Are you the kind of person who hosts the big gathering, or shows up at the potluck with several bags and coolers full of homemade food, and rallies a mob of people to the big event? Or are you someone who manages to attend somehow, but you find yourself going alone or with your partner, and it’s somewhat of an effort to make a last minute stop for some chips and drinks from a deli?
Coming off of the big Memorial Day weekend here in the USA, when it seems like the entire population is camping, picnicking, or pot lucking, is a natural time to ponder our relationship with sociability, and a good time to flex our community building muscles.
Looking back, I have to admit my social life hasn’t always been firing on all cylinders. I’ve often found myself in the latter group, barely making it to the event at all, with a smattering of offerings procured on the way. I admire those who are on the ball enough to plan ahead and create special goodies or put together elaborate spreads to share and as time goes on I’m fortunate to be blessed with a beloved community of folks who pitch in and make it all worthwhile.
The one way that I love to contribute and feel the most valuable is when I’m invited to provide the music—there’s nothing I enjoy more than being the DJ and playing records for several hours during a get together—behind the turntables I feel right at home. I’m able to bring joy to the entire gathering, and make a special connection with everyone by sharing the records that hold the most love and meaning for me.
The ability to create community is something special. Not everyone is born with it, and yet it’s a talent that can be learned and developed. It’s something worth looking for in our leaders, and as we prepare to decide who’s going to lead our country here in the US forward for the next four years, it’s worth asking who is bringing people together with a vision of principles and values that we can feel good about, and who is playing to the more base emotions of fear and scarcity. Can we choose a leader who is inspiring us from the bottom up? Or do we settle for one who is talking to us from the top down?
On Monday I attended a rally in Oakland for a certain underdog candidate in the presidential race and was struck by the amount of love and positivity in the air, and amazed at how much this mans community building message has stuck a chord across the board. What gives me hope is the fact that the life force is often non-linear, and love has a way of prevailing in the face of seemingly impossible odds.
We’ve all heard the expression “Be the change you want to see in the world.” That’s my call to action for you in today’s email. Live. Love. Teach. Share. Open your heart and do your part to create community in whatever large or small way feels right for you. You are the change!
DANCE FIRST MEMBER SPOTLIGHT :: LYDIA MAROLDA
Today’s love-beam shines on Lydia Marolda, the international director and lead trainer for Dancing Freedom, the conscious dance modality founded by Samantha Sweetwater. American-born and Australia-based, she’s a dynamic leader and strong community builder at the helm of one of Conscious Dancer and Dance First’s signature modalities.
Dancing Freedom has built a strong global group of over 150 practicing facilitators who offer their transformative work in a variety of settings. Their trainings are legendary extended retreats, gatherings for conscious movers from all over the globe who immerse themselves in the practice gaining not only a modality to teach, but personal growth and transformation as well.
The next Dancing Freedom Facilitator’s Training is happening at Sierra Hot Springs in Northern California, an epic retreat center near Truckee. Make your inquiries soon as there are limited spots available for this 3-week training happening at one of California’s most renowned hot spots August 1st thru 22nd.
I recently spent a very enlightening hour with Lydia in a video conference showing her how our magazine publishing and social media platforms work for our Partner level Dance First members. I’m grateful to have media-savvy members who can collaborate with us to specifically promote their practices and build awareness for conscious dance in general.
When I’m able to pass along ideas and tips to help practices like Dancing Freedom communicate more effectively then I know that our work together is mutually creating “movement for a better world!”
Thanks Lydia! So happy and grateful to have you onboard! Samantha is fortunate to have someone as talented and motivated as you at the helm!
