Dancing in the Dark.

We ought to dance with rapture that we are alive, and in the flesh, and part of the living incarnate cosmos. D. H. Lawrence.*

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not extinguished it. Gospel of John*

This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine. Traditional*

…..A friend recently shared his experience of spelunking. At one point, in the heart of the cave, they turned out the lights. The darkness was so deep that it was bone-chilling. It actually pained him.

My hunch is that is how many of us are feeling right now – plunged into a chilling and soul-numbing darkness. We are seemingly experiencing a rapid deterioration of the world we know and the values that have sustained it. 

What do do?

In the words of Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

This little light of mine ..

As a friend and fellow tanguero posted, “Double down on your humanity.” Turn your attention inward to nurture and strengthen those virtues and values within that seem to be diminishing around.

A principal attraction of Tango for me is that it reinforces attitudes of gentleness, respect, compassion, gratitude, acceptance, and joy. It bridges the gulf between anima and animus, negotiates a truce in the battle of the sexes, draws men and women together in a co-creative expression of sensitivity and elegance. 

When I hold out my hand, invite my partner into a warm and supportive embrace, and attune myself to their energy, it models a genuinely humane response. 

Yes, the world is a crazy place and seemingly getting crazier by the minute. But for those few minutes I have the opportunity to be thankful, playful, joyful and gracious. I can fashion a reality in which everyone is beautiful and we are all respectful, kind and gentle.

And beautiful dancers, of course. 

A recent post from Peter Bolland

Cleave to virtue. There is still goodness in the world. See it, celebrate it, embody it. None of us alone controls much of anything but our own thoughts and responses to the events unfolding around us. Let go of the illusion that you are in control.

Then find good people—they’re all around you—people you like, people you trust, people of integrity and character. Join up with them in solidarity. Isolation is the real killer. That’s when our own dark thoughts have the most power. Whether in formal political action groups, locally or afar, in spiritual communities, or in informal friend groups, come out of isolation.

Do something. Take action, no matter how seemingly small or trivial. It is our sacred duty to be a part of the healing of the world, but do it without attachment to outcomes or any hint of score-keeping. Do good things, and let go. Trust.

There has always been chaos, darkness, thoughtlessness, cruelty, evil, and selfishness in the world, and I guess there always will be….Simply shifting awareness to the love around us is sometimes enough to melt the paralysis of fear. 

Cultivate your own awakening. Keep learning. Keep leaning toward the truth. No matter what is happening around us, now is the time to recommit to being men and women of character, virtue, and integrity… There’s joy in knowing you are nurturing your empathy, cultivating compassion, and forging courage out of the woundedness we endure. 

At a dinner party recently, the host toasted: “To the end of the world as we know it and to that which is yet to be.“

On and off the dance floor, we are choosing to be part of the formation of that nascent world.

Let your light shine.