ShiningLight

BEYOND MEASURE

"OUR DEEPEST IS NOT THAT WE ARE INADEQUATE.
OUR DEEPEST FEAR IS THAT WE ARE POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE. IT IS OUR LIGHT, NOT OUR DARKNESS, THAT MOST FRIGHTENS US.
WE ASK OURSELVES: WHO AM I TO BE BRILLIANT, GORGEOUS, TALENTED, FABULOUS? ACTUALLY, WHO ARE YOU NOT TO BE?
YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD. YOUR PLAYING SMALL DOES NOT SERVE THE WORLD.
THERE IS NOTHING ENLIGHTENED ABOUT SHRINKING SO THAT OTHER PEOPLE WON'T FEEL INSECURE AROUND YOU. WE ARE ALL MEANT TO SHINE, AS CHILDREN DO.
WE WERE BORN TO MAKE MANIFEST THE GLORY OF GOD IN US. IT'S NOT JUST SOME OF US. IT'S IN EVERYONE.
AND AS WE LET OUR LIGHT SHINE, WE UNCONSCIOUSLY GIVE OTHER PEOPLE PERMISSION TO DO THE SAME. AS WE ARE LIBERATED FROM OUR OWN FEAR, OUR PRESENCE AUTOMATICALLY LIBERATES OTHERS"

(Marianne Williamson - and quoted by Nelson Mandela 1994 at his inauguration!

Friday, February 24, 2012

My first Dance Competition: The Valentines Matchdance

The theme was Valentines Day. That meant outfits in the colours red, black, white and pink. The dances that we could compete in were: Waltz, Vienna Waltz, Bolero, Tango, Box Rumba, International Rumba and Western Swing.

I chose Tango, Box Rumba and the Western Swing. I could not believe that I actually went for it with the few one on one dance lessons that I have.

My goal: have fun and dance for Jesus – enjoy and not get caught up in the competition-side of things.

It was on a Saturday (18^th of Feb) at 9:30am local time that my first competition started. I was so blessed to have support with me. Two of my friends had come to cheer me on: Jane and Edna. The are both dear to me. I had led them through the Genesis process 2 years ago. Jane even brought her camera with and became the unofficial personal photographer of mine. Grin! I had to wait for my turn and I got more nervous by the minute. Finally, I had to dance the Western Swing as my first dance – its a nice sensual dance that respects personal space. As I danced, I could feel my legs were like pudding. My second dance was the Box-Rumba and I was nervous before that one. I had just learned some arm styling and the coordination was not that easy. As we go on the floor, my ears hear a beautiful song and the melody put me at peace immediately. It was Hungry Eyes form the movie Dirty Dancing. I knew that that was Jesus. I said thank you and enjoyed this dance without thinking too much of doing anything wrong. That was my icebreaker and the Tango was a great time.

I could have done things better but that is always a fact.

My dance teacher was nice and encouraging. I did not place at all which made me a bit sad for a moment until I realized that I danced against 5 other couples, who had been dancing on that level (level 3) much longer that I have.

I loved the vibe and our studio was just so cool: cheering for everyone and creating a great atmosphere, caring for each other. I am thankful - what a great day! Thank you to Jane and Edna who made this so so so special! Thank you to Marelise and Karen for being my friends there and supporting me and encouraging me!