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Mudita, Menopause, and Movement: Finding Joy Beyond Comparison


Person practicing yoga on a sandy beach at sunrise, with a colorful sky and gentle waves in the background. Peaceful and serene setting.
Capturing the joy of a sunrise with Yoga.

Menopause and Movement: A Season of Shifts


As fall rapidly approaches, I’m beginning yoga teacher training—a new journey that ties directly into my focus on menopause and movement. Pilates has long grounded me in mind-body connection, but yoga brings a softer, meditative flow that supports mobility, breathwork, and stress reduction. These qualities are essential in the menopause transition, where movement, mindfulness, and breath can ease symptoms and foster resilience.


I’ll admit—I’m a type A, push-hard kind of person. But lately I’ve been craving slower, more mindful flows. And make no mistake—slower doesn’t mean easier. Yoga challenges me in new ways while offering space to pause and reset.



Yoga vs. Pilates: Different Paths, Same Goal


Combining Pilates and Yoga: An Empowering Combo

Clients often ask: What’s the difference between yoga and Pilates?


  • Yoga: Movement linked with breath, meditation, and flow.

  • Pilates: Core connection, stability, strength, and precise breathwork.



Both emphasize the mind-body connection. Pilates breath powers strength and stabilization (hello, 100s and teasers), while yoga breath drives meditation and flow. Together, they form a perfect partnership.


And looking forward, yoga feels like a natural extension of my work as I plan retreats—including the Anchor to Embodiment Retreat with Leslie Clayton in May 2026 at Elohee. (I captured some beautiful clips of Elohee recently that reflect its peaceful, restorative atmosphere.)




OOV: Where Menopause Meets Movement


Person balancing on a black board in red leggings on a red mat in a bright room. Background: framed art, exercise equipment, and curtains.
Combing the OOV, with balance and core connection.

The OOV has been my recent anchor, bridging yoga’s mindfulness and Pilates’ strength. For menopause and movement, it’s a game-changer—helping reduce stress, restore mobility, and strengthen the deep core to protect against injury.


Think of the OOV as Google Translate for your body: when your brain speaks Chinese and your body answers in Russian, the OOV brings them into alignment. Just 5–10 minutes can shift both body and mind.


I’m even exploring a local OOV class—would you join? Drop a simple yes or no below.


Elegant script text reads Words of Wisdom in blue and red against a black background, creating a thoughtful, inspirational mood.
Words of Wisdom: Mudita
Two people lift a man in a plaid shirt on a grassy field. The sky is overcast, creating a joyful, playful mood.
Joy as a Family, and New Beginnings

This week, my yoga teacher Sonya introduced me to Mudita—the joy found in celebrating others’ success.


That resonated deeply. When clients rise from the floor without pain, balance with confidence, or achieve something they once thought impossible, the light in their eyes is pure Mudita.


But joy isn’t only in the studio. Joy is also at the beach, with my family. Recently, Hunter and I carried David across the sand in a fireman’s carry—and the picture we snapped says it all. It shows joy, it shows strength, and it shows family. With Hunter stepping into his first engineering job, our family couldn’t be more joyful.


For me, joy is movement, connection, and community—whether it’s through Pilates, yoga, the OOV, or a playful day at the beach. That’s Mudita: finding happiness not just in our own wins, but in the strength and success of others.


Yours in longevity, empowerment, and thriving,

Amanda Curd

Anchor to Life Pilates


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