Tag: mijournali

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THERE’S ONLY TODAY

INHALE PILATES, EXHALE WELLNESS

“You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices.

And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.” (Fred Rogers)

Photo Source: www.stejariicountryclub.ro

Breath In: The NEW YOU.

Breathe Out: Everything that’s NOT you.

Peace and focus are whispering together: “I’m here!”

I’m here while molecules are changing and still here while this astonishing body stretches and relaxes. No sound of the past and no worries of the future. You are far away from any mentally constructed distractions.

I’ve been reading a great book written by Daniel Lapin, and he was talking about a very simple scheme that can make your life a mess, or it can help you turn into a king/queen.

The winning formula: 1. Brain 2. Emotions 3. Body.

Decisions are made first in the brain. Not the other way around. Until we adjust, learn some lessons and transform (continuously), it will happen to switch the order. If we make decisions based on what our body wants first, it will affect many areas of our life.

“Resisting temptation makes you feel better about yourself, and feeling better about yourself makes temptation easier to resist. Resisting temptation is easier when you truly think of yourself as a worthy, deserving person who is above bad behavior. It is hard to tell yourself that you cannot hang out at the coffee shop or watch TV if you enjoy those things. But it is much easier to tell yourself that you are not the kind of person who misses out on a sales call or wastes all day watching trash TV. “Who do you think I am?” you say to yourself, indignantly. “No way would I do those things. Not me!” This is you positioning yourself morally, building up your character, to make your choices easier to make and temptations easier to resist.”

Let’s go back to the present moment.

I’ve heard many beautiful things in the last seven years about Pilates.

Here are some important points (not advices) that really stacked with me about this incredible type of workout: PILATES

  1. Your first session is about new beginnings. Reminder: Patience! Take it easy!
  2. While your stretching the body, just try to think that nothing else exists except for your breathing, your body muscles and the voice of your instructor.
  3. You come first. (It takes a lot of repetition to learn that)
  4. Be open to understand how each movement of the muscle involves “breathing in” and “breathing out”. I often caught myself thinking of something else and forgot to inhale.
  5. You start to feel healthier, happier by the simple fact that you show-up.
  6. It gives you the proper energy without taking anything away from you.

I had the pleasure to meet one of the most important names when it comes to Pilates in Bucharest and I couldn’t help, but preparing some questions about his story and how Pilates crafted its way into his life, but also about how he managed to create an interesting and active lifestyle. I always wondered how fitness professionals are managing to create and nurture a powerful mindset, not to mention that he’s got the same weight for over 20 years!

Photo Source: Sorin Bujoreanu’s personal archive

  • Mijournali: Bonjour, Sorin Bujoreanu! It would be lovely to share with us some of your childhood memories about health, fitness, sports or any education related to it.

We all start from somewhere when it comes to how we involuntarily express our energy through movement. As a little boy I vividly remember that I was practicing running, and playing “Oina” with my old buddies. Of course, football was part of my routine and long bike rides. In high school I discovered sports dance, and I really felt that it went much easily to shape the body in this particular way and so I’ve started to participate in dance competitions. Even though I took a different path by choosing to become a project engineer, after one year, encouraged by my friends, I’ve followed my passion and moved from Galati to Bucharest to study four years at National University of Physical Education and Sport Bucharest. (ANEFS) From here I’ve somehow imagined that I’m going to become a good coach. My orientation was towards aerobics, so I had the chance to meet a Brazilian woman, named Najla who came from Dubai, and we practiced together Body Pump for almost a year. In 2010, I had this immense opportunity to create dance choreographies for an old studio named “Lady Fit” and after this adventure ended, I finally got my license degree in Pilates.

Looking back, I’m really grateful to think how well everything matched the puzzle of my journey. I’ve immediately started to work in this field alongside with two talented Turkish women who opened the first Pilates Studio in Bucharest…and it was real! Ever since then I’ve been upgrading my skills constantly through specialized courses, but nevertheless improving my methods with the latest information available on the market. My main source of inspiration was of course, Joseph Pilates. This is how I gained experience for almost three years.

In 2013, was the opening of the biggest Country Club from the Eastern Europe (Stejarii Country Club), and a foreign client/friend chose me (brought me) to work there.

I’ve been grateful to practice Pilates at Stejarii right from the beginning, and I’m still honoring my duty. I had a great opportunity to grow and evolve among the greatest professionals in Bucharest.

Currently, I’m practicing Pilates between two places: Stejarii Country Club and Align Pilates (a hidden gem) somewhere in Romana area, right next to Gradina Icoanei Park.

Mijournali: Does the Perfect Pilates outfit exist? What do you wear? What is preferable to wear while doing this type of workout?

I prefer Asics. I choose to wear all black equipment. As for the clients it is preferable to wear body-fitting equipment made of organic materials, with or without stockings. If you are not comfortable barefoot, a good pair of anti-slip socks can make a difference.

Photo Source: Instagram @align_pilates

What does Pilates means to you?

For me, it’s a conscious state of movement combined with breathing which is a common language of the senses. It’s not about how you move, but more about what you think when you’re moving. Healthy disconnection! That’s it!

Share with us what do you love most about Pilates, and how do you see yourself in the present moment?

I find exciting that more and more people are starting to choose Pilates. Clients are perceiving “the smart talk” of this brain-muscle connection. I focus on the development of neuromuscular channels that facilitate the knowledge of the human body.

I love discipline. Pilates is part of my being. You somehow become what you love.

I find myself to be a patient human being, passionate, focused. I’m an advocate for change.

A motto that guides you?

Breathe, focus and move. Joy is on the way, too.

Do you find Pilates suitable for everybody?

Of course, but is an act of responsibility to get a proper medical check before starting any kind of movement. After 13 years of practicing and teaching Pilates, I had the pleasure to instruct teenagers, women and men between the ages of 16 and 70. This kind of movement can be done individually, between friends, colleagues or family.

Pilates can be enjoyed outdoors (in nature) or during special/private events.

What is your favorite exercise and why?

I would say the lunges because they maintain the mobility of the pelvis. It also gives you the feeling of elongating the legs. The hips become more flexible by doing these special lunges.

Any advice for those who practice or want to discover this type of workout?

Results walk hand in hand with patience. You learn to relax, breathe, and treat yourself better. The most important gesture is to create better thoughts and start making healthy choices when it comes to nourishing your body with healthy food.

Repetition, repetition, repetition and you’ll meet your relaxed mind & body vision.

By the simple fact that you’re giving the proper and repetitive attention to your muscles, they will slowly start to respond, modify, and evolve. Pilates is not an intense activity, but hydrating is important. It is better to eat two hours before the appointment to avoid any sort of discomfort.

Could you share with us top 3 benefits of practicing Pilates? If we can mix with another kind of movement in order to gain better results, what would it be?

You definitely gain muscle tone. You have the opportunity to sculpt the body, plus a great way to improve the pelvic floor muscles. You should be determined about your own progress because every action that you do on a daily basis requires a sleep routine, healthy nutrition and patience. Pilates is about creating a new state of being.

For even better results, you can choose workouts that increase the heart rate such as spinning, jogging, swimming or cycling.

Pilates is about focusing.

Pilates is a slow movement in accordance to your breathing.

Pilates is your intense presence. You cannot be anywhere else. You are present.

Please share your daily healthy routine with us. How do you manage to keep the same weight for almost 20 years?

I respect the meal hours and don’t skip my breakfast. I don’t eat anything between meals, thus giving the pancreas a break from working continuously.

My rule is pretty simple. I eat vegetables first, after comes proteins and lastly carbohydrates.

BREAKFAST 7 AM

First example: cucumber, tomato, beetroot, carrot and goat cheese

Second example: Grilled mushrooms, zucchini, a well deserved omelette

Final touch: Hydrated walnuts and almonds

Surprise: Blueberries, blackberries or raspberries

I mix between the two, but keeping the final touches and my surprise always by my side.

LUNCH 2 PM

I prefer a vegetable soup mixed with small pieces of proteins (turkey or beef)

After my soup, I eat vegetables or a green salad with sardine, salmon, tuna or turkey.

