Yesterday at practice I found myself thinking “nope. there’s no way I can do that.” My coach had just demonstrated the drill we were supposed to be doing – something that involved sprinting, somersaulting, and leaping over and then ducking under hurdles as fast as possible.
When we got in line to do the drill I made sure to hang back and be near the end. I was ridiculously nervous. But then, it was suddenly my turn, I was suddenly doing the drill. I’m not saying that I was graceful or super quick, but I got around it just fine. The next time around I was more relaxed; I was able to stop thinking about the drill and just do it.
We’ve been talking about this feeling in dance class recently; the moment when your brain is able to direct your body without over-thinking the movements. It feels like a moment of letting go or shutting off the brain, but in truth it’s the moment when your brain is working more efficiently and fluidly.
I’ve experienced it in athletics, dance, and occasionally even in class – knowing the answer without knowing how I know it. From these experiences I’ve learned that these moments come with confidence and relaxation, the two things which are (of course) the hardest to come by when presented with a new challenge.
Still, next time I find myself thinking “nope, can’t do that,” I’ll just take a deep breath. I’ll just take a deep breath, and do it.
