DARK SIDE OF THE LENS from Astray Films on Vimeo.

There are things we have always wanted to do, to learn, to accomplish in our lives that sit just below the surface of awareness, untouched.

The realization that we can, if we move away from fear and allow ourselves a little bit of  freedom, dawns on us one day and we take those first faltering steps.

What are you waiting for?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN-koOtjnjs

A gem of a film: Carlos Saura – Tango

Additional Links.

The Tango Lesson – Sally Potter
Itzhak Perlman
Canaro Milonga
La Cumparsita

In trying to reach a goal we will almost always need the help of others who have the critical knowledge and experience needed to realize a vision. And sometimes we’re the one recruited to join a team for the value of our unique abilities.

Ideally members of a team are focused, flexible, objective, motivated, willing to learn, and know how to make an effort. But no team is perfect and in any group, at any given time during the life of a project’s evolution, there are those who pull their weight and more, and those who don’t, coasting on the work of others. Sometimes dips in performance are understandable, at other times not so much.

While we can’t be held responsible for the level of participation by another team member, what happens when we perform at a level below reasonable expectation or established ability? What happens when we are distracted by events in other areas of our life; or when we have differences with another member of the team; or we lose interest and motivation; or we’re exhausted? Whatever our challenge there are a few areas in which we should always make an extra effort.

• To be responsible and responsive to others.
• To be honest with ourselves.
• To honor commitments and do what we say we’ll do.
• To acknowledge others and give proper credit.
• To express gratitude.

Eventually a project will end and we’ll move on, taking with us the knowledge of how well we performed. In hindsight, could we have made an extra effort? How we honestly assess our performance will influence our self-respect, our self-confidence, and ultimately our future. Whatever the outcome, as long as we did the best we could with what we had to work with, there will be no need to feel regret.

Recommended Reading: ‘The Art of Possibility’, Rosamund Stone Zander, Ben Zander

Photo Credit: Photographer Unknown, Creative Commons

Directed by María Novarro 1991

Maria Novarro plays the lead role as Julia, a telephone operator in Mexico city. Her life is enhanced by weekly dances at the Salón Colonia where she’s partnered for years with Carmelo (Daniel Rergis). When Carmelo disappears, Julia embarks on a quest to find out what’s become of him. I had a few favorite scenes, especially the expressiveness of the dancers feet in the first few minutes.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jl8Dn6TlSs