Courageous Boundaries - Lessons from the Dance Floor

One of the most profound lessons I've learnt from dance is creating fun and Courageous Boundaries. Dances such as Argentinian tango, Biodanza, Zouk can create very beautiful and intimate physical and energetic connections, one where we communicate with no words, only through our bodies and hearts.

Early in my dancing life, I accepted every dance even when I didn't want to - for fear of disappointing or upsetting others. Some experiences were delicious, some unpleasant, some I'd rather forget.

Over time, I realised that I wanted more pleasant experiences and I learnt that it didn't matter if I didn't accept all invitations. In fact, the more discerning I was, the more beautiful and out-of-this-world connections I had. I learnt what felt good in my body, and when I'm feeling connected and delicious, I bring more love, inspiration and energy into the dance.

Ab-so-lute-ly mind-blowing!

Fast forward 9 years to a recent tango festival, my intention of having beautiful, connected and fun dances was alive! I felt myself being lifted into beautiful spaces of connection, and learnt that the healthier boundaries I'd set, the more delicious invitations came my way, sometimes being literally swept off my feet!

What do these courageous boundaries look like?

I drop into my own body and my power. I say yes to myself to beautiful connections. I observe how respectful others are - on and off the floor, I respond with a smile, a playful step or sometimes an 'ouch'. And if is uncomfortable, I speak up with grace.

My Tips for Courageous Boundaries in our everyday

* Play with saying yes to yourself - whether it'd be cancelling social plans for a quiet night in, or blocking out your calendar so colleagues don't fill it up with agenda-less meetings.

* Ask yourself - how would you like to feel in a situation, eg Christmas gathering. Is it something that sparks joy, or dread?

* Setting time expectations (eg 30min) for those who want to 'pick your brain' or coffee chats (I personally only do a handful of these a year now).

* Surround yourself with people who support you and want to see you thrive.

Curious to explore? I offer beautiful coaching spaces for individualised coaching to support the development of courageous boundaries. Find out more here.