Have you ever heard this Zen riddle? The one about “What does a fish know the least about?” The answer of course, is “water.” It points to the idea that we have very little awareness about whatever it is that we’re surrounded by. What’s normal is not always noticeable.
Then there’s the phrase “Like a fish out of water.” That describes a state of total disorientation, a sudden breaching of the surface that requires swift transformation for survival.
They are both useful metaphors to consider as we engage in the process of consciousness-raising. Science and metaphysics tell us that everything exists at different levels of vibration. Here at Conscious Dancer we’ve always found the Hawkin’s Scale a useful yardstick by which to gauge our content and communications.
For those unfamiliar with the work, David R. Hawkins was an author, psychologist, and researcher who developed a system of calibrating levels of consciousness through muscle testing and kinesiology by using the most sensitive instrument on the planet, the human body.
In his lifetime he wrote several books on the topic starting with the landmark “Power vs Force.” In a logarithmic scale from 0 to 1000, he places all of our common states of mind, starting with our most base and destructive such as shame, guilt, and fear at the bottom, moving up through anger, pride, and courage in the middle levels, towards the flow states of gratitude, love, joy, and peace. The highest levels such as transcendence and enlightenment are rarely attained by ordinary people, this is the province of illuminated leaders such as the Buddha.
How this relates to the fish and water metaphor is that it’s typically easier for us to have an awareness of things that vibrate on our level or below than it is to perceive that which is on a higher vibration. You may have felt this effect after attending a high-level workshop or spending time with people who are way out of your league.
It’s like our head rises above our normal waterline and we get a taste of breathing the thinner air. The descent back to our default reality can be something of a downer, so learning the tools and techniques that it takes to gain a higher foothold is very valuable.
(see below for a special Reset Meditation offered tomorrow night by our Creative Director and resident consciousness artist Laura Cirolia)
As the person known for coining the term ‘Conscious Dance’, I’m often asked to define it. Having always believed that our level of consciousness is related to our level of somatic sensitivity and/or embodiment, the working definition that I’ve developed over the years is “Movement with an intention towards greater awareness.” I’m so happy and grateful that I’ve got great company on this journey, and that you’re part of an ever-expanding community of wonderful people for me to serve!
So as we all flow forward into the holidays, starting this week with Thanksgiving for those of you here in the USA, I invite you to be aware of your level of consciousness and look for opportunities to take the high road and spiral upward with love. When you’re able to hold a higher vibration in yourself, you stabilize everyone around you. Ask yourself “Who am I becoming?” and do your best to ‘be the change’ you wish to see in the world.
Much love and gratitude to you and yours!
M+
Mark Metz
Director of the Dance First Association
Publisher of Conscious Dancer Magazine
The Hawkins Scale of Consciousness
Rare Group RE-SET Meditation tomorrow night w/ Laura Cirolia!
This Tuesday night, our creative director and resident consciousness artist is offering an open conference call experience to help you get grounded and allow you to move forward with love into the holiday and family season.
This is highly recommended, and a rare opportunity to participate as a group in one of Laura’s widely recognized consciousness raising experiences that are usually only available to her one-on-one clientele.
Ages 13 to adult. (Note: We have found this to be highly beneficial for couples or a families to experience together. It is safe, easy and fast for teens to get deep benefit and understandable results. This offering is free for additional family members)
Dance First Spotlight:The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party!
Heads up Northern California friends! It’s time to don your costumes and turn back the clock to the era of Charles Dickens and make your annual pilgrimage to 19th-century London at the Cow Palace in South San Francisco.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party is an extravaganza like no other. This family-friendly event is a massive indoor re-creation of London circa 1850, complete with over 700 actors and characters in full period regalia dispersed throughout the crowd.
You can have high tea with the Dickens family in their parlor, dance the waltz at Fezziwig’s Ballroom, enjoy theater, live music, and sing-alongs, or simply peruse the numerous purveyors of handcrafted goods for an authentic holiday shopping experience.
It’s an epic day out for the kids, with games like ‘Boot-the-Cat’ or a hand powered carousel. There’s juggling, Punch and Judy shows, and hours of engrossing creativity to be had building fairy houses. One nice thing about it being true to its era is that Santa Claus hadn’t been invented yet. Father Christmas is part of the holidays, but there’s no sign of the Coca-Cola kitsch that has come to dominate the season in the mainstream.
There’s plenty of opportunity for both young and old to eat, drink, and be merry too. There’s a wide variety of hearty fare available, ample opportunities to indulge in sweets or desserts, and liberal libations for the grownups.
Most people are not aware that the Dickens Fair is literally a direct descendent from the original Bay Area Renaissance Faire. Kevin Patterson, the founder and organizer, is the son of Ron and Phyllis Patterson, the folks who started the Renaissance Faire, so the techniques and traditions of an epic gathering like this are baked into his DNA.
He manages to strike a delicate balance in creating an experience that on one hand is perfectly palatable for grandparents and the stroller set, while being edgy and authentic enough for the most far-out Burners or Steampunks. If you’ve never been, make this your year, and don’t wait until the last weekend when the crowds reach their peak.
Make sure you’ve got room for plenty of pictures and allow more than a few hours to roam around lose yourself in London, it’s a day out you won’t soon forget, and an annual tradition you are sure to establish!
Every Weekend plus the Friday after Thanksgiving from now until Christmas!
Learn more and get your advance tickets at DickensFair.com
