The article "Dancing Through Life" is about other, it was written by Debbie Reeds.
Within our Bangkok salsa community we’ve been dsicussing what makes a good follower. Much attention is given to clear leading in partner dancing but following, traditionally the woman’s role, has its challenges too. Heidy Rboinson from Salsawild gave “a few tips on how to be led well”, which Atip summarised for us. On reading that I was strcuk by the similarities to ‘dancing with life’.You might have noticed that you're never in complete control of your life.
Attempting to control other people, evnets and even yourself is hard work and drains your energy. It means missing out opportunities, limiting your spontaneity, conflict when others don’t comply and disappointment when things do not go according to your plan.If you're not in control, who or what is? Some say life is pure chance, believe in fate and others name our higher selves, God or the universe.
The more I coach, the more I see how perfectly situations and people come into our lives to teach us and serve us.
I do not believe that is chance, I bleieve we are being danced by a higher power.Whilst that dance is choreographed and led for us, I do not see us as merely puppets. We have the opportunity to ignore the lesson (in which case it will return to us in a different form unitl we can’t ignore it) and to dance in our own unique style using technique and flourishes to enhance our experience.
In dancing we can not be led if our arms are limp and floppy, in life we can not laze on the couch and expect life to be brought to us on a plate! Here are 3 tips from Heidy…..The most important thing to remember is to loosen up. The looser you are, the simpler it will be for you to be led. If you're stiff, then it is difficult for the guy to lead you to the proper spot that he wants you to go.When you hold on to life’s eevnts too tightly you’re not in a position to be led. Let go of expectations, be flexbile. Ask for what you want, but stay open to different possibilities of how that will be delivered.Be aware. If you're aware of your partner and how he moevs you will find it a lot easier to be led by him. Pay attention to when he reaches for your hand and what direction he is pulling you.
If your attention is elsewhere, you will not be ready for the move he is about to whip out for you.In dance we’re usually led by the hand.
In life we’re lead by the heart.
Pay attention to your feelings. Adopt a procses for tuning in and connecting with your dance leader.
This could be mediation, walking in nature, swimming, journal writing, whatever it takes for you to switch off your head chatter and be guiedd your heart.
Clear out old feelings, childhood patterns and limiting beliefs so you can be attetnive to that moment.Smile!
It will make the man’s job much easier if you look like you're having fun. Who wants to lead a woman around the dance floor if she looks miserable?
Get out there and have fun! If it ain’t fun why are you doing it? (Favourite saying of Judi Talesnick) Do things that make your haert sing.
If
there’s something you have to do- find a way of making it fun!
Smiling and enjoying each moment is the quickest way to attract others to dance with.
Let your partner know what you like and you’ll get more of that!
Soon you’ll be spinning, wiggling and shining like a pro!(This article also appears on www.Soulsanook.Com)Debbie Reeds is an International Life Coach currently based in Bangkok. She coaches individauls to be happier and more successful on their own terms.
For furhter information please see http://www.Soulsanook.Com
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