress management, better focus and more energy.  

You begin to make better choices all around.  

I know I’ll be involved in this work as long as I am able. Hopefully, Pilates will make me a better old person. I will continue to learn about ways we can improve our studio, offer better services, and expand our offerings.  I’d like to write more for our teacher training curriculum and potentially offer it to a wider audience. And someday I can hope to own and operate a wellness retreat somewhere lovely and continue my work. 

My family, friends, clients, and fellow teachers inspire me to keep on in my work. Hopefully I’ve impressed a small amount into my kids to prioritize movement as part of their wellness and help to balance their mind and body. I also hope to foster their ultimate hope in Jesus as the compass for everything they do, wherever they go.

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Jenna’s 5 Favorite Things

• Walks on the Memphis Greenline

• Organic Tulsi Turmeric Tea – Hot tea is so soothing to me before bed.

• An epsom salt bath. I cannot survive without my bathtub time to unwind and think.

• ZO Obagi skincare – I especially like the Growth Factor Serum & Exfoliating Pads/Polish

• Travel –  Especially walkable cities (in Europe if possible) :)

In gratitude,

Jenna Goode

P.S. What lights you up? Share in our comments below about what’s stirring your heart and moving you during these hot summer days.