From time to time I indulge myself with some pasta or pizza.

DINNER 7PM

I often skip the dinner… but If I feel the need to eat something, I chose edamame, homemade popcorn or a green salad.

What is the secret of maintaining your body in shape? A simple tip for those who want to create abs?

Everything can change with gratitude. I would say small daily repetitions. (no matter what)

I like to move my body with few lunges and push-ups in the morning. Those who are at the beginning can start training the abs with 20 repetitions daily, because the muscles must be maintained in an active stage. Small intentional habits will take you further if you want to discipline your mind and body.

Tell us something about your mindset!

I stay away from habits that are harmful to the body. I respect my hours of sleep and drink a small amount of alcohol.

I’m focusing on become a better human being. I don’t put myself in situations that are damaging to my mental and physical state. Withdrawal means balance.

I also read about everything that adds value to my life, I move my body and I love taking my daily dose of vitamin D from the sun.

A small hint for a beginner who never practiced Pilates before?

Honestly? Being patient with oneself for the first thirty Pilates sessions, and after that it will be even better. I’ve never heard anybody complaining: “I feel so unhappy after I invest in myself.” Most of the work is done in the mind and when you don’t know where to start, just promise yourself one small thing: I will become more intentional about my own journey!

Thank you! (Arigato!)

Mijournali: And that’s a wrap!

It was a real pleasure to have this honest conversation with Sorin Bujoreanu (Pilates expert coach). I express my gratitude for inspiring so many people on their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Your passion for movement has already enhanced our minds!

Photo Source: Instagram @align_pilates

  • You can find more about Sorin Bujoreanu’s activity right here:

Website: www.sorinbujoreanu.ro

Instagram: @i_do_pilates_too

Instagram: @align_pilates

Align Studio and Stejarii Country Club (Bucharest)

VERY BEST,

Mijournali

PS: This article is not a Paid Partnership

Disclaimer:

The information above is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you start any diet or perform any exercise.

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KNOK BOOK

Your Greater is Coming – Joel Osteen

“But what God promised you doesn’t have an expiration date. Just because you’ve given up on it doesn’t mean God has given up. You may have done things that should keep your dream from coming to pass. Perhaps you got off course and made mistakes. You don’t deserve for it to happen, but God is so merciful that He’s already taken your mistakes into account. They may delay it from happening, but they’re not going to deny it from happening. The promise is still coming. Despite the mistakes, despite the failures, despite the delays, God is saying, “I’m still going to bless you. I’m still going to heal you. I’m still going to bring that dream to pass.” Too often we disqualify ourselves. We think it would have happened if we had made better choices. If we’d finished school, if we’d not got involved with the wrong people, not wasted time compromising, then God could bless us, then He would open new doors. That would make sense if God was like us. That would make sense if He judged us based on our performance and gave us what we deserve. But God is not like that. He’s full of mercy. He doesn’t hold our mistakes against us. He doesn’t cancel our destiny because we got off course. He knew every wrong we would take, every mess we would make, every failure, every weakness. Nothing you’ve done is a surprise to God. Nothing that’s happened to you has caught Him off guard. The good news is that He has mercy for every mistake, restoration for every failure, new beginnings for every loss, a comeback for every setback. What He promised you is still on the way. You didn’t miss your chance. You haven’t failed too many times. The disappointment didn’t stop God’s plan. He is still going to show you favor. The circumstances may look impossible. The medical report tells you to learn to live with the sickness. It’s permanent. But God says, “Healing is coming. Wholeness is coming. The number of your days I will fulfill.” You may not see how you can evert get out of debt. Nobody in your family has excelled, but it can start with you. God says “increase is coming. Abundance is coming. You will lend and not borrow. What you touch will prosper and succeed.” You may say, “Joel, I got myself into this mess. It’s my own fault.” But God is the one who’s going to get you out of that mess. Quit believing the lies that it’s too late, that the problem is too big, that you’ve made too many mistakes. God is called “the author and the finisher of your faith.” What He started, He’s going to finish. The delay doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. The mistakes you’ve made haven’t caused God to change His mind. The circumstances may look impossible, but God hasn’t run out of options. You may not see a way in the natural, but God is supernatural. He has ways you’ve never thought of. He’s not limited by your job, by your salary, by a medical report, by what family you come from, or by what you didn’t get. One touch of His favor will catapult you to a new level. One good break and what He promised you will come to pass. Instead of thinking all the reasons why it’s not going to work out, all through the day you have to say , “Father, thank You that what You promised is on the way. Thank You that healing is on the way. Thank You that promotion is on the way. Thank You that the right person, breakthroughs, freedom, and new levels are on the way.”

