A Rumi Poem

 

It’s rigged — everything, in your favor.
So there is nothing to worry about.

Is there some position you want,
some office, some acclaim, some award, some con, some lover,
maybe two, maybe three, maybe four — all at once,

maybe a relationship
with
God?

I know there is a gold mine in you, when you find it
the wonderment of the earth’s gifts
you will lay aside
as naturally as does
a child a
doll.

But, dear, how sweet you look to me kissing the unreal:
comfort, fulfill yourself,
in any way possible — do that until
you ache, until you ache,

then come to me
again.

Dancing in Dubai

Gabrielle Roth

 

 

Flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, stillness.  These are the 5rhythms of life according to the movement meditation developed by Gabrielle Roth.  She died two years ago today, just a few days before my father died. 

 

One of the best things that has happened to me since moving to the Middle East has been being reintroduced to this dance practice, which I totally took for granted when I was living in the U.S.A. (as I took so many things for granted!)  I feel a deep sense of regret that I never danced with Gabrielle in person, although it would not have been that difficult for me to do if I had realized the preciousness.  I used to drive up to Bethesda on Friday nights to dance with the tribe there, when I wasn't too tired from being with elementary students all week.  I wasn't that committed to it, although I loved it when I went. It was just one of the many things that I did. But once I moved to Abu Dhabi, I felt the urgency of finding a way to connect with people who had an instinct and interest for exploring their "inner landscape." Hence, it was quite a revelation to me when I found out they were dancing 5rhythms in Dubai.  Going there to dance with and get to know a group of dancers from far and wide has been a great healing balm for my tendency to live in my head over here and not move my body enough.  It has helped me process so many conflicting feelings that get stuck and don't want to move.  In some ways, I would say it has literally saved my life!

 

The rhythm is gonna get you!

 

So, not only did Gabrielle develop this amazing, life giving practice, she was an amazing writer too.  The quote that keeps sticking in my brain right now is a question she asked,  "Do you have the discipline to be a free spirit?" 

 

Confronted by my own lethargy and apparent lack of self-discipline lately, I am trying to remember the sense of freedom and possibility that accompanied my initial decision to move to Abu Dhabi and take a teaching position here.  In my own defense, I have had strange physical ailments that prevent me from feeling energized.  And the temperature has just started to go into the bearable range in the evenings with an almost imperceptible hint of coolness to it. But still, at least some of it is "in my head."

 

How fortunate I am to actually have the luxury of trying to create the rest of my life from here.  But so often if feels completely overwhelming to me! 

                  Chaos!   (Keith Harding)                      

 

I think I could just lighten up about the whole thing. The future is going to take care of itself, no matter how much I worry or don't worry about it.  And the whole point of this practice is to help us stay grounded in the present.  When I can do that I have a real sense that all is well and I don't have to keep telling myself that.

 

Besides, did I mention that the dancing is fun?  It's really fun as well as being a great work out!

 

There is another workshop coming up in December with Silvija Tomcyk and her husband, Thierry Francois.  They are an unstoppable team so it should be beyond compare.

 

In the meantime, I am immensely grateful to Lina Nahas and all the teachers I have met so far in Dubai.  It has made my time here in the UAE so much more pleassurable and has given me the connection and sense of belonging to something greater that I was craving.

 

Thank you!                                             



 

 

 Dubai is lyrical and dreamlike!