Practice Makes Perfect

After seven years of classical dance training, I didn’t feel confident enough to teach it. Instead, I spent years teaching semi-classical and contemporary dance, both of which my students and I thoroughly enjoyed.

When I became pregnant, I had to discontinue. After five years, I joined a nearby Western contemporary dance class to brush up on my skills. To my surprise, I found learning far more enjoyable than teaching. The studio paid its instructors handsomely, and their classes were full, with 25 students in each batch.

Curious about their journey, I assumed these instructors must have trained for over a decade to achieve such expertise. One day, I asked my instructor, “How long did you train in this dance form?”

The instructor proudly replied, “For three years.”

I was shocked. “How is this even possible?” I inquired. “How did you become so skilled in just three years? Normally, it takes many years to master.”

He explained, “It wasn’t just three years. We practiced three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening every day, without fail, for three years. It wasn’t easy. Almost everyone got injured at some point, but we kept pursuing it through hot and cold climates and difficult circumstances.”

I realized how challenging it must be to practice dance for 5 to 6 hours daily. His commitment made me reflect on my own passion – Meditation. If I could apply the same level of discipline to my meditation practice, I could reach a deeper level of mastery.  

Passion drives us to persevere, no matter how hard the journey. Without that inner spark, such dedication would feel impossible.

Never Too Late
Some find it at twenty, some at fifty,
The role they’re meant to play.
For many, the answer hides away.
As we stay relaxed, it comes to us.
Passion can’t be planted or forced to grow—
It burns on its own, quiet and slow.
Because truth is — it is never too late.