This one is fairly practical. Each day I begin with meditation goes a little better than one I begin any other way, a simple enough observation about my experience. Another simple observation, my arthritis sometimes finds me almost too stiff to move first thing, and between the stiffness and the pain, comfortably meditating can be challenging.
This morning I happened to read an article that referenced Makka Ho stretches, which I’d never been exposed to before, and following the link to the video I tried a new [yoga] sequence this morning that really felt good, and simple enough to comfortably work into my routine before meditation. Then my curiosity had me looking further, following links, reading more – you know how that goes, right? I followed up on the reference to Wu Tao dance, and found this video. I find myself feeling willing to dance again. That alone is worth so much. I loved to dance before I busted up my back, before the arthritis set in, before I got so fat I could barely move… and although the excess weight is mostly gone, and the yoga results in a far more flexible me, the strange self-conscious reluctance to move freely has remained. How sad! I love to move!
I’m not ‘a dancer’ in the way a professional dancer is, not even close, not even a little bit. I am human, though, and the sensuous feel of rhythmic movement is wonderful for me. I love that experience. It’s been so long… Wu Tao looks very gentle, and not at all like the sort of dancing that comes most naturally to me. This could be a valuable adventure in growth, and a good experience. 🙂 Novelty. Growth. Experience. (Let’s not bullshit around about it, though, I want to dance because dancing feels good and I miss it. 😀 )
However many books I may read about dancing, not one of them can replace the experience of movement.
I would share a picture of me, dancing, it would be apropos…but there are none. Not any. Not even one. I haven’t danced, really danced, freely danced without inhibition and anxiety, since before digital cameras. How fucking sad is that? lol.
Time to head into the world. Another day to be mindful, to bring the Big 5*, to smile – another day to dance. Today I will change the world.
*My Big 5 are Respect, Reciprocity, Consideration, Compassion, and Openness. I practice applying them in every interaction, every relationship, every day. 😀
Evening Light 