Aerial Mind

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

2011 Reflections

As we leave December, I can only say thank you 2011, and I am choosing

this image that evokes simplicity, stillnes ans beauty..... to do so.
Three montsh after giving birth to my daughter I can seat down and refelct on what life has been showing me.

The biggest gift, my daughter Elise -now 3 months old and growing fast and strong.

The biggest lost, my grandmother.

The biggest challenge: having to stay still, due to some health concerns

A rewarding surprise; love from people I did not know so well

I have been advocating for movement as a source of balance and strength for quite some time now, using aerial movement as the tool to enhance your body awareness , the connection with your internal dialogue and of course the playful spirit that we all have (sometimes sleeping though...), it is ironic that this year inspite of the changes in my own ability to move-I have not change my mind -but actually have deepen my understanding of movement .I comprehend now the "two sides" of our being on a 3 dimensional reality.

Movement ans stillness....as one.

And as I try to continue my recovery process , I see how the students and teachers at the School create and provide a source of inspiration for those who love aerials, circus and the surreal world of music and movement, knowing that; gives me a positive outlook to what is to come- once I am able to move freely again...

In the meantime, I stay still-and wonder what else will this phase teach me....

Have a great end of the year.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

September Flow

As we approach a new academic year this Sept 2011, it seems like the summer flew by.

Between Circus Camp- exciting new venues for people to try at the studio and many babies on board- we are growing and becoming more diverse than before.

The process makes me think about the ability of things to -unfold-.

Most specifically, the way things go by without our intervention or-inspite of it.

Being close to become a mom again, I think has encourage me to find a different meaning in realizing what you have or don't have control over and how that extends to life in its many different levels.

The humbling experiencing of surrender to reality- in an accepting, loving and non-judgmental way- is not easy, however with people that encourage you and remind you about the limits of your reality it is possible.At the very end is practice, practice and practice, like when you are getting ready for a performance....

The interesting thing is that actually to be able to perform and accept reality at your best you need to stay flexible and accommodate through a variety of "mini-adjustments" to stay strong in the air....or the ground. A friend of mine made me see this a couple of weeks ago and gave me a renewed perspective of stability- as constant flow, or as I always thought before -change as being the only constant in life....

My work at the PSCA will resume at some point next year 2012, Aerial Minds' activities will have a pause as I gathered new ideas , get adjusted to the changes in my life and decide how to restart slow movement after surgery.

I am open to what will come and thankful fort he people that helped to stay centered over the last couple of months.

See you soon,

Stay strong- and flexible.

Christy Gorigoitia, Psy.D

Clinical Psychologist and Aerialist

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Balanced body....balanced mind.. a Panel discussion and networking event-JULY 19, 2011

Summer at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is going great, full kids and youth programs on a fulll swing, some interesting new venues to perform for ongoing students and the exciting addition of new babies to our circus family.

As a new challenge we are conducting the first Pilot study with the help of our students, parents are invaluable volunteers. The goal is to to look into physical self efficacy, social skills and circus skills acquisition, we are excited and looking forward to share the results.

On a different note my last event from aerial mind will focus on wellness, stress and performance is called

Balanced Body...Balanced Mind

This will be a panel discussion and Business Networking

join us to learn positive strategies to stay balanced and centered during the summer. Plus, network and meet new people that support- your goals in staying at your best!

Joining me on the panel are Health Coach Stephanie Shelly and Therapeutic Aromatherapist Lucey Harley.

If you are:
A curious person that strives for better health
An active person that wants to know more about how to reach your peak performance
Looking for a positive evening focused on well-being and relaxed networking
Then this event is for you...

Please register by July 17 at 610 264-2208 or aerialmind@gmail.com

When? Tuesday, July 19
7:00 pm to 8:30 PM

Where? Lehigh Valley Sports Academy
1665 East Race Street
Off Airport Road in Allentown

Please

Christine Gorigiotia, Psy.D.
Owner, Aerial Mind

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Performing to our best

This upcoming Tuesday June 7 at 7:30 pm I will be at the Leigh Valley Sports Academy (see link below) for the first Workshop of two which will end in a networking event at the end of July.

Parents, coaches and just about anybody who would like to learn and get a practical experience regarding Performance and Wellness Adherence is welcome.

The goals:

* Provide Cognitive Behavioral strategies to increase adherence to wellness
* Identify barriers to performance
* Learn two behavioral strategies to decrease stress and increase performance.

The cost for this workshops is $30 and you can register in the following number: 610 2642208

June 28: Focused on Children

The aerial dance classes and workshops have been postponed until spring of 2012.
I will keep you posted on the upcoming events related to sports, body/mind psychology and prevention.

Have a great week end.

Christine Gorigoitia Pys.D.
Clinical Psychologist & Aerialist

http://www.aerialmind.com

http://www.lehighvalleysportsacademy.com/

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Performance and Wellness

The flower in this picture really made me think of the perfect balance in nature and how us- so often fall out of balance not even knowing that the real tool to be able to get up and fly again is just to the reach of our hands-, by keeping an open mind and willingness to change.

This upcoming Tuesday May 24 at 7:30 pm I will be at the Lehigh Valley Sports Academy (see link below) for an Open House talk about the connection between performance and wellness adherence.

The focus will be on children, so parents, coaches and just about anybody who would like to learn about these concepts and how to work with them is welcome.

The goal of the talk is:
To provide knowledge regarding the performance and wellness interconnection
To provide the guideliens to identify signs of stress in your child
To provide behavioral strategies to address decreased perforamance in children
To allow parents to identify stregths in their children wellness status.

If you would like to deepen your knowledge about it, I will run two workshops within the next month, same time 7 :30 pm-same place.
The cost for this workshops is $30 and you can register in the following number: 610 2642208

June 7: Focused on Adults
June 28: Focused on Children

The aerial dance classes and workshops have been postponed until spring of 2012 due to my unexpected hernia -and I will keep you posted on the upcoming events related to body and mind psychology and prevention, of course always talking about the mental health from a strength based approach where the focus is on behavioral change and positive strategies to stay balance.

Have a great week.

http://www.lehighvalleysportsacademy.com/

Friday, May 13, 2011

Time to be grounded

March and April went fast and all the focus at School was in "Performing".
After an amazing round of student performances and a one of a kind experince at the Green Fairy cabaret , I think most of us feel like it is time to breath.

Being "grounded" again after a good time can feel wired for some of us, at the same time it gives you an opportunity to redefine and see where do you want to go: learn about movement, challenge your body, redirect the attention of our practice- the possibilitie are endless.

I think that is the spirit at the School keep moving and exploring and allow yourself to be proud not just the day of the "show" but every day that you face.

The day might be about driving, walking or breathing the air around you.
That energy that we put on the little things will help us to accomplish the big goals.....being a Show or a simple day between -you and you- grounded.

See you at the studio.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

New Aerial Year

As the year keeps moving forward so does the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.

New projects like the green Fairy Cabaret and upcoming student showcases start to swing with every days that goes by. A rehearsal , a new idea, a movement in the creation of a character.

Have you thought about what performances that you will be leading this year? in a figurative way of course...

Playing mom, worker, lover or a thief has a different meanings depending on who you are... and where you are, regardless of that, we all have an innate -power of performing to our best -
if we decide to do so. A healthier you a kind attitude or a different relationship means effort and work.

With that positive mindset is that we are starting the year or I am encouraging to do so.

At the studio performance has the power of surprising us and inspiring us and we will continue to work together as small pieces in this big idea of a circus community.

Come and continue to have fun in the air ....or the ground with us...

See you at the studio.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Creative Learning

Creative Learning , seems to be the best way to label what has been going on over the last year in the Aerial Prep class at the studio.

