Last weekend at Maryland Dancesport Championships, it occurred to me that most of the time we need to rely on faith to know we are supported and guided by the Divine. Lately, I’ve been doing my fair share of risky death drops, backbends, nosedives and dips at competitions. I plunge to the dancefloor without knowing if I will have a hard landing or wind up in a beautiful position in front of the audience or judges. Will Blake catch me? In two years he hasn’t dropped me once so we’ve had time to build trust. I know if I do my job right, he will too, and all will be well. He will be there because I trust that on The Floor, he leads the way and is my means of support. This dance lesson has a spiritual dimension. How many times in your life did you feel you were without support or guidance? Were you in a situation that forced you to trust the Universe for a positive outcome? Did you learn to release the need to know every result and just let go?
The Divine is always our resource for support. Once we trust that the Higher Power works in us and through us always, we can relax, whether we are on the top of the world or going through tough times. All our experiences are for our benefit, and when we know we are supported, we can turn over the outcomes to God and let the learning unfold. Often, it seems that missed opportunities or even painful challenges do not seem worthwhile but when we know we are truly supported in our journey, we can rest easier and wait for the results.
The Higher Power is your rock, your resource for love and support, your professional helper and partner in all things. When you resonate with this wisdom, you will be more open to receiving the support you need to guide you toward the best and most productive outcome imaginable. You are never without guidance, no matter if opportunities are flourishing or if it seems they are passing by you.
Next time you are ready for your own version of a tango trick at work, home, or in any other area of your personal life, remember to trust God first and all else will follow perfectly.
Dance Blessings,
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With the advent of the new year, I’m reflecting on all my experiences from the ballroom dance world. It was less about winning, more about dwelling in joy and gratitude, and learning to invite a spiritual exchange with the Divine.
The purpose of the entire universe is to live. Because life must live itself, consciousness has an experience through each one of us. And joy is “loving engagement” in life, a very beautiful expression. This is a state of total awareness of what is, in the present moment.
Being present is to be externally and internally aligned with your purpose in that moment. It is to feel aligned with life and rejoice in your aliveness. There is no worry or fear, only room for joy. I thought about this countless times when I was on the competitive dance floor during my national tour. I took plenty of time to be fully present and sink myself in gratitude – for my healthy body, for the music, and for simply having an opportunity to be there.
The purpose of being on The Floor was not to score higher than the next competitor nor win another trophy. It was a place to practice the expression of both joy and gratitude, and through dancing, learn to establish an energetic flow with the universe. Dance invites us to awaken to a greater trust in the Presence’s spontaneity and creativity. This is the moment when we actively participate in life as a co-creator with the Divine. A good waltz or tango can drive the point home because I noticed I was always more successful at winning when these points were aligned.
How can we take these ideas off The Floor and put them to use in our daily experiences? Practice by slowing down. Take a moment to feel where you are. Sometimes there is no other reason for doing something than just being. Joy is simply experiencing what is in front of you, like smelling a delicious dessert, playing a sport you love, or resting your gaze on beautiful scenery. When simple acts become enjoyable experiences, you live joyously.
I don’t think I’ll give up my ballroom dancing this year, but use it to observe life from a different perspective. Hopefully, it will allow me to teach some spiritual lessons along the way! I don’t know what opportunities are on the horizon, but whatever is presented to me I think will be a result of being aligned with joy and gratitude for all life has offered me in 2012.
This year, dancing with Blake on the ballroom circuit has been a journey with many ups and downs, but mostly, a year full of happy surprises. All over this beautiful country, we have met amazing people and have had an opportunity to experience something totally unique. Often in life, when we decide to make a commitment to excellence, and put our passion and energies into a specific goal, the Universe has something better in store for us, when we align our intentions with joy. This has certainly been true for us.
We are coming down the homestretch on the competitive dance season with 4 months to go, and hope to finish first on the World Pro-Am DanceSport Series Leaderboard. Who would have thought we would place so well? At the moment, we are holding first place rankings in all styles for the Region Four Team Scores as well as the DanceSport series. The DanceSport Series includes ballroom competitions across North America. Points accumulated during each event count toward a national ranking during the course of one calendar year. Additionally, our scores have helped to push our studio, Birmingham Ballroom, to the top of the list, another wonderful surprise.
By December, will have attended over 26 competitions in 2012 to achieve our goal. We’ve often laughed about this, having been road warriors who are frequently stuck at airports on holidays or delayed in traffic. Being on the road so much, there were days we didn’t know what city we were in or where we were heading next.
Dancing together for two years, we recently took inventory of all our numerous awards, a Triple Crown Championship in our division, and even a few memorable train wrecks (translation: forgetting your open choreography, which makes a two minute routine seem like an eternity.) Despite regular physical injuries, missing our families, and stepping on each other’s toes more times than can be counted, we’ve performed on the competitive ballroom floor nearly 10,000 times. For better or for worse, it’s been a year to remember.
Winning the leaderboard, coupled with our shared goal of placing first on the Global DanceSport Series and the Dancers Cup Tour, the remaining two of the three national competitive ballroom dance circuits, would be a dancing grand slam. Since we’ve competed in all three series, we thought as long as we were fit, and having fun, we might as well go for it. Every time we walk out of the dancefloor, we continue to put joy at the front of our agenda, and will remember to inspire others to do the same. And who knows what will happen? I hope you will hold us in your heart, and maybe visit us on the road during my Dance Sabbatical in the next few months. I’ll let you know how our journey is going, and what we’ve experienced! Follow our progress here and at facebook.com/charlene.m.proctor
When my son graduated from the U.S.C. School of Music, Vince Mendoza, a famous composer and arranger, gave the commencement address. He advised young musicians entering the music industry to always ‘practice and play positive.’ Have positive energy while creating music, he said, and if you are making music with gusto and love, you will not only translate the art form into something that uplifts humanity, but you’ll make the loudest mistakes. The best musicians are unafraid to put themselves out there 100%. Finally, he reminded the graduates to have faith. Remember, the music is always in you. Always.
He also spoke about how important is to have an attitude of continuous learning in life. Without this humble attitude, a person can never be empowered to serve another human being, nor personally or spiritually grow. We teach our children the importance of a good education, going to school and the value of homework. But learning is more than getting prepared for a better job or tomorrow – it’s a positive attitude about how we should view life.
Commit to Constant Improvement and Growth
We can showcase our capabilities simply for the joy of doing it, but also we must make a commitment to constant improvement. Life is a process and we can never really expect to reach perfection. Often, it is not the material that provides a personal growth lesson, but the context surrounding the learning. Volunteer for an organization that teaches impoverished inner city kids to read. At the end of the day, you’ll find you learned far more from them then they did from you. Life is a big, reciprocal exercise and if we don’t put ourselves out there to learn something new, we will miss an opportunity to grow.
The possibility of what you can do keeps life interesting! To live a balanced life and feel empowered we must encourage others to learn, but also show we are not above making positive change. As adults, it is important to take a class. Test your limits to learn anything new. Develop your innate gifts that can help someone. By doing so, you are helping to serve and uplift humanity.
Together, let’s:
Show people that learning is about elevating the human condition. Learning, and improving your mind and heart, is about how we can better release our gifts to the world and serve humanity. Show your children you desire to challenge yourself in order to serve another human being. Teach them that learning and education is not all about making more money.
Fill each day with enthusiasm, positivity, and hope for a better world. All positive energy is contagious when you are committed to living life fully. Learning is a result of that process. You will experience life differently when your attitude is positive and hopeful. Teach others to see their challenges as opportunities, not obstacles.
Be humble to the process. Whether you want to learn to dance, get a high school diploma, or complete your Ph.D., feel empowered by the process. Don’t be critical of yourself and feel you cannot learn fast enough than someone else. You will always have your own rendition of every song, so sing with gusto and happiness. If you do, no matter what you learn, you will face your responsibilities with a sense of renewed joy and confidence.
We can trust life to show us what we need to learn but we must put effort into the process! Let’s affirm:
“When I look in the mirror, I see a person whose potential knows no boundaries. I am an example of a miracle and a work in progress. I engage in life robustly and wholeheartedly, without fear, knowing I contribute to the greater good of humanity. My contribution is important because no one has my unique essence. I love life, and love to learn.”
Become a life-long learner. Your desire to learn uplifts humanity and is vitally important to experiencing an empowered and balanced life.
