Dancing in Squares as a Spiritual Practice
Last week, I had a very fun and full weekend in Saint Petersburg, Florida at a square dancing “fly-in” called Flip the Flamingo. It’s called a “fly-in” because dancers fly in from all over the country to participate. You might be asking yourself, how in the world is square dancing a spiritual practice? (Click here to watch a video of this week's message and hear about my embarrassing moment on the dance floor. And if you feel so inspired, please "like" the video and subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you will be notified when new videos arrive.)
Well, over the weekend, I had a big aha moment on how this joyful activity relates to one of the foundational principles from A Course in Miracles. The Course teaches that the voice for fear (the ego) always tries to judge and separate us. Meanwhile, the voice for love (Spirit) is intent on healing by bringing us together.
Collaboration is the very essence of square dancing. We have to work together to execute the sometimes complicated formations. If we don’t, we crash into each other! Without assisting less experienced dancers (like me!), the whole square falls apart and it’s no fun for anyone. There is a shared feeling of accomplishment when the dance is done and all the couples have returned “home.” It’s such a joyful experience!
Joyful collaborative energy is a breath of fresh air in these divisive times. The voice for fear is so prevalent lately, separating us and making us think it’s us versus them. No matter what side you're on, the ego says, “If they would just change everything would be okay. They are the problem.”
The voice for love encourages us to shift our thoughts to a more joyful and collaborative mindset. Working together is the only way we are going to restore harmony. Spirit invites us to choose thoughts and activities that bring us together.
When I joined the Suncoast Squares with 2 friends five months ago, the first thing we noticed was how exceptionally kind and welcoming everyone was. These people like to have fun and they wanted us to have fun too. Having met square dancers from around the country this past weekend, it’s clear that this joyful, collaborative activity attracts people who are easy-going, fun-loving, and a little bit silly like myself.
If this sounds like you, perhaps there is a square dancing club near you. If gardening is your thing, maybe you’ll want to get your hands dirty with like-minded folks at a community garden or by volunteering at a local botanical garden.
If spiritual conversation lights you up, look for a positive discussion group at a local spiritual center or online. You are always welcome at our Tuesday evening A Course in Miracles study group on Zoom. Or, check out a powerful online discussion group called M.Y.O.B. ~ Mind Your Own Becoming, hosted by my dear friend and spiritual brother, Charles Geddes, on Thursday evenings.
Maybe you feel called to get involved with a cause that you’re passionate about. You’ve probably heard the famous story about Mother Teresa saying she would not attend an anti-war rally, but she would join a peace rally. These events may sound the same, but there is a subtle difference in their energy. The anti-war rally brings people together because they are against something. The peace rally joins people together in support of a common vision. I have learned that when my decisions come from love and the intention to join, my experience will be much more positive and healing.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t go to protests and rallies or stand up for what we believe in. There are times when that is the best course of action. However, it’s important to be mindful of the energy we bring wherever we go. I can show up at a rally to show my displeasure with something, but it’s because I’m for love. I’m for harmony. I’m for working together toward a solution that is inclusive and respects everyone’s human rights and dignity.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to come together for healing and a common vision, please consider joining me for Family Constellations. It’s a great way to bring people together to release unhealthy family patterns that have been passed down for generations. I’ve got some live events coming up and more will be added to the Events page on my website soon.
I also facilitate Family Constellations online as well as one-on-one Spiritual Coaching Sessions. For more information about these healing opportunities or to book a session, please visit my website. I look forward to collaborating with you!
Until next time, I encourage you to get out there and “do si do” or do something that joins you with other people. We’re all in this together and the way to restore harmony is through love and collaboration.
It is solely a device of the ego to make you feel different from your brothers and separated from them.
A Course in Miracles ~ T-6.II.3:3