People from different background and ages have “jumped” into their fears and have been able to have some positive experiences with two of the most fun circus apparatus, fabric and trapeze. Some of the goals that people have share with me include, “fitness” ,“stress reduction”, “fun”, “challenge” and curiosity….at the end of 2 months usually half of the people stays for another session, half move on to try something else- once their fears have been vanished.

Aerials can be intimidating, hanging upside down, trusting your body to hold you 20 feet into the ceiling might seems like –not possible-, but it is. Most people start with some negative self talk “can not do that”- no way… however with time they change the way they talk to themselves. There is no magic here. Trial and error, trial and perseverance, trial and commitment. And every time I find myself at the end of the session with renewed hopes: hopes of change and learning; not just about aerials but about what you can and cant do if you set your body and your mind to do so.

The only constant that I know in life is change- and my practice as an instructor has been no exception. I will be starting one on one sessions and small group work starting in March in Philadelphia and Coopersburg. The goal: change- the tool: aerials.

I wish you flexibility, tolerance and perseverance for this 2011 in body- and mind.

See you at the studio.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Momentary Stop

October November and December, seemed like the blink of an eye.

We had a great workshop in October with Adam Woolley, the Phantastical Phanatical Cabaret in November
and a well deserved upcoming party for friends and staff members around the corner.

This year has been definitely a year of growth, our Director Shana Kennedy moved to Canada to join the Cirque Du Soleil venture TOTEM as a family, a new director Robin Marcotte has taken the lead with positivity and knowledge and as a circus family we continue to expand and face new challenges that we know (or I know) for sure we will be able to adjust too and support.

As I find myself teaching the last session of the season and the year, I can feel the urge to STOP.
STOP for a moment and look inside and out to see what the movement in my life and people's life brought...and I wonder...

What opportunities of growth will this next year bring?

Some growth in the circus language...will mean to learn a new trick,
some growth might mean a new sequence..
out of the ring...the studio or the apparatus.. .

Some growth might mean to learn to listen- not just to the trainer, partner or leader in your life- but listen to yourself.

In the middle of this season and the so common craze of motion -
I feel the need to stop: in the air or in the ground, to be able to look around - inside- and down... and see your entire self.

No tricks , pure you- unapologetic honest and free.

Have a good Holiday.
See you at the studio.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

American Youth Circus Organization, two words.

One week after the America youth Circus Organization conference- and we are already getting ready for Florida in August of 2011- that is the definitely the spirit!

AYCO in two words this year at the New England Center for the Circus Arts would have to be the following: inspiring and innovative.

Inspiring because you keep seeing how the power of circus arts brings together people from different backgrounds , religions and places.

Innovative because for the first time an invitation was made to the "academia" to show the nose in the ring and take a look: the results (see detailed information at AYCO web page): participation in a circus arts program increased a sense of physical self -efficacy in Young teens. (Ooh!! and he term now- would be circademia)

As a preliminary study , I am happy to say that it showed us that journey has started, some people might like the idea of -showing with data- that what we do have a positive effect on youth- others might disagree, they want to keep the magic of the ways circus arts work their way into the human mind.

As a psychologist... and aerialist... I have not made my mind yet and I think that in the meantime my job is to spread the word, maybe collect some more data and fire up the debate so that people knows that we have more and more to talk about and play or re/play.

What I know for sure is that- because of who we are as unique individuals and as a whole community-beyond the red nose, the glitter, the juggling and the strong muscles we will find that no matter what the debate brings we will respect each other, value this upcoming "data" about circus and support the expansion of our field.

Today is "circademia" ...tomorrow it might be the hard core- science of- being happy....in other 4 words maybe: being at the circus.

See you in the air.
Enjoy the Fall.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Aerial Dance ...play time!

Dancing is built within us. from the very ancient civilizations to these days, being able to move your body to the beats of musical tones has been found allover the world.

