All in the details...

As I entered Lotus for the second workshop, I was looking forward to seeing new and returning faces.

Monika returned for her second round and a new face, Christine, a friend of Pratibha's, came as well. (Christine is a professional ballroom dancer and also helped with the beginning choreography. Like Pratibha, she is very talented. Frankly, I am jealous ! )

With the push of the button to play Osmyo, class began and in unison we all began warming up our limbs. This unison quickly ended with the warm-up. As we began the simple and relaxing movements that gradually leads to the demanding steps that follow, as a class we became confused and lost it. That was when our faithful leader stepped in to guide us how to correctly do both the steps and hand gestures.

After mastering the first part of the routine again (and in record time) Pratibha introduced the second part of RELEASE. It was quick and intense with a graceful ending. In this second part, she brought back the jump. And my self-doubt returned.

I have never liked jumping and prefer to stay on the ground as much as possible. But its moments like these that one must overcome their fears in order for their life to make progress and become confident in themselves. "It's now or never," I thought. And off I went.

Several trials later and a near collision with the wall, I was successfully leaping in the air and (almost) finishing RELEASE's first routine on time. The other girls were doing just as well.

Although I was beginning to understand and complete the steps, the back of my mind reminded me that my achievement was only partial. My hand gestures really need a lot of work. Their formations are ment to release stress and add feminity and grace to the dance. (Mine looked like claws, ready for attack) I was finishing the routine, but my body and mind continued to be stiff and clumsy. I know that once I can perform RELEASE's movements and hand gestures in unison, only then will I be able to truly experience the full benefits of the program.