Newbies and Seasoned

This past weekend I had the pleasure and privelage to attend a dance training with a variety of teachers, both local and national. I always enjoy events of this type, not only for the chance immerse myself in an experience, but also to see how others teach and pick up some inspiration for my own teaching. I also tend to learn a lot about what makes a good teacher, a not-so-good teacher and what makes a GREAT teacher. But more on that later.

One of the nuggets I picked up from this weekend was the Newbies vs. the Seasoned. I love this because I think it really applies to many things. It was stated in the context of dance, but I think it applies to Yoga as well. I can see it happening with many artistic endeavors - music, theatre, and even job skills and parenting. It's also something to ponder for yourself, as you practice any kind of sport or art or skill. Use this information to help you practice like you are Seasoned. Use it to create more depth in what you are practicing and in utilizing your energy differently.

Newbies are beginners. Maybe you've just learned some substantial pieces of music or just finished acting lessons. Maybe you are just getting acclimated to a new work climate and want to show off what you "bring to the table". Maybe you've just had a baby. Maybe you are up on stage for the first time. Maybe you've taken a few yoga classes and know a few poses. Newbies are fresh and full of energy. Some of that energy is excitement and some of that energy comes from being nervous. As a Newbie at anything we get excited about showing off. "Look what I can do!" We gladly show or tell anyone that will watch or listen. We get in class and want to push ourselves just so everyone can see how flexible or strong we are. We get up on stage and overact. We talk loudly and often about the great things we do for our kids. We put every move we've got into the dance. Everything a Newbie does is energy out. There is so much energy it only has one way to go! We overwhelm others sometimes with all the things we ask of them. I love this energy and enthusiasm. Sometimes, though, it can be like a 3-year-old constantly asking, "Look at me! Look at me!" Seasoned people, on the other hand, are all about internal. If I'm seasoned, everything I do is for ME. My actions come from deep internally. I take my time and experience for myself everything that I do. I move slowly, yet confidently. I do things for my own love of it and the expression of the art. If you are a seasoned actor, you really get into a role and feel what it's like to be that character. If you are a seasoned musician or dancer, you really feel the music and play or dance for the sheer joy of it. If you are a seasoned professional (in any field), you quietly incorporate new learning and experiences into your craft, fine tuning to make it just the way you want it. It's as if everything you do is for you, and the rest of us are just lucky enough to be there to witness it.

Even if you are a Newbie, you still can have some of the Seasoned experience. Slow down. Pay close attention and experience everything from the inside out. Feel what it's like to do things for you, and not for the attention it garners from others. Practice, play, move, teach, share and work all for the sheer joy and love of what you do. Not for anything, or anyone, else.