There is no difference when you include an aerial apparatus in the equation of body and music.This past Monday a group of enthusiastic and graceful young women joined the aerial improv workshop. The aerial warm up (literally- we use the trapeze to warm up too :), allowed us to get to know each other a little and infused us with some needed energy that we were going to use for the rest 90 minutes.
"Driving" the apparatus, difference between tempos and exploration of the body in the single point trapeze described different moments of fun swinging, turning and ..yea hp getting dizzy too!!
However, all new things sometimes gives us that belly/head sensation... the deal with aerials is that in spite of that- you allow yourself to stop for a moment - and then continue -to try whatever "new trick or movement" that was making you dizzy, antsy or scared.

As we moved into learning some new vocabulary and rest our hands from all the gripping, I realized that all of this Jung women had something in common, they were just curious about the aerial dance-idea.
I hope they had a chance to try something new...or get a taste to pursue further curiosity, or maybe- at the same time -I hope that they just reconnected with something that they already knew they could do: just breath and move to the beat of their hearts, just now also -
in the air.

see you at the studio, it was a great day.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Moving and improvising....aerials

As the summer slowly gives away to shorter days the movement on the everyday tasks keeps pulsing. The fact that days will be shorter and nights longer , send us some signs for a different type of movement in terms of our circadian rhythms and the way our mind and body work at unison.

Classes at the studio will have a small pause during this transition to Fall of 2010.

As we pause, there is an opportunity to try new things.
I am very happy to say that aerial dance improv will be one of those moments of exploration.

Steaming from my previous love of aerial dance and the most recent influence of Carrie Heller's therapeutic approach to aerials and circus arts, I invite you to come and let yourself -play. No experience necessary.

To the sounf of music , the idea is to try a new dimension of your ongoing passion for aerials or, if you are new to this venue -be taken away by something new like swinging low, integrating the space under the trapeze and hopefully noticing that "tricks" might not be the only approach to circus arts- but a sense of artistic expression from the most valuable source of improvisation- you.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Therapeutic Fun...

Circus arts therapy , PSCA next place to play!!
As the hot summer days start to warm our bodies, our mind can get a little cloudy, maybe not just because of the heat, but halfway through the year we might start to feel the consequence of a full schedule, lack of sleep and all the daily responsabilities that might leave very little for simple things that are as important as our daily food..... have some rest and some fun....even if we are in the "adult" bracket...

Carrie Heller's therapeutic circus arts has become over the last couple of years my inspiration when it comes to creativity, knowledge and self -care.
Circus Arts therapy is this beautiful hybrid between the body and mind connection, between a therapeutic opportunity and the world of circus arts. Through some talking, bouncing and swinging, every person is encouraged to find balance in their lives, emphasizing self-care, nutrition and body awareness.
Being part of the first generation team trained in Circus Arts therapy has been a tremendous experience, Brande, Marisa and Marci, plus all the staff members at the Circus Arts Institute in Atlanta, made this stay something therapeutic in itself.

I just extend the invitation to everybody , children and adults, to find some space in their lives and allow themselves to be playful ...for some that might be some time with their nephews, children or neighbors, for others it might be just to go for a walk in the park- for us- and I guess I will speak for myself and a few that I know- it is being around the Circus School....... to play , to learn, or perform, and from now on, why not - to find our own therapeutic time - which is nothing else than playful self-care.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Reset

As the time keeps moving along and the blossoms turned into flowers, continuing the aerial practice through the summer -after a gorgeous set of performances during the student showcase in May keeps me engaged and inspired in the power of movement. Take a look and get inspired with some shoots taken by Jill's friend.... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=58143&id=1536694238&l=a284b9e113

Summer heat and showers can take us through a myriad of situations, feeling hot, exhausted happy and maybe tired or frustrated at moments...the challenge though -is to keep yourself flowing...with the season...not against it.

Even knowing that whatever change is coming might make you sweat and surrender, the calmness within can keep you a float or...swinging in the air,....
with our director moving to Canada literally, following the circus... (Gregg, her husband is part of TOTEM the latest Cirque Du'Soleil production) and making a pause in her physical presence at the studio, we have to think that her movement will still
be present.

