10 January 2011

Lynch pins

linchpin |ˈlin ch ˌpin| (also lynchpin)

nouna pin passed through the end of an axle to keep a wheel in position.a person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization3 a person or thing regarded as and essential or coordinating element
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Lessons
I have spent a copious amount of money, time, and effort taking many lessons from many tango instructors throughout the years.

In their classes (which normally run a few hours per session), I and Mrs. Ampster are taught basic and advanced techniques, steps and patterns (like giros, molinetes, sacadas, etc.) advice on leading and following, etc, etc, etc.

My head gets filled with so much information that it makes my head feel like it's going to burst. A few more days and a few more weeks pass and I hardly remember what was taught to myself and Mrs. Ampster in the first place. It really makes me wonder if my time, money, and efforts was worth it all. I try to incorporate the lessons learned... things fall apart quickly.


Fast forward a few moths—and a few years...
Frustrations arise between Mrs Ampster and I from trying to adopt the lessons learned. It becomes an exercise in patience... So, I let things be and just dance.

It's funny how epiphanies happen. As we dance, things just beautifully happen. I reflect upon it and... EUREKA! I'm reminded of my lessons!!! It wasn't the lessons itself that I'm reminded of, it small things...

Lynch Pins
The large big lessons did not make a difference with me. It's the SMALL tweaks that made a difference—The Lynch Pins! Those small things that adjust your feet, tell you where to put your weight, how to hold your partner, and on and on and on...

I've learned that's the cumulative lessons from the small things that make a difference—The lynch pins!