The Jenga Theory of Bodies (And Why Mine is Currently Swaying)

I recorded myself doing a mat Pilates class and sped it up 40x to watch later. What I saw made me laugh, cringe a little, and ultimately reflect on something I wanted to share with you.

As I watched my wobbly, hurried movements on screen, there were so many moments where I realized my body has changed dramatically over the years. I've always been a fitness fanatic and felt invincible in my body, but with some age, emerging from education (my occupational therapy assisting degree), traveling, following my desires to learn more about pelvic floor work, and starting a business – my priorities shifted, and so did my body.

I'm going through the rude awakening that in just a few years, I live in a very different body. My balance has changed. I have to remind my core to turn on. I have to tell my brain to calm down. I need to just breathe and appreciate the process.

Watching that sped-up video, a metaphor hit me:

ALL bodies are wobbly, wonderful, and worthy – they tell our story and move us through life unevenly. We strategically adapt like blocks in a Jenga tower. Our blocks get pushed and pulled as the structure twists and sways, standing in its uniquely altered form. With each block pulled we hold our breath, unsure if this will be the one that brings it down. As the game persists, the anticipation rises. "How is it still standing?!" Then that one block, a surprise to everyone, brings the whole thing crashing down. There's a universal gasp of defeat, often some yelling, then the team works together, rebuilds the tower, and it stands stronger than ever.

I'm appreciating that change is always in the air and these discomforts aren't permanent. It is such a gift that our bodies will adapt to keep us upright and can adapt again to make us strong and agile.

I am no stranger to this process and I know this won't be the last. Even though it takes mental strength to start again, we have been gifted with the opportunity to adapt and change again.

Maybe you're in a season where your Jenga tower feels particularly wobbly. Maybe some blocks have been pulled recently – injury, illness, stress, life transitions, new responsibilities. Maybe you're holding your breath, wondering "How is this still standing?!"

I see you. Your tower is beautiful in its current form, even if it feels unsteady. And if it needs to come down and be rebuilt? That's not failure – that's the game. That's life. That's the incredible resilience we get to witness in ourselves over and over again.

Here's to all our wobbly, wonderful towers – may we give ourselves grace through every season of change…