In my last blog I spoke about following directions (using hard boiled egg making) as an example of achieving success through, well…… following directions.  Here I’ll break it down.

My sense of direction re: north, south east and west is dismal. I always try to feel out where I am and where I should go with poor results.  I need a compass all the time to get started (not that I ever use one!). The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, but what is all that is in between? 

Even using the sun as a guide, which way do I face (east or west?) to find north or south?  I’m already frustrated thinking about it.  Though GPS is a godsend when driving, I am embarrassed when people in New Jersey talk about “go east 2 blocks and then north,…….” 

No idea!

You may have the same annoying disorder that I have and maybe you hate reading directions for anything.  Fair enough.  However, if you buy something that requires assembly like a bookshelf or bed  you will need to read and follow directions, right?

So here is a little bit about  the Anatomy of Directions, and my preferred definition of anatomy.

a study of the structure or internal workings of something.

So anatomy of directions must be the “how” of directing ourselves – differently, away from our normal way of “being”. We are looking at organic means to elicit true efficiency regardless of our habits,

which do very much FEEL right.

My poor sense of direction is real. Period.  My trying to feel myself going in the intended  direction is faulty and habitual.

So now what?

Gotta do something new.  Shock myself out of my habit -thinking I can somehow feel it – which has proved to be ineffectual.

In improving any form of movement I’ve learned that these steps/directions universally provide a gateway for freedom. Thinking tools can help even the most skeptical of us replace unwanted  habits with good, wanted habits.

1. Allow my neck to let go of any tension.
2. Think of my torso (from my hip joints up to the top of my head) pointing up.
3. Think of my legs going in the opposite direction of my torso.
4. Now repeat #1 – 3.

 

Remember that you are sending these positive instructions to your kinesthetic system that serve to counter the opposite of a tight neck or a mis-mapped hip joint or top of the spine. My students are often amazed at the subtle yet profound changes they experience by just thinking.  Even finding your way – as I have uncovered – can be helped by employing the right thinking/directions!

Happy Dancing!  If you are inclined, let me know how these directions affect you.   If you know other dancers who may benefit from reading my blog, please forward.

To get my free 10 Steps to Competitive Greatness in PDF format, click here.