“ The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change ”
― Heraclitus
Have you ever felt like something was never going to shift? Or had the impression that some situation was permanent, and would never be any different? Maybe you became resigned to something and gave up on waiting?
When you’re deep in the middle of something and you’re having a hard time getting perspective, it’s a good idea to zoom out as far as you can, and get the big picture so you can gain perspective. Sometimes freedom just means having a different point of view.
The 4th of July holiday here in the USA is a great time to ponder the topic of change. Less than 250 years ago, this great nation was just a dream of some independence-minded expatriates, and current events have many of us wondering just where this grand experiment is headed.
Canada, our neighbor to the north, is celebrating 150 years of nationhood this week with much fanfare as well. Both countries are youngsters in the grand scheme of things. Compared with elders such as San Marino in Europe, founded over 2300 years ago in 301 B.C. with the world’s oldest constitution written in 1600 A.D. we’re still wet behind the ears.
For me, perspective has always been valuable. Back in 1976 I opted out of 6th grade and spent the Bi-Centennial year traveling the length and breadth of the US, Canada, and Mexico in a bus with my folks, gaining an indelible appreciation for the variety and diversity of North American nature and culture, learning never to take it for granted.
Last week I spent a day at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with Teresa and our kids. We were amazed and rewarded to happen to be looking in at the butterfly incubation chamber just as one of the chrysalises was cracking open and a giant Blue Morpho was emerging.
It only took a few minutes from the time the chrysalis cracked for the wet and crumpled newly transformed butterfly to emerge. Once free of its shell it took it’s time letting its wings unfold and gradually harden into shape for flight. We wondered how weird it must be to go to sleep as a caterpillar and wake up as a butterfly.
It seems like a great metaphor for what we all experience personally, and what our country is experiencing collectively. Like Heraclitus said 100 years before Plato, change is the only constant, so patience and perspective are two of the most important keys to life.
Change is certainly afoot in the USA lately, it feels like the oft-mentioned pendulum of politics has swung off its spindle. There’s certainly more going on under the surface than a cursory look at the news would suggest, much of which suggests positive change is on the horizon.
While some folks are busy keeping track of official statements andimportant activities, others are cataloging the subtext and personal undercurrents behind our current historical soap opera. One upshot of all this that points to a silver lining is that more women than ever are inspired to run for office, which bodes well for things down the road.
The main thing for us dancers to remember is that with every move we dance, record we spin, or smile we share, we are modeling higher consciousness and holding up our best intentions for the world around us. When we lead with embodiment we shape our surroundings with a sublime sense of positivity that brings our best into the future.
Let’s celebrate this holiday with the transformative spirit of the butterfly, and honor our inter-dependence with a shining sparkler of light. You are a vital cell in the body of humanity, so spread some love wherever you go, you’re making the world a better place!
Mark Metz
Director of the Dance First Association
Publisher of Conscious Dancer Magazine
Dance First Member Spotlight – Breema Bodywork !!!
When we think of freedom and independence, it’s important to remember the value of collaboration and inter-dependence as well. That’s why this weeks Dance First member spotlight is shining on a Dance First member organization that teaches people how to embody those traits everyday!
Breema is form of bodywork that goes way beyond the typical modes of massage to encompass a full range of partnered and solo embodiment techniques as well as a comprehensive philosophy for living. Centered around “The Nine Principles of Harmony” this practice is a template for a healthy and harmonious lifestyle.
To participate in a typical partnered Breema session is to enjoy something that might be described as a cross between a gentle Thai massage, contact improv dance, and a moving meditation. If you are the receiver, you are exerting very little effort as you are guided and moved through a sequence of expansive and relaxing moves.
The practice of Breema is a partnered dance of presence, usually done while relaxing together on a padded carpeted surface, wearing socks and comfortable loose fitting clothing. Breema is “a practical means of becoming present, a commonsense approach to physical, mental, and emotional health, and a new way of learning that leads to increased understanding of ourselves and a deepening sense of fulfillment, meaning, and purpose.”
The Breema Center in Oakland California and their network of trained facilitators offer a full roster of trainings, retreats, intensives, and introductory workshops all around the world including upcoming intensive in Oakland and retreat in Tuscany. Visit their website to learn more and find a Breema practitioner or event near you soon!
I’m so happy and grateful for Breema’s long-time participation withConscious Dancer and membership in the Dance First Association! Hats off to Dr. Jon Schreiber and the entire Breema community, thanks for all you do and keep up the good work!
Breema in Seattle
July 8, Seattle, WA
Breema in Ohio
July 10, Millersburg OH
Breema Bodywork and Principles: Mutual Support
July 10, Oakland, CA
Breema in Germany
July 11, Kosel, Germany
Breema Summer Intensive (Early payment discount ends July 5th!)
July 15-22, Oakland, CA
Breema Retreat in Tuscany
July 17 – 26, Grosetto, Italy
And many more! Visit www.Breema.com for full details.
