My daughters are all dancers. They each come to dance with their own style and enthusiasm, and I am delighted in their joy as they move to music. One of my daughters is particularