Healing With Movement - Rediscovering Dance
As children, most of us
were encouraged to dance on a regular basis, freely and openly, in whatever way
felt best. A few of us may have retained or regained our ability to engage in
dancing "unselfconsciously", but by the time we reach adulthood, many of us have
stopped dancing altogether. We may have hang-ups about our bodies, or we may
fear being judged. Then again, we may simply have fallen out of the habit for
so long that we don't realize we never dance anymore. Whatever the case,
there's no time like now to rediscover the healing pleasure of moving your body
to music-alone, as part of a couple, or in a group. Opportunities to dance
abound, once you start looking for them.
If you haven't danced in a
long time and feel too self-conscious to start in a public situation, find some
time alone to reintroduce yourself to the joy of listening and responding to
music with your body. Turn the lights down low and remember that it's much more
fun when you're not thinking about what you look like. It won't take long
before your body remembers how much it loves to move. Feel the music in your
soul, feel the vibrations healing your body. Treat the time like a meditation
session in which you agree to allow yourself to fully inhabit your amazing
body.
If you feel awkward,
remember that every culture since time immemorial has celebrated life and the
body with dance. All people carry the memory of dance in their blood and bones.
In other words, you were born to do this, it is in you already; all you have to
do is start moving. If you prefer more interaction, take a class one night a
week. In most cities, you can find everything from modern dance to African
dance to ballroom and salsa. Whatever you choose, you won't regret choosing to rediscover
your birthright - the healing, joyful thrill of dancing.
