Trying something new makes me feel young; by "young" I mean enthusiastic, curious, and open. I enter the learning curve at the bottom where mistakes and successes are in symmetrical abundance. Mistakes are expected and therefore less discouraging. Successes are frequent and always a delight.
I'm taking a modern dance class and it's carving new pathways in my brain. While I love to dance freestyle at home or at parties, I haven't taken a dance class since early elementary school. My teacher expects awareness of the body, its relationship to space, and its relationship to the other dancers. I've long considered myself spatially challenged. I once entered a dance circle with a dramatic kickboxing move which caught my friend in the stomach and knocked her flat. Too much MTV?
In this class, my teacher praises focus and commitment to a movement. I notice this about dancers. The entire body is directed towards a single goal or direction. That may change quickly, but when it does the entire body supports the new decision. It's obvious on stage, but I've seen this in my dancer friends even when they are cooking.
I often think about the mind-body-spirit connection, but don't always honor it in my choices. My shoulders, hips, knees, and feet are generally facing three different directions. I know my body is telling me something true about my focus and commitment.
It's easier to be open to ideas in a new setting, environment, or experience. Modern dance is creating a new awareness and a new metaphor for understanding myself and my relationships with time, space, and people. Tonight my teacher praised "moments" of focus and commitment. I hope to have more of these moment in class and in life.
5 comments:
Beautiful analogies and lessons learned/to be learned. Thanks for sharing.
I always am excited when I see your blog name highlighted on my blog roll, because I always come away from reading your words inspired, educated, enlightened, or all three!
I like you! :)
I love that you are doing modern dance. Best wishes in moving intentionally, with focus and commitment. You can do it.
Thanks friends!! I'm really grateful for this opportunity. Honestly, anytime I learn something new I get a whole slew of new metaphors for understanding my life.
I'm trying to apply Sis. Beck's recommendation to seek revelation in pruning my priorities and getting the most important things done.
Love you!!
good for you!
i love the difference it has made for you in becoming more aware of yourself and your focus.
this is a great post!
keep up the good work!
Have been flirting with the idea of doing a adult dance class. Your post has flanned the flame of dance desire little more, may take the next step.
I actually started running to get the body to be brave enough to enter the studio.
Keep the posts acommin!
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