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BRIDGING SEASONS. CULTIVATING BALANCE.

Somewhere between Autumn and Winter… infusing your every day with a more empowered, holistic lifestyle — a guide to tune in, realign, transform.

Posted December 11, 2024 on Stone Sevyn dot com

A RENEWAL...

The poetry of numbers, of nature, of an idea whose time has come…

Today, on the 11th, a date long considered a bridge between physical and spiritual realms, we pause in this space between years, between holidays, between who we shed and who we'll become. This period, a natural bridge, where slowing down accelerates growth, invites us to explore what meaningful transitions impart on our lives.

THE BUZZWORDS OF NOW VS THE WISDOM OF ALWAYS

Longevity. Red Light. Circadian Fasting. Gut Microbiome. Biohacking. Herbal Remedies. Sleep Hygiene. VO2 Maxxing... today's wellness landscape echoes with buzzwords, each promising revolutionary health benefits. But looking deeper, we find these modern cherry-picked trends, while mirroring ancient wisdom, leave the most obvious out.

True health isn't complicated, and the fountain of youth doesn't come from labs or trending hacks.

Instead, at 43, for over two decades, I've intuitively followed the wisdom of those who've found it – from Joseph Pilates, Dr. Robert Morse, ND and Atom Bergstrom, three octogenarians whose timeless principles—movement and physiological design, healing and regeneration, and solar timing (you'll find my introduction to Atom's timing theory through food, with more linked in my recipe below)—continue to prove them relevant, alongside our greatest teacher: nature herself.

SUSPENDED ARTICULATION

Speaking of, as we lift our spine away from the earth while keeping our feet firmly grounded, Joseph Pilates' bridge perfectly embodies this season's energy – like the number 11, two parallel lines reaching skyward while remaining rooted, this foundational movement creates a physical gateway between earth and sky, where fluid movement and breath deepen our connection to core.

Don't let appearances deceive you – this "simple" movement awakens muscles you never knew existed! Through deeper back-rib breathing and heart-opening levitation via roots, you'll find yourself in meditative conversations with God, discovering you really CAN overcome ANYTHING!

AWAKENED ALIGNMENT

Through this movement, we support our genetic expression while activating our transverse abdominals (hello, core) and massaging our digestive organs. This gentle inversion not only improves spinal articulation and mobility but also supports our body's natural healing rhythms, reducing inflammatory responses and optimizing digestive function – a true win-win for mind, body and soul.

In practice, finding the natural alignment of my own body – this bridge symbolizes the perfect arc of spine meeting sky. And it was through this movement that I discovered space for empowered internal processes, and to flow with greater ease.

Want to experience my practical and playful cues? Torturous yet fun, click here, close your eyes and let’s flow. If not, please read below!
BTW: Toby did NOT make an appearance. 

Now, let's begin:

1. Begin by lying on your back, fully lengthen your spine, maneuvering around as to remove any space or air "bubbles"

2. With your knees bent and feet hip-width apart, ground all your toes and both heels

3. Inhale, filling your entire body with air, like a balloon expanding in all directions

4. Exhale, zipping up your high-waisted and two sizes too small jeans

5. Draw your shoulder blades into your back pockets and pull your ribs together

6. Articulate your spine, bone by bone by bone, sending your sit bones (shooting laser beams) up the back of your legs until they're home behind your knees *

7. Press both hands, including your pinkies, thumbs and palms, into the ground and toward your knees while keeping your shoulder-blades in those back pockets, heart open

8. Create length in your spine by pushing your knees forward while finding new muscle fibers to lift your glutes and keep your jeans zipped

9. Press your head into your mat and up imaginary train tracks towards the space behind you

10. Breathe into your back ribs, remember, your jeans are too tight

11. And here comes the fun part... hold at the top for 10 seconds

12. Lower with control, bone by bone by bone*


Honestly though, just move!

PS: For those with spinal issues: please hinge during the lift and lower phases vs articulating bone by bone*

PSS: Repeat 3-5 times, increasing each hold by 10 seconds, maybe more

PSSS: Torturous, but fun. You're welcome! ;)

SEASONAL WISDOM

Mimicry in nature is abundant, and while her surface appears still, profound transformation occurs beneath frozen ground. Our bodies mirror this natural slowing down – our digestion deepens, asking us to be more intentional with nourishment, and like trees drawing nutrients deep into their roots, this is our time for deeper innerstanding... to direct our energy inwards and upwards.

NOURISHING ELEMENTALS

Like winter's quiet work beneath the frozen ground, timed to align with the sun, a grounding dinner of ROASTED ROOTS with CARROT GINGER SOUP honors nature's rhythm, and it’s what I have most nights. These ingredients create a bridge between cold exteriors and inner warmth and it’s my reminder that nature's most potent nourishment often develops in darkness, and cozied up by the fire, these underground treasures encourage stillness and rest while supporting our body's inherent healing rhythms during the coldest months.

Organic Ingredients

  • A variety of roots, my favorites include All Potatoes, Red/Golden/Black Beets, Jerusalem Artichokes, Daikon Radish, Turnips and of course, 5-6 Carrots and a Piece of Ginger

  • Sprinkling of Turmeric

  • Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Ghee and Olive Oil are my preferences, but there are other fats, if you prefer

  • Filtered Water and Salt

BTW: For the complete ROASTED ROOTS with CARROT GINGER SOUP recipe, check out SOLAR RHYTHMS TAKE ROOT.

Here, with nature's underground treasures taking center stage, I'll also introduce the concept of eating with the sun.

Eating what? You mean fasting? Ummm, no.

Think of it this way — just as the sun is nature's source of energy, providing nutrients essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of daily functions, these natural rhythms are our guide for more intuitive eating, chronotbiotic nutrition or solar timed nutrition, one that supports our optimal health.

And twelve years later, two-plus years all in, this way of eating has transformed my foundation... and become my personal Fountain of Youth.

CONSIDERED CURIOSITIES

From movement to food, now bridging the gap between mindful consumption and holistic living, considered curiosities by a few brands I’m currently slathering on, pausing to enjoy or wrapping up in during these quieter months…

YOUR BRIDGE TO 2025

True transformation, like winter itself, happens in the quiet spaces between – between breaths, between movements, between seasons. And like nature herself, a bridge – through movement, nourishment, or intention – stands like the number 11, both rooted and reaching, creating space for deeper innerstanding.

 

Through this lens, why cut corners when you can… 

Inviting you to let this time be your bridge to whatever's next…

Xoxo

 

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READY TO BUILD YOUR OWN BRIDGES?

Just as winter encourages us to transform from within, our work together can create a powerful bridge between your current reality and future vision. Whether through:

Let's craft your unique path to holistic wellbeing.

 

Begin your journey here →




Please note: Kathryn was not compensated for the promotion of any brands or products. All items were independently sourced and purchased for her personal use and closet. For this article, please reference the disclaimer page regarding liabilities and claims related to all informed opinions, including health and movement advice.

*All images of Kathryn photographed by Jenna Peffley, in the Natural State.

**On the cover and in related images of Kathryn she wears a Top + Bottom by Cali Dreaming. Belt by Stella McCartney. Butterfly Dream Tights, High Heel Jungle by Kathryn Eisman. Rug from HD Buttercup.

***In the Awakened Alignment Pilates Bridge video, Kathryn is moving on the Low Folding Mat by Pilates Design to the instrumental version of The Unknown by Monica Aben. Kathryn is wearing a long sleeve bodysuit by Santicler. Leggings by Pangaia. Glasses from Dolce & Gabbana. Rings by Ipolita.

****In Considered Curiosities, Upper Left, Kathryn wears a long sleeve cropped top + leggings by Pangaia. Rain boots from Stella McCartney x Hunter Boots. Glasses from Dolce & Gabbana. Wide Knit Beanie from Barney’s New York. Necklaces by Lana Jewelry + Gucci. Rings by Ipolita + Family Heirlooms.

*****In Considered Curiosities, Bottom Right, Kathryn wears a cashmere sweater coat + bandana by Santicler. Waffle thermal by Cotton Citizen. Leggings by Nui. Socks by Royalties - Paris. Sandals by Birkenstock. Glasses from Dolce & Gabbana. Rings by Ipolita.