It was easy when all we had to do was stand with our backs
against the kitchen wall where our mother or father would mark our height and
date. But, what happens after you max
out? In my case, at a hearty 5’11”!
Years blend into each other, and we often find ourselves
time and time again in what seems like the same place or the same situation
over and over again. How can we know we have changed? Grown? Learned?
Each year I attend the National Dance Educators Organization
conference. I have presented each year
for the past 6 or so years—or more. I can’t really remember! But, what I do
know is that each year I process through the conference ritual and each year I
can see how I have changed and if I have changed over the past 12 months.
The conference becomes a marker for me, an opportunity to
notice what is different in me and in my approach to what I do and to those
around me. This year I find myself with
a deep centeredness that I don’t recall in past years. Often the conference is such a whirlwind. The
preparation leaves us wind blown like leaves as we are swept into the official fours
days of meetings, sessions, classes and panels.
Each day is packed full of events and there are always more people in
attendance than one person could ever try to talk to. This year over 700!
So, with such a large group in attendance and with countless
opportunities for learning and conversing, it is tough to stay connected to
oneself and avoid the hustle and bustle all around you. So many wonderful dance education minds come
together to share their stories during these grand conferences, yet we must
trust that we will get what we need from this massive event. It will come to us
just as we need it. In the package we need and at the time and place in which
we are ready to receive it. My goal is to let the conference come to me as it
may. I want to soak in the experience
without feeling flustered or overwhelmed as I have in the past. Most
importantly I want to be fully present in the experiences and in the
conversations.
Personal growth means we get to revisit something familiar
and do it “better.” We get to be more
mindful of our words and our actions, more compassionate for others and more
patient with ourselves. As we experience
this we can feel ourselves growing, getting a little taller in spirit.
What annual rituals do you practice and how do you approach
them each year? Do you ever feel stuck
in a rut or perhaps tired of running after new experiences? How do you measure your growth? The holidays
of course are right around the corner and they are always a chance for
practicing balance. What are your plans for growth and change? How tall do you
hope to grow this year?
