settle

There is a beautiful dance I have come to LOVE. How I got here is another story within this journey. For now, we will focus on the dance itself as I believe it mimics life in such a profound way.

Tango, a dance that originated in the 1880’s; danced mostly by immigrant men in impoverished establishments (brothels, dance halls and bars), began to transform itself over the years as wealthy Latin, aristocratic sons began to introduce the risqué dance; which over-time became embraced in Argentina. Today, Argentine Tango, is one of the most revered partner dances, danced all over the world. The beauty and perception of tango is better known as, by my definition: a passionate – partner dance where two souls embrace in unison, and their bodies, although dancing together, dance in solitude with strength and power. The passionately fluid dance then takes on a life of it’s own as partners engage in a follow – trust dialouge of give and take on the dance floor.

The most important lesson that I have been taught by my Maestros (female and male, master instructors of the Art), is the SETTLE. In every lesson, or opportunity I have had to dance with them, I am gently reminded to SETTLE, multiple times, again and again! As a student, I seek that guidance and expertise to not only help me become a better dancer, but to master the Art of the Settle.

Stay with me, this is where it gets good, and we dive into the steps of Life as it intersects with the Artful Dance of Tango!

One definition of settle is described as being established or localized. In tango, to settle is to be firmly grounded in ones own place (your axis) while dancing, where ever that place may be; with full body awareness, and solid independant strength (your core).

Each time you go into a move or transition into the next move with your partner, if you are NOT settled in your own strength, on the ground, with your feet firmly planted (axis and core); you run the risk of losing balance, and unintentionally, pushing or pulling your partner off their axis.

Purposeful and powerful movement in tango can not be described so much by words as it does by FEELING. To tell someone how it “should be done” lacks comparison, but to move on the floor as a unit with purposeful intention and power, FEELS Extra-Ordinary. When this occurs, one is not fighting the other, and the dialogue is open and receptive to the energy and movement each displays with very little resistance.

Let’s compare the parallels of the Artful Dance of Tango to the steps in Life. I can look back at my own multitude of experiences and be aware of the times in which I was not settled or grounded in where I was as an individual. Perhaps I did not seek that ever-needed guidance, and/or be still in the moment, waiting for better understanding of what my next solid and grounded steps should be. The resistance was evident and the process, not enjoyable, even intolerable at times.

For you Tangueros and Tangueras, you might appreciate this comparison! Life would feel like a never-ending Tanda, with a not-so-well suited dance partner, and I wanted nothing more then to excuse myself from the dance floor… but chose to continue to dance until the music stopped.

Can you relate?

Reality is, I failed to FEEL the Extra-Ordinary and would intentionally or unintentionally dance through life without being on my axis, utilizing my full core strength, and exercising meaningful purpose and complete mindful intention.

However, GRACE always allows us to misstep, and teaches us to find our rhythm once again. Thank GOD for GRACE and multiple chances to improve ourselves in this LIFE journey. We will dive deeper into GRACE another time!!!

Now, it does not matter how you dance in this life… so DO NOT EVER STOP DANCING, however, as we continue to journey through life, grow and evolve as humans/individuals, we must become aware of ourselves and each situation; AND most importantly determine: Are we settled in our own core strength? Are we on our axis with feet planted firmly on solid and stable ground? Are we grounded in who we are as individuals and what we are destined to acheive? Are we mindfully and intentionally moving through life? Are we seeking guidance in our God-given purpose and humanly-outlined goals?

Or, are we unbalanced in life, unintentionally or intentionally pulling our partner(s), loved ones, families, and friends off-balance?

In these times, it is okay, to take a break and/or get off the dance floor, if needed… but only for a short time. However, CONTINUE to seek guidance, listen for answers with Open Hands and Heart, and be receptive to feedback. Continue to AUTHENTICALLY assess yourself and where you are in life; and practice, practice…and practice those key teachings, over and over again until it FEELS Extra-Ordinary!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3.5-6

LOVE, with all my HEART,

Natalie