Dancing With Flexibility

     Considering the current upheaval on so many levels of our society this is an aptly themed discussion on having “Flexible Strength" which couldn't be more timely in my estimation.

     Some years back now I was inspired to explore each of the 99 Pathways in the “Sufi Book of Life”, a book written by Neil Douglas-Klotz, through art and the medium of collage. I had been using the book as part of my daily spiritual practice and thought that exploring it through the expression of art would bring me a deeper experience and understanding. And it has! With this post I have now completed my 33rd pathway, I am one third of the way through. The synchronistic manner in which each creative process enfolds, sometimes over the course of days or even weeks; of images that make themselves seen, of how the collage 'becomes' in its own time, never fails to amaze me. It can't be rushed. And the creating of the collage is both separate yet connected with the writing of this blog, yet another creative layer and unfolding. My part in this 'relationship' is to one, show up. And two, to allow it to become whatever it wants to be. It's not about the aesthetics,  it's about the creative journey, the conversation with my soul, and ultimately the spiritual journey. What am I learning about my Self in this process? 

     I am a visual person, symbols to me are doorways into a deeper sense of meaning. Symbols are the language of the Universe, of our Soul, speaking to us subtly through our subconscious mind, through our senses. The process of creating art, opening oneself to the flow of inspiration, invites a dialogue rich in color, depth and texture, the symbols of which build the threshold of our entry. And I'll add that symbols are powerful. Currently in society we are seeing how symbols are being used to divide and wound, to send messages of hate and intimidation. Symbols are being stolen for selfish and narrow agendas far from their original meaning. With the mounting chaos we are faced with everyday how do we remain flexible and open, yet grounded and able to discern truth?

     With this path that encourages us to “forget the past...just keep going” comes the shadow of regret. Those moments in life where we beat ourselves up with the ‘what if’s’ and ‘if only I had’...  just stop right there! If you are still breathing there is always the possibility of... fill in the blank. Believe. Keep going. 

     There are different kinds of regrets which are realized by our ability to either take action or to not. Do you regret your non-action or your re-action to any given scenario?  One thing for sure is that every movement taken or not taken has a ripple effect of results or repercussions. We must all take responsibility for our actions, cause and effect is a universal truth. You get back exactly what you put in. 

     And what of those times when you took action and you were disappointed with the results, or you felt that you failed? Failures are gifts wrapped in a not-so-pretty packaging but that doesn't mean that they are any less valuable. Learning from experience is far more valuable than the return in my estimation. Learning what doesn’t work in my life saves energy, stress and time down the road. Learning who my true Self is leads to honoring this journey, to being grateful and to learning to dance with this life. If I was to become rigid and inflexible to change I would only come up against obstacles and resistance. If rather I work with adapting to life's changes I flow around obstacles like water. 

     Nature is my inspiration, my wise teacher and when first contemplating flexible strength and looking for symbols these called to be included; 

Water- energy which flows and moves; source of life and power; circulation, ability to go around, adapt, change and fill; stillness and reflection. 

Pine trees- strong trunks, rooted; able to bend, to flex in the wind but not snap; steadfast; longevity; they have the ability to adapt to harsh environments; Sacred and lend themselves to deep experiences of awe, experience of Spirit. 

Water Lily- Beauty, love, life, renewal; to bloom spiritually. The Victoria Amazonica, Amazonian water lily has leaves that may reach diameters of 10' and are able to support one hundred pounds. Their pads have webbed ribs underneath that insure strength yet they retain their flexibility. Joseph Paxton, Victorian garden designer and architect was inspired to build the Crystal Palace for the Great Exposition of 1851 in London by the water lily's leaf structure.

    These are all symbols of strength and flexibility, each object moves yet has the ability to be still and each adapts to its environment. The seated meditating figure in the center represents our own ability to ground and be still. But what is inner strength and how do we cultivate it in our lives? It is having the courage to face challenges with an understanding of how life works and be able to adapt to those changes. Some of the characteristics of strength are courage, will power, authenticity, confidence, self awareness, gratitude and resilience. Meditation is a practice that helps cultivate inner strength. Daily meditation helps manage stress, reduces negative thoughts and promotes self awareness amongst other things.

     Earlier I wrote that by learning about myself and knowing who I am I honor this journey, this dance of life, because it is a dance, a continual cycle of circling round attempting to find a balance between movement and stillness. The definition of dance is "a series of movements that match the speed and rhythm of the music" and life certainly is an ever changing composition of rhythms and notes. So when I came across these images of the artist/dancer/fabric sculptor Nick Cave's sound suits I knew they must dance in this collage. He calls them sound suits because of the unexpected sounds the costumes make when worn. 

     These particular synthetic hair suits whirling about as the dancers move were born of emotion, representing the armor he wears as a black man in this society. The suits shield race, gender and class of the dancer from the judgments of onlookers. The dancers demonstrate their strength and flexibility completely insulated from those who watch. Stripped of their identity they are empowered.  Stripped of the labels we shackle each other with we are all freed. To be able to live and express your authentic self in this world without fear, without judgment, would there be any greater gift?  In order to be flexible and strong we must embrace change.  

Please be sure to check out Nick Cave's Sound Suits on video.