Ok, so, I put this question up on the white board in the studio in mid-December... What can you do now that you couldn't do at the beginning of the year? [little or BIG]
And someone said this,
"I can't even remember the beginning of the year."
So I reworded the question:
"What can you do now that you were unable to a month ago, or a week ago, or a day ago, or even a minute ago!?"
What can you do now that you couldn't do before? [little or BIG]
Anyway, there it was on the easel with sticky notes...for people to respond...and some people actually did. Oleeeeee! So let's celebrate, the big and the small.
Here is what they said:
Breathe (at least be aware of the breath) and dance at the same time!
I am getting better at keeping fluid arms and body separate from strong precise footwork. Still a long way to go though!
I was absolutely certain when you first introduced the section of our new little bulerías routine accompanied by palmas that I couldn't do it. The first night of that felt like I was totally uncoordinated! But I can do it now, if I concentrate. It feels like an accomplishment, even though it's just a little thing. Also, I feel like I'm FINALLY starting to be a little more "fluid" and natural in my arm, hand, and upper body movement. As you know, this has been a long-standing goal of mine. Still a long way to go, but I am feeling/seeing a difference.
I am dancing with more fire.
For me, it's getting right the llamada por bulerías.
Que maravilla. And then in San Diego, I asked my nieces if they wanted to talk about things they had learned in 2011. Nobody was interested, except Margot, and here is what she said...
I couldn't really dance on the beat, and now I can. I couldn't sing the song, and now I can.
Mmmmmmm.
Accomplishments, los grandes y pequeños.
I find it well worth it to reflect, if even for a second, on them.
Entonces, un brindis por favor, to recognizing accomplishments...
Without any conditions.
Por favor, sín condiciones.
Because so many of us seem to be very good at focusing on that which we we cannot do. I, by the way, excel at this...and if you look back, a couple of the statements up there come with pequeños disclaimers. Argh, so hard to JUST focus on the good parts. I myself am trying to notice when I do this, catch myself, and remember the accomplishment. Trying. Anyway, this is one of the ideas I'll be exploring in my upcoming performance at the Polaris Groovin' Greenhouse.
un brindis - a toast
What about you, what can you do now that you couldn't do before? Join the celebration, and let us know here.