Hope

In creating Book Dances, I remember a particularly powerful early rehearsal when the dancing paused, and we stopped to reflect on what we created at a time when the world felt like it was falling apart. And in that discussion, it occurred to me that by being in this studio, this small group of women creating together, being wholly in our bodies, we were staging our own act of resistance to all that was happening. Even if no one saw us, this ownership of ourselves and our authentic expression resisted the dominance, power plays, violence, and exclusion that was shadowing our universe and sent out energy welcoming strength and resilience and hope. Because women owning their bodies and expressing themselves so authentically was and is just that. And it cannot be assumed but rather nurtured and protected. In small unseen ways and bigger ways, we can contribute to a foundation for change that ensures these rights remain for women and to all whose rights are threatened and that moves us to be better and the world to return to its humanity.

For this month of March, Women’s History Month, in the midst of this challenging time, I offer this favorite poem:

The Guest House by Rumi (a Sufi mystic, Sept 30, 1207 to Dec 27, 1273)

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably

He may be clearing you out for some new delight . . .

The dark thought, the shame, the malice
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in

Be grateful for whoever comes

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond . . .

We can all keep the light burning together, accepting what comes but also moving it forward to the better. Find hope in the smallest moments and the bigger ones, too. It is spring, and in the midst of the dark, life is blossoming. Breathe in the new life and welcome it as a sweetener of the world. Catch the joy of dance, hear the sounds of music, feel the beauty of color as it begins to show itself, and catch the melody of a child’s laughter and carry it in your heart. That song holds a promise that it will all be okay if we don’t hibernate under the covers but face the world as it is and do whatever we can to create, to speak out, to join together, to fight back, and make it better. We cannot control life, but we can follow its flow and help to guide our path in it to its next best destination.

Please remember No Kings Day 3 on March 28^th and be there in whatever location you can.

And please support JDPP at this critical time. We can only do this, all of us, together and the arts can truly bring forward the best in what it is to be human.

With love and gratitude, Judy