Written by: Lydia on MONDAY, JAN 8, 2024
We are always asking for more. It’s intriguing that sometimes we really don’t want more of what we’re asking for. Every time you pay attention to something, or focus on something, you are asking for more. When you think about something, talk about it, you are asking for more.
When complaints arise about not being a good dancer, lacking talent, or criticizing one’s ability to learn and achieve, we unknowingly ask for more of that negativity. Shifting our approach to focus on what we like, concentrating on what we want, and thinking about what brings us joy can bring about a positive change. Gratitude and appreciation, when experienced, become a powerful force, invoking more of the good and pleasing things that we truly desire – ultimately leading to that sought-after feeling of genuine happiness.
On the spectrum of emotions, there are two worlds along one straight line. Praise and appreciation reside on one end, bringing joy and fulfillment, while criticism and condemnation sit at the opposite end, invoking the opposite. Self-criticism generates negative energy, leaving us feeling far from good, with no positive outcomes. Embracing appreciation allows the flow of wanted experiences into our physical life, transforming not only our feelings but also our destiny. It’s remarkably simple, yet profoundly effective.
Now, let me share two ways we can choose, methods that I’ve found remarkably helpful.
One way: Look for things to appreciate.
It’s a simple and effective tool, often all we need. My emphasis here is to encourage you to recognize and acknowledge your strengths—what you’re good at, what you like, what pleases and attracts you. Suppose you’re a competitive ballroom dancer. Regardless of your skill or experience level, there’s something you excel at already. Whether it’s a great memory, a charming smile, an excellent foot arch, strong muscles, a flexible spine, long arms, or a profound passion for dance—focus your attention on it. You’ll sense an improved feeling. Now, find something else you appreciate, and your positive feelings will expand. This approach works across various life aspects: well-being, health, relationships—appreciation magnifies the good. The journey from here is simple: Appreciate what you’ve already manifested, and you’ll attract more of those things.
Life is a constant journey of growth, and we are always evolving, both as human beings and dancers. This perpetual progress is not just the truth but also the very essence and beauty of life—especially when it comes to enhancing your dancing skills and finding joy in the process.
If you wait to feel appreciation until you get what you want, there is a vibrational gap between where you now stand and how you feel when your desires manifest. This gap, akin to a trap, often leads us to lose sight of alternatives and dampens our positive vision and dreams. Appreciation of what you have not only closes this gap but also materializes your desires. So, let’s explore the other way of thinking.
Second way: Appreciate what you want in advance and enjoy the feeling of positive expectation.
Now, let’s delve into a typical scenario that illustrates the concept of inviting what we don’t want in advance. Consider these statements: “Dance competition makes me so nervous.” “Everyone is so good out there; I don’t think I am at that level yet.” By expressing such thoughts, you inadvertently invite nervousness and attract competitors above your skill level to the event. Why settle for being surpassed by what you’ve anticipated? It will happen. Moreover, the pre-competition feelings tend to be uncomfortable and unpleasant, possibly a mix of joy, excitement, stress, and anxiety, not quite reaching the ideal state of feeling 100% good.
Instead, shift your focus to thoughts that genuinely make you feel good. Embrace a positive mindset like, “I love competing; it gives me an extra boost of energy; it inspires me to do my best; it accelerates my progress.” If these affirmations bring joy, hold onto them. Doing so ensures you are actively inviting more of these positive aspects into both your life and dance in advance—more joy, energy, inspiration, and progress in unimaginable ways. The gap between where you stand and what you want is effortlessly closed by expressing appreciation for your desires ahead of time, instantly immersing yourself in the great energy it brings.
I absolutely cherish the practice of appreciating what I desire even before it materializes; it’s undoubtedly one of my favorite habits. Allow me to share a personal example from my life journey, particularly in shaping the DCDA academy from a smaller studio.
In the early stages of my creative venture, I found solace in the cleanliness, comfort, and the gentle light of my initial studio. Simultaneously, I envisioned and appreciated in advance my profound desire for a more expansive space – a larger floor, floor-to-ceiling windows enveloping the studio, abundant light. Reflecting on it later, I realized that these seemingly straightforward aspirations held remarkable potency. The simplicity of appreciating the elements I wished to add transformed my studio remarkably. Appreciation, I learned, is truly easy. You don’t need to be a special unicorn to possess this ability, and your life doesn’t have to be flawless to feel genuine appreciation. Wherever you are in life, there’s always, always something worthy of appreciation.
The bottom line: when you appreciate, you are telling the universe that you want more of those things. When you complain, you are telling the universe, “More of this, please.” When you criticize yourself, feel guilty, worry, or feel discouraged, you are telling the Universe, “More of this, please.”
What have you been asking for more of lately? It’s easy to know; just notice what you are paying attention to, observe what you are talking about, notice what you are focused on. Are you focused on what you want more of, or have you actually been focusing on what you don’t want? The more you say thank you, the more you turn downstream. Because we don’t say thank you to what we don’t like or don’t want usually feel good about. Instead of going upstream with all the things that we don’t feel good about, turn it downstream. Where can you focus your thank you?
All day, every day, count your blessings. Make a list of things you appreciate, and by consistently activating what is working in your life, you’ll effortlessly attract more pleasing experiences across all aspects – from abundance and good health to fulfilling relationships, meaningful purposeful existence, and enriching life experiences.
Take a moment to acknowledge your blessings, craft that gratitude list, and open yourself up to the abundant provisions of the universe. In closing, I express deep gratitude for your presence in my life, for sharing these thoughts with me. Thank you! Life truly becomes extraordinary when embraced with gratitude.
