Why I dance
I've tried a lot of different types of exercise. Nothing has stuck so much as dance.*
To me, dance is a practice that reveals my limiting beliefs.
I watch my teacher Kristin Damrow demonstrate a phrase, and almost immediately I think "What? I can't do that." I'm not alone. She looks at our incredulous faces and says cheerfully, "Don't worry, I'll get you there." And she does.
I used to believe that if I could just find the right teacher, "a good one who speaks to me", I'd make lots of progress.
Yes and no. I'm so grateful I've found Kristin and a couple of other dance sherpas here in San Francisco. But the truth? My progress as a dancer depends on two things:
The mindset I have in class that day.
The mindset I have towards dance as a lifelong practice.
Am I showing up frustrated, limiting myself, down on myself? It's gonna be a long class. If I show up with self-compassion and willingness to laugh at my mistakes, I practically skip home.
If you can't seem to find a hobby/physical practice that sticks, I invite you to seek a practice that helps you bust through all the ways you block yourself from growth and joy. One in which you have to look your fears in the face and do it anyway.
What's that practice for you?