The words of encouragement for each of us as teachers, students or colleagues, the open arms to crazy ideas and the loving passion that she shares about the circus arts are staying with us as a source of energy, that will be recharged and hopefully renewed, by the time she comes back.

In the meantime, we will keep moving, up and sideways, down and around , and we will embrace her idea of the studio continuing to be a joy full free and safe place for practicing what you love the most.... circus, aerials or just the silence and calmness of the place, her place the PSCA.

See you at the studio.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Spring Creativity

It is Spring already.
IT seems like having the sun up in the sky and warmer temperatures allow us to feel a change in our perceptions.

So at the studio two of teachers, Niff and Kendra, proposed something new.
Let's get a show together.

Between ideas, rehearsals, discussions and blocks along the road, it seems like we will be up and running at the end of April.

The invitation is to come and enjoy, a performance that comes from the desire of change and transformation that all of us has, wishes or hopes to attain in some area of their lives. That is the root of the name CHRYSALIS.

Different people, different apparatus- one idea that thread us as one-
allow you to see the joy of being in the air and the power of transforming yourself for one act, one time or forever.

Enjoy the show

For Tickets please visit:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/103866

Or check
http://www.phillycircus.com/

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Transitions

Last week we completed another session of Aerial conditioning.

As we had our last conversations between stretches, I was happy to hear how my students experienced the session and what were they hoping for the next one.

One particular student caught my attention through this session.
At some point she mentioned to me how she got injured from overdoing...another physical practice.
I saw her class by class, really focused, engaged- in the present
trying to do her best, but this time with a better sense of kindness to her body.

It seemed like she did not wanted to get hurt this time, so she made a choice of becoming strong through kindness to her body instead of -pushing....to the limit..of pain.

Thoughts turn into actions, emotions, physiological responses and/or -thoughts again.
Whatever path the mind goes- we do have the possibility of identifying ourselves with the positive or "stronger" part of it...

That is what I see over and over again.
That is what continues to inspire me in keep doing what I do;
promote well being- through aerial arts.

You choose though were do you want to go:
To a part of you that feels strong or to a part of you that feels defeated.

I hope that for this last session , my students thank themselves for how far they came, and realize that the transitions from where we want to be
-psychically and emotionally- have a cost...

A cost to ourselves that does not have to be pain full, but rather joy full and kind.

That is the only way that we can continue to move forward in life.

Be nice to yourself.

See you at the studio.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Cold Swing

New year's eve all the sudden became Valentine's day.
I guess that is the best example of how time flies.
Classes are going well at the PSCA, people is getting stronger but most importantly they are connecting body and mind as one.
The article that we shared about "mental rehearsals" made sense for all of them and even those that read with skepticism came back later to say "maybe I will try".

That what is all about, keep trying.

It is important to practice what you preach and in that sense I had to recently review the state of my body... and my mind.
A couple of weeks ago I thought I was getting a cold. A non-expected virus took me down for more than I was ready for-I had to wait and heal. I had to NOT move and heal.I had to lay down and NOT work ,to heal.

I did not hear what my body was telling me: STOP.

For the first time since I started to work in the aerial world I felt-all the sudden that I was going to fall. Upside down on the rope, 18 feet high up on the air- tangled. Lightheaded, tired and weak in a couple of minutes. My coach brought be back with a strong and encouraging voice "come on , feet up- get up!!" I had to get up...to be able to come down safely.
And so I did.
I went home and had to rest.
I had to consciously make the decision of stopping to get better.

After lots of sleep, food and quiet time I am getting realigned again.

Valentines day is supposed to be about love, the usual "romantic love"....what about the care about yourself?

So for this day I wish you the strength to say happy Valentine's to yourself
or as I am still hearing my coach say, to come "on your feet and get up" with care, with love; from whatever tangled point in your life you are- right now;
on the ground...or in the air.