Each day is an opportunity to stretch the limits of my mind and give more to humanity. The unlimited universe now gives me room to grow in unlimited fashion. It is time for me to step outside my space and expand my world. I give to the world with excitement and love I have extra energy to find ways to channel my capabilities, through either this situation or another, and I am grateful that I have time to take mental, emotional, and spiritual inventory in order to improve myself and my attitude. New opportunities are coming to me now!
Life Passing Me By
I live in the present moment; therefore it is impossible to watch the past or the future. I am fully engaged in a present life experience. I am the center of experience; I watch nothing and experience everything. My presence on earth contributes to a beautiful mosaic of everyone. I leap into life with vigor and say yes to all life has to offer!
More than 200 people gathered on March 27th at the Marriott Ballroom in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to dance the afternoon away to benefit the Lutheran Child and Family Services of Michigan and Christ Child House. Bloomfield Hills Fred Astaire Studio professional ballroom dancers and students presented the “Time Machine Showcase” – a dance tribute to some of the best tunes from several decades. The event included a silent auction of items ranging from books, gift baskets, and services donated by local businesses and friends.
Studio owners Evan and Lada Mountain complimented their students and staff for their efforts to produce an entertaining show filled with high energy and plenty of ballroom pizzazz. “Over the last several months, we invited professional dance coaches from around the U.S. to teach and choreograph these dynamic dance numbers,” said Evan. “This year, we sold our event out completely, and we were delighted with these playful performances and the audience’s enthusiasm.” Lada added, “We are so thrilled that we can raise money to help supply orphans with computers, learning supplies, and other items are not provided by the State of Michigan. Dancing for a good cause the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon!”
Charlene performed two dynamic dance numbers with her dance partner Blake Kish. Feelin’ Good, a jazz number with music by Adam Lambert, was a moving, ‘Chicago-style’ celebration of joy and empowerment. “Two years ago, I was in the hospital on the neurosurgeon’s table, awaiting back surgery. I had no feeling in my feet and was in crippling pain. I spent 9 months in physical therapy and rebuilt my body the following year.” She added, “In ‘Cowboy Casanova’, a Carrie Underwood influenced West Coast Swing, I get to be a playful, western-hottie who whips her man into shape. How fun is that? Dancing is a passionate, energetic exchange with the universe and your favorite people. I feel completely blessed to be dancing everyday and feeling like a miracle! A woman’s spirit is airborne, and that is the way she should approach life!”
For more information on Charlene M. Proctor, PhD, best-selling self-help author, minister, spiritual peacekeeper and her 2011 Ballroom Dance Empowerment Journey, visit our facebook pages or call our office at 1-866-888-4633. See www.charleneproctor.com and http://www.fadsmichigan.com/ and http://bit.ly/eq9S3S
To see more photos from this event, visit Charlene’s Flickr Page.
Affirmations are a simple tool we can use to feel better about ourselves. By repeating aloud or silently the positive things we want for our lives, we train our minds to move past other people's views and our own internal scripts to embrace new and joyful possibilities. According to Charlene Proctor, Ph.D., affirmations help "arrest the impulse to self-doubt and give you more energy to focus your attention on a life filled with prosperity, love, good health, and happiness."
Her affirmations, lectures, and electronic programs reach a worldwide audience daily. She is a frequent media guest and among the Top 100 Thought Leaders of 2007. (The Warren Bennis Leadership Magazine).
Charlene, your words inspire me each and everyday! They open my mind and expand my horizons to places I've never traveled. keep up with all the wisdom and words of encouragement!! My god bless you and keep you healthy and safe. Just one more thing. I would so vote for you if you were on Dancing with the stars !!!!!!! David
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Charlene Proctor,
Thank you for your kind words and becoming a great friend and mentor. You positive words help lift my spirits and inspire me. I look forward to having the honor to offer a great service to you.Gods Grace be with you, Aimee
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Amazon review from: Let Your Goddess Grow! 7 Spiritual Lessons on Female Power and Positive Thinking (Paperback)
I purchased the book for my 19 years old daughter as a Christmas Gift. She's enjoying the reading and is happy about owning this book. I can see a slight improvement and a learning as on a mother daughter day she'll explain to me how she's learning to think positive based on her reading....
easier and wait for the results.
