One of the hardest drills I've ever done

This wasn't actually one of our first drills - but the thing is, it was really hard.

Brandall had written the whole schedule for me. His handwriting was a bit difficult to read, and he had some spelling mistakes.

How funny, he wrote my programs on white square CD envelopes. Sometimes, he just tore a sheet of paper from a spiral notebook.

TODAY'S AGENDA FOR NADEENA

by Brandall McMahon

(1) Find a swan swimming in the lake (near the shore).

(2) Stand close to the swan quietly and motionless for a while.

(3) Try to forget about yourself - self-consciousness can hinder progress. 

(4) Don't show any fear or discomfort.

(5) Make eye contact.

(6) Try to establish a connection with the swan (just improvise). BE KIND A FRIENDLY.

(7) Send the swan a clear message every time. Be spontaneous but not too wild. Otherwise, the swan will be afraid of you.

(8) Be ready to get a reply (of whatever kind), and don't forget your manners.

(9) Pay attention to the swan's answers. Stay focused. Don't start babbling, DON'T get sidetracked - you'd only be waste precious time.

(10) Watch the swan carefully. Imitate the swan's movements. Try to do it gracefully.

(11) Endure as much as you can. Show you can be strong without being tough.

(12) If you get tired, try not to make a fuss - just let your guru know about it, kindly and friendly.

(13) Don't start groaning if you get tired too soon. It'll take you some time to build endurance - but you will get there!

(14) Be willing to listen to your guru's evaluation of your performance without taking things too personally.

(15) Learn to acknowledge your own efforts. Be proud of them.

(16) Learn to acknowledge your own limits. Be certain that, in due time, you'll go beyond them and conquer your barriers.

(17) BE POSITIVE. Don't think you've failed if you don't do everything perfect.

(18) No matter what, don't beat yourself up!

(19) Let your guru praise your efforts without questioning him - he's not trying to flatter you!, he's qualified to appreciate your progress.

(20) Be willing to ask for and get help with your obstacles.

(21) LET YOUR GURU DO HIS JOB because he's qualified, and above all, because YOU TRUST HIM and HE TRUSTS YOU.

(22) Accept your guru's comments, remarks, advice, etc., without being defensive.

(23) Be grateful for this opportunity to learn and improve in life.

(24) NEVER LOSE YOUR TEMPER. Animals and people deserve your respect.

Remember - things can only get better - and they will!

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +