You may use this image in your ezine or website if you choose to publish my article. Click here to see the picture full-sized.--- Mark Susnow

When was the last time you really challenged yourself and allowed 
yourself to experience the feeling that maybe you won't be able 
to get it and that perhaps you might fail? I hadn't felt that way 
for quite some time until my wife, Annie, suggested that we sign 
up for some Salsa classes. I did have some reservations. Years 
ago we had taken swing classes but didn't continue. This was a 10 
week commitment every Monday night and I already had a prior 
commitment once a month. And Annie had been dancing seriously her 
entire life. Ready to try something new, I said "ok...let's do 
it... sounds like fun."

As the day of the first class approached, I was amazed at all of 
the emotions that I experienced. Although I was excited I also 
felt reluctant and apprehensive. Perhaps by my sharing my 
experience of becoming a beginner again, there will be insights 
and parallels germane to other aspects of your life.

In some areas of my life I consider myself a slow learner and 
dance was one of them. But it was back to being a beginner that 
I resisted; the fear that I might embarrass myself and not look 
good. Yet I knew that if I wasn't willing to become a beginner 
again I wouldn't be able to expand what was possible in my life. 
So we went and the first class wasn't fun. I was very self 
conscious and felt like I had two left feet. I didn't like the 
feeling of not getting it.

We came back the second week and it was a little easier although 
not much. I still couldn't relax or feel the rhythm of the music. 
The next few classes weren't much different. I felt tense most 
of the time and glad when class was over. Sometimes I would find 
myself looking over at the clock every five minutes or so 
wondering if the class would ever end.

I kept going because I had made a commitment for ten weeks. 
Without it, it would have been too easy for me to give up. 
Because I have an understanding of the learning process I knew if 
I had patience and stuck with it a breakthrough could occur; I 
just didn't know when. Unfortunately I missed the next week and 
the doubts resurfaced; maybe I'll forget all that I've learned 
so far.

And that was the way I felt when I went to class the next time. 
But this class had a different beginning. Our teacher, John, was 
giving a lesson to a woman who looked like a ball room diva. And 
she was exquisite...beautiful and graceful with her style and the 
way she moved. Watching her dance was inspirational and it gave 
me a glimpse of what was possible. My imagination has always been 
a great friend to me. I could see myself dancing gracefully at a 
dance club or even dancing in a contest.

As the class progressed I became more and more comfortable. By 
the time the class was over I felt the rhythm for the first time 
and I started to relax. That's when I had the breakthrough!

And it became fun!!! Yes pure fun. It was exciting and I moved in 
a way that I had never before experienced. It put a big smile on 
my face and I was reminded of how important it is to make time to 
have fun in your life. My patience and faith in the learning 
process made it possible for me to have this experience.

Although there were many new faces each week we were able to 
create a supportive community. After class Annie and I and some 
of the other students would meet at the café downstairs. During 
this time some of the more advanced students shared their journey 
with us. It was on one of those evenings that we met Larry.

Larry shared with us that he was also a slow learner and 
suggested to me that I also go to a Wednesday class. He also 
told us about the once a month Salsa Dances. With my new found 
enthusiasm I left the cocoon to experience a different teacher 
and different method of teaching.

It's been three months since we made the commitment. We just 
reupped for 10 more classes. At this moment as I am writing it's 
my intention to continue the dance. I don't have a crystal ball 
so I don't know where this will lead to. And that's the way our 
lives are. It's one big dance and there are no guarantees. But 
if you don't try nothing will happen.

What usually stops us are our limiting beliefs and our desire to 
know the likelihood of success before engaging in new endeavors 
or relationships. If we just use our mind to try to figure it out 
we can't know what is possible. It's only when we allow ourselves 
to trust our intuition that we can be fully engaged in the dance 
of life and feel its rhythm.

From my experience as a musician working with dancers I know that 
there is a moment when that magic happens. You don't know when it 
will occur or if will but it's the possibility of it happening 
that makes the dance of life exciting. But it might look 
different than what you were expecting. Whatever stage you are in 
your life stay open and be willing to be surprised. Be open to 
the magic. What's possible in your life is much greater than you 
can imagine.

Perhaps there was a time in your life when you were more in tune 
with the flow of life. Life might have been more fun and you were 
willing to take more risks. I know that you can find that place 
again. Finding your unique dance and rhythm connects you with 
that deeper place in yourself. And that is when you will be 
connected to your authentic self and embraced by the magic of 
life. ?

Keep dancing and share the journey by forwarding this letter to 
those in your circle. Letters on Life is now read world wide and 
is translated into 3 languages.


Journey On

Mark
mark@inspirepossibility.com
(415) 453-5016 

Mark Susnow has a unique background. Formerly a successful trial 
attorney for 30 years, as well as musician, he integrates what it 
takes to be truly prosperous in the world with the inner wisdom 
unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation practice. 
As a personal coach, leadership consultant and inspirational 
speaker, Mark provides inspiration and motivation to many 
business leaders and professionals. He knows what it means to 
have a big vision and has demonstrated the courage and energy 
it takes to accomplish it. Consider contacting Mark and be 
sure to visit his website: http://www.inspirepossibility.com