In my Pilates class, my instructor, Kim, likes to use something called a bosu. Basically, it is half a large ball with the consistency of a marshmallow mounted on a firm ring. It is supposed to help develop core muscle strength (as are all the Pilates exercises). And basically, I really really dislike it! The week before I had complained bitterly. I was told that one woman had, in another class, put one foot on the bosu, took it off, threw her keys down, walked out and never came back. I understand completely.
But this week I decided that I would give it a chance. That if I didn’t complain, maybe I wouldn’t dislike it so much. And that worked. I was able to find my balance easier, only fell off once (and did land on my feet) and could see the merit in the (wretched) toy.
There’s a Buddhist saying, one of the 59 slogans of Atisha’s (an Indian sage), that is one of my favorites: Change your attitude and relax as it is. It’s a good one. In case you are wondering, Atisha was an Indian sage. The slogans are ways to train your mind in transforming difficulties into compassion. So I guess you could say I am developing compassion for the (blessed/bloody) bosu!