You may have delayed the promise, but that didn’t deny it. God didn’t change His mind. Will you trust Him in the sesons of silence? Every thought may tell you, It’s never going to happen. It’s your own fault. You knew better. You may not see anything happening, but God is still working. What He promised you is still on the way. After thirteen years of silence, when Abraham was ninety-nine, it says in Genesis 17, “God said to Abraham,”I am God Almighty. You will become the father of many nations.” After all the mistakes, all the failures, and all the dysfunction, the first thing God said was, “Abraham, you will become a father with Sarah.” He reminded Abraham of the promise. He was saying, “Even though you blew it, even though you made a mess, that didn’t stop My plan. I didn’t change My mind. I’m still going to do what I promised.” You would think the first thing God would say was, “Abraham, I’m disappointed in you. What were you thinking? I’m going to find somebody else to accomplish your destiny.” God never gives up on you. He never disqualifies you. Quit disqualifying yourself. You blew it? Join the crowd. We all have. You made a mess? Come on in. You’re in good company. The enemy is called “the accuser of the brethren.” He’ll remind you of everything you’ve done wrong , all the mistakes you’ve made. He’d love to convince you to live down on yourself and drag through life with no passion, no expectancy. Don’t fall into that trap. At ninety years old, Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son they named Isaac, the promised child. The Scripture says, “It happened at the exact time God said it would.” That tells me that God already knew they were going to make those mistakes. He knew they would be impatient and have the first son and get into strife. Isaac came right on schedule, right when God has planned. Are you believing the lies that you’ve missed your chance, that it’s too late? Are you believing that if you would have made better choices, if you would have been more disciplined, if you had no run around with the people who pulled you down, the the promise would have been yours? What happened in the past is not a surprise to God. What He promised is right on schedule. You didn’t miss it; it’s still in your future.

You may have failed but you are not a failure. Failure is an event: it’s not who you are. You may have an addiction, but you are not an addict. What you struggle with is not who you are. What you do may not be good, but you are good. The Creator of the universe breathed life into you. As with this man, you may have gotten off course and brought the trouble on yourself, but God is saying, “I’m still going to bless you. I’m still going to free you. I’m still going to use you to help others. I’m still going to show you My favor.”

“You are blessed when you are at the end of your rope. With less of you, there’s more of God.” You may be facing a medical situation that doesn’t look good, or something in your finances, something in a relationship, or something in your business is at the end of the rope. You don’t know how it’s going to work, how it’s going to make it. Have a new perspective. When you’re at the end, it’s a blessing in disguise. You’re in prime position for God to show out in your life. Instead of being down on yourself, going around discouraged, turn it around and say, ” Father, thank You that You are the Almighty God. Your mercy is bigger than my mistakes. You are greater than this sickness. You are more powerful than this addiction. Even though I’m in a season of silence, even though I don’t see anything happening , I know You’re working behind the scenes and what You promised me is right on schedule. It’s easy to get in a hurry and try to make things happen, to force doors to open, to manipulate people and circumstances. If you push hard enough, sometimes God will let you open a door that He hasn’t ordained. He’ll let you walk down a road that’s not His best path. I’m all for taking risks and getting out of our comfort zone, but it’s important to stay in God’s timing. You have to listen to that small voice inside. An opportunity may be right for you, but if you feel an unrest about it, it might not be the right timing. When we don’t deserve it, we made mistakes, we got in a hurry, God says, “I’m still going to bless you. I’m still going to favor you. I’m still going to get you where you’re supposed to be.” Quit beating yourself up. Quit believing the lies that you’ve seen your best days, that it’s too late to accomplish your dreams, that you can never get out of debt, that you’ve made too many bad choices. What God promised you is still on the way. You may have delayed it, but you didn’t deny it. It’s still on the schedule. Start believing again. Start dreaming again. Start making plans for what you’ve given up on. “Weep may endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning.” Your morning is coming. Your baby is coming. Your healing is coming. Your spouse is coming. Your breakthrough is coming. When it happens, it’s going to be more rewarding, more fulfilling than you ever imagined.”

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THIS AND THAT

We don’t want everything we like, we just remember the beautiful things.

We like this and that this week:

  • I’ve been gathering small stones to have a vivid memory of certain places that I really enjoyed along the way, but my mind stopped when I discovered a lovely account on Instagram with mesmerizing stones. You could easily put five different stones together and create the pallete of your dreams for your specific creation. Have a look at @avery_a_gregory

  • Beautiful graphics can sometimes soften and spoil the senses. Sadie Benning (Born April 11, 1973) is an American artist who lives and works in New York. “I want to be free to try things that don’t make sense yet.” Check “his abstract” on this link and taste some absolutely pink from this exquisite art.

  • A classic beauty can be manufactured in the shape of wood and rattan. “Cask” collection of lounge furniture for Expormim by Norm Architects can be admired right here.

  • There is a unique place In Paris that I completely like and it can be described in three words: cabaret, history, hill. “Au Lapin Agile”(1860) is the oldest cabaret in Paris located in a small house where so many sculptors, painters, singers, writers used to meet. No wonder is the oldest cabaret in Paris. You can read about the history of this enchanting place and have a closer look by opening a window of the present and the past.
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A LOOK INSIDE

Photo: Andrea Ferrari

Few companies of interior design can manage to maintan the same peculiar tempo in exhibitions, hotels, restaurants or retail just like Dimore Studio does. The main visual expression could be the simplicity of being sophisticated. While entering a room, versatile combinations of materials and elegant shapes can easily steal your attention, but the most interesting thing is that objects individually understood can express a whole.

The inventive and eccentric protagonists behind Dimore Studio are Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran.

Below, there is a selection of visual souvenirs from the residential sphere and it can teach us that “different” it’s not “something new”, maybe we are more accustomed to certain choices when we decorate or feel a space.

Dimore Studio, Milano / Photo: Emanuele Zamponi, Beppe Brancato

 

Dimore Studio, Milano / Photo: Andrea Ferrari

 

 

Dimore Studio, Berlin / Photo: Beppe Brancato

 

Dimore Studio, Firenze / Photo: Andrea Ferrari

 

Dimore Studio, Paris / Photo: Alexis Armanet

 

Dimore Studio, Firenze / Photo: Andrea Ferrari

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LAST QUESTION

Cristina

It’s probably a particular moment of wanting to give “the right response who survived” in front of what others will think of.

Real answers depend on what we are capable to imagine and one last question is enough.

@visualcri

What do you wish to keep?

Honestly? I am obsessed with fragrances. I used to buy at least one little bottle of perfume per week. Scents play an optimistic role in my daily routine. Missing something? I’m sure there must be hidden in a forgotten bottle. Right in front of my open window walks her cute dog an old favourite neighbour. I can recognize when she’s outside without even looking, by smelling her signature, it literally flows in the air. I think she loves Guerlain.

Is there anyone who didn’t wished at least one perfume from this charming city?

Each day is special because there is “something in the making” in front of your house, around the corner or in a brasserie that follows to appear in a blink of an eye. Make two steps and a fresh coffee starts to call you by your name: “You need to wake up? Allez viens!”

A warm scent of tea, a puffy bread or sliced oranges could always take me back to the cozy place in Bucharest where my “small” family lives.  If I could just receive a magic power, it would be to transform my beloved parents into everlasting angels. Quite understandable… to keep them for myself.

I wish to keep a secret place of mine, a huge garden with all the enchanting flowers of this world, to plant my own fruits and vegetables.

One day I’ll enjoy my first harvest.  The garden exists already in my imagination and it smells like joy.

 

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