See you at the studio.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Aerial Year

To all the aerialists...and aerialist to become this next year...
Keep your mind focus, your heart open and a light spirit.

Best Wishes for 2010

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Winter Solstice , rebirth....and aerial practice.

Many different cultures celebrate around this time the Winter Solstice, meanings vary somewhat from place to place. The most important aspects of it from my perspective are the ideas of gratitude, preparedness, reflection and rebirth.

As we are about to experience Winter solstice tomorrow at 5:47pm, it makes me reflect of the beautiful moments and experiences that I had the chance to live this last couple of weeks, for example, I am working on a Silk act, (not my forte) that in spite of my "mind's instant judgment and label of not being what I do better" I decided to go ahead and immerse myself in the experience for the next weeks, or....actually maybe months.

Two interesting things I see in this new endeavor.
One is that I have no idea abut the time and place of the performance!, so there goes the all mighty planning/ chain....it is in a way better. No deadline. How often do we get to "just be" without the idea of goal- in front of us?...So I am definitely happy about that.

Two; is that I have been encouraged by wonderful women , Shana my mentor -and Kendra my current teacher to go and try.It is that attitude of exploration, that I am excited to re experience in the air. In other ways it feel like hearing go ahead and Trust....

I know this might not be easy for everybody. If we think to much or if we focus on the constant "self-monologue about what we do and how we do it", we might rather
stay save and perform/try just what we are used to -or what "we know we are good at".
Exploring new things in the air (or actually the overall idea of putting ourselves outside the -comfort zone-) gives you a new opportunity to experience a sense of learning, reliability, and not just in yourself but in the people around you, too.

My wish in two words for this upcoming rebirth in nature (as the days get longer!)is to go ahead and
Try something new, explore and play.
Do not allow you minds labels and judgments to keep you stagnant ( I am .. not capable, not fit, not coordinated, slow to learn, etc), and most importantly allow you body and mind to be one, even if is just for a couple of minutes a day.
It can be as complicated as taking aerial classes or it can be as simple as just- breathing, right here right now.

May this year bring more light and air in your life.
See you at the studio.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Cabaret- more than a show

This last week end the PSCA had the Fall Cabaret.
As I sat down to write I became curious about the word, so I checked the root of the word :cabaret noun
/ˈkæb.ə.reɪ//-ɚ.eɪ/ n [C or U]
a performance of popular music, singing or dancing, especially in a restaurant or bar .a cabaret act.(Definition of cabaret noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary. I kept looking for more and other dictionaries included things like "German in fluences, french, dancing and singing , even "floor work" was actually cited as related to it, but I was not 100 okay with the definition and after reading more and more I realized why.

Non of the definitions included what I felt- or what people internally experienced as they witnessed such a venue. So I decided to explore a new definition:

A moment in time were light, music , intentions and movement, allow you to go beyond the reality and see that joy can be present in a single act; on a trapeze, a silk a rope or even in the movement of jugglers and magicians. A moment where you allow yourself -to be present.

As I stand with my husband in the background, watching the acts, I observed people's facial expressions. Their open eyes, the small smiles, the high eyebrows ...
(as they saw Aaron -a young teen talent-spinning on the silk or the cord Lisse act taking their breath away)...everybody was just in awe.

After the show ended, big hugh's, congratulations and love filled the studio, from my end I was happy and content.
I guess that is what keeps people going back to aerials once they try. They can feel happy, accomplished, challenged, whatever it is-it is not just the trick, the skills, or drops that you learn, is about your ability to enjoy that moment and allow yourself to feel..or to just be fully present.
No past to wonder about or no future to worry upon.

So as I turn 35 today, I will use this nice memory as a gift.
A moment to remind me from now on that in spite of all the craziness in the real world or the pain in your mind, the possibility to stop- and immerse yourself in an aerial fantasy gives you a chance to see that is possible to find moments
of pure joy, by admiring others flying or by allowing yourself to be there-or anywhere, just -fully present.

Have a wonderful thanksgiving.