Monday Love to your Body Politic and Props to DF’s Whole Person Drummer!

Do you ever find yourself totally drawn in to some external drama? Notice yourself becoming so absorbed in some spectacle or chain of events that you’re obsessively following every nuance of the story? It’s human nature to follow a gripping story, and there’s few things more compelling than a slow-motion train wreck unfolding before our eyes.

But there comes that moment when when we pull our head out and wrench our eyes away from the scene that we shake it loose and realize that compelling as it may be, these juicy dramas are far removed from our own personal vision, goals, and day-to-day progress.

Of course sometimes the stories that grab our attention are personal. The state of our relatives health, our intimate relationships, and connections with our professional colleagues can all become front-and-center to our attention. There’s no ignoring circumstances when we have skin in the game, and it’s our chance to model the highest consciousness we can when we’ve got something at stake.

However, when it comes to black holes exerting their gravitational pull on our attention, our modern world is abundant. Some of us find solace in pure distraction, diverting time and energy away from the cares of the world with things like video games, sports or binge watching Netflix. Then there are healthy activities with tangible rewards such as gardening, fitness, (or conscious dance!).

Where the slope gets slippery is with things that we feel some tenuous connection, yet we have Little power in the moment to affect the outcome. Lately I’ve found myself drawn into a certain spectacle that is playing out in the halls of power of our national government.

Some people want to see questions answered, while others would prefer to have them ignored altogether. I’ve been told that the press is the problem, and that they should just lay off and let the government get on with its business.

To me, it somehow feels like history is repeating itself. I was a youngster when Watergate was the big story, and I remember how absorbed all of the grownups around me were in the saga, whichever side of the issue they were on. That was uncharted territory then, and we are certainly living through a historical moment now.

It’s interesting to note that at the time of Watergate, we were still referred to as ‘citizens’ by the government, members of the body politic. A subtle semantic shift was made during the Reagan years, and now we are known as ‘consumers’, a much less empowering stance.

Figures who invite such strong opposition are often said to be activating our shadow selves. When we get lost in self-righteous anger it’s a good idea to step back and ask what we may be projecting, either individually or collectively, upon them. And at the end of the day take the steps that we can to make a difference.

Whether that means picking up the phone to put pressure on your representative, diving in and running for a local office in your community, or simply voting your conscience at the ballot box, it’s worth it to participate in the grand experiment of democracy. One look around the world is enough to tell us that the alternative is not something we want to consider.

In his book “The 4-Hour Work Week” Tim Ferriss talks about the “Low Information Diet.” In order to stay true to your vision and focused on your goals, you may want to limit your exposure to the national and world news to some degree. An occasional glance at the headlines, or a conversation at your local café is enough to keep you abreast of the major developments in the world. Chances are, if there’s something big happening in your neighborhood that’s going to actually affect you, you’ll hear about it in time.

The bottom line is to stay in balance and be the change you want to see in the world. Teaching kids about vinyl might seem like a drop in the bucket when it comes to geopolitics, but every time I inspire a family to get a turntable I know I’m making a difference. (that’s me in the photo above at Oakland Tech High School last week teaching with Turning the Wheel).

Higher consciousness starts at home, and when you bring your expanded awareness into your community you’re modeling humanity’s best for future generations to build on. Remember, your vision trumps politics every day of the week. I believe in you and the work you are doing to bring more light, love, and levity into the world, so keep your eyes on your vision and know that your efforts are valued.

Much love until next week!

Mark Metz
Director of the Dance First Association
Publisher of Conscious Dancer Magazine