Our Woman of the Week is Mary Long, nominated for her former work as one of the early directors of CrossRoad Summer Institute and her expertise as a movement practitioner with a higher degree in theology:
“If you had told me 15 years ago that I'd end up teaching Pilates, I would have probably laughed (but somehow been curious and excited at the same time!). A Pilates instructor with a Masters in Divinity... it can throw people off! I'm in my late thirties, in my third career, and in many ways feel I'm just now starting to hit my stride.
“I grew up in the church, and from a young age, I had been involved in church camps, Sunday school, and youth & college ministry. After college it seemed like a natural next step to continue my education with a Masters of Divinity. During my three years at seminary, I was privileged to be a part of the inaugural group of staff for the CrossRoad Summer Institute, where I went on to become director a few years later. I loved that job because I got to be with such wonderful young people who were full of life and eager to learn (both staff and students!). After several years working in the Church & school environment, I felt prompted to leave Boston and make a change. I wasn't sure how it would pan out but just had the sense my next chapter was somewhere else.
“I had always loved to travel and engage with different people and different places, so I took the plunge and bought a one-way ticket to New Zealand (and it was a scary plunge indeed, for this gal who likes to plan and strategize and know what's coming next... I'm an adventurer, but an organized one!). This was after a mentor essentially said to me, "if this has always been your dream, you don't have to wait for a reason to go..."... don't think he knew that I'd really take it to heart! In other words, the take-home is: if not now, then when?
“Coming home to Texas after my time abroad, I found myself working in healthcare management. (Not much demand for female Orthodox seminary grads in Austin, Texas, I guess!) In my time as director of operations for a pediatric home health agency, I got to see our therapists in action and what kind of a difference they made in the lives of children. It was inspiring!
“Somewhere along the way, I had gotten into Pilates and found it had completely transformed my body awareness and not only built my strength and confidence, but also helped me find a deep joy in movement. After being a Pilates student for a few years, I thought, why not?, and followed another prompt, took another plunge, and signed up for Pilates teacher training. After all, if not now....then when?”
Axia!
You can learn more about Mary’s parish here: Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. https://transfiguration.org/.
"Fast forward several years later: teaching Pilates & movement is my full time job, and I'm so grateful to be doing what I do. I'm constantly amazed at the connections between our body, our mind, and our spirit. There is a lot about my work that is ministerial, and I've found the act of teaching to be a pouring out of myself to each person that comes across my path.
"The body is an access point for the spirit and the mind. People come in with pent-up stress, trauma, anxiety, injuries, etc. They allow me to work with some of their most vulnerable pieces, and that can be incredibly healing. They learn how to move better and more freely, and that can bring joy and play into their lives. And a kind, healing touch can work wonders.
"One of my role models (and favorite saints) is Mother Gavrilia Papayanni -- who ministered to people through her work as a physiotherapist, even while she was a nun. Her motto was 'through the feet, to the heart.' She said, 'Whatever has to do with a person's body has to do with his soul.'
"Right now, for me, it's not just Pilates that matters, but it's finding joy in movement and wellness. The more I learn, the more I want to keep learning, and sharing that joy with others.
"Which leads me to the plunge into my next chapter...I'm excited to be launching my own business, Soma Lux (soma=body, lux=light). It will focus on Pilates, wellness, and travel through retreats, events, and educational resources. I'll be launching my first retreat in May, hopefully with many more o come!"
We asked theologian and movement practitioner (and Woman of the Week!) Mary Long about her morning routine:
"My morning usually starts around 5am. After waking up to the alarm, I get up and make my bed. After splashing my face and drinking some water, I move into my morning meditation, which involves sitting in stillness and silence for 15-20 minutes. This meditative time ends with prayer and an entry into my gratitude journal.
"After that, it's coffee and breakfast, usually accompanied by scripture reading and reflection. I participate with my friend in a daily reading app called First 5. While it doesn't follow the Orthodox lectionary, it is intentionally organized, and all the reflections are written by women, which I love. We are currently in the book of Ezekiel.
"At that point, the clock is ticking so I get dressed and head out the door. Usually I teach first thing in the mornings, which requires me to be 'on,' so I really try to be diligent about keeping those routines before work. When I do, it makes all the difference!"
Thank you, Mary!