Dance One day at a Time... ©

By: Jeannie Tucker: jeannie@jeannietucker.com

"While doing some recent inspirational reading I ran across "The daily decalogue of Pope John XXIII" (below in white text) . I was struck by his theme of "One Day at a Time" and how it might relate to learning to dance and navigating the social dance scene. When you try to change something about yourself, learn a new skill or better a current skill, making the changes stick forever can be overwhelming. Whether you apply it to learning to dance or to life in general, his concept below of taking things "One Day at a Time" makes great sense..."

1. Only for today, I will seek to live the day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once. (Learn slowly and input the material into your muscle memory correctly)

2. Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behaviour; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself. (Dance with your heart and remember, the easiest thing to do is modify your own behavior and learn to adapt to your partners rather than try to change or improve them.)

3. Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one. (Be happy to be dancing...there are those who would give anything to do so.)

4. Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes. (The perfect thing to think when social dancing)

5. Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul. (Reading your dance notes is indeed good practice and rewriting them is as well)

6. Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it. (You have the power to lift your partner up and improve their self confidence...a kind encouraging word goes a long way)

7. Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices. (It may be the homework your dance teacher wants you to do or something else...)

8. Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision. (Goals in dance are good...they focus your mind and inspire you)

9. Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world. (...you are a divine being with a great ability to learn and grow)

10. Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life. (indeed)

"I can see so many ways these 10 thoughts apply to finding more enjoyment on the social dancefloor and how by taking everything "One Day at a Time" we can be kinder to ourselves as we learn. Being patient with ourselves as we strive to perfect the dance skills we desire makes the journey much more enjoyable. Remember, you are learning skills that have the potential to provide a lifetime of happiness thru dance....enjoy each day! "

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