“Don’t look down! Keep your head up and your gaze out forward.”

These are things my salsa teacher has said to me over and over. Energetic connection with your partner dancing happens sternum to sternum. If I’m looking down at all, my head gets in the way of that connection, and even of the lead. The trajectory and creativity of our dance is disrupted.

He recognizes I have a bit of ‘tall girl syndrome’ and am often dancing with partners shorter than I am. I sometimes literally shrink from owning up to my full height and presence. But, that’s no excuse. Ironically, it’s sometimes when I’m dancing solo (doing shines) in a song, away from the guidance of my leader that I close down the most. And, that’s when I really could and should fully own my power and presence on the floor.

I find such a great parallel here with living my life and creating my highest wellbeing. When I focus down on my footwork, my steps, through daily life, I can easily lose the big picture. I get lost in the immediacy of everyday demands; stress and worries build. I forget where I’m going or that I have intentions and dreams. The burden of responsibility weighs heavier than it would if I’d keep my head up, and remember meaning, purpose and hope.

When I am living stuck in my head, captive by my thoughts and worries, I am unable to connect from my heart, unable to stand fully in my power, and unable to be completely present in relationships or activities. Worse, when I contract like that, I lose connection with my own heart, my own center. It’s the cost of inauthenticity.

I don’t know if such behavior comes from fear of not being perfect, or desire to please others (fear of not being the BEST follower) or simply being afraid to take up the full space that I deserve, but I know that in life it impacts my actual mental and physical health. The stress of not being fully and authentically ourselves can cause physical difficulties with muscle tension, headaches, and digestive disfunction. Chronic stress suppresses our immune system and increases susceptibility to infectious diseases and cancer. Being inauthentic can lead to anxiety, depression and loss of self-worth. At its extreme, we may even feel a loss of self-identity, feelings of emptiness and inability to know our own truth.

So, the take home messages? Hold your head up. Stand tall to your full height. Walk—and dance—proudly and bravely. Don’t watch your feet, but look to the horizon. Lead and make connections from your heart. You’re the only you the Earth will ever know, so make sure to fully share your gifts with the world. Your body, heart and soul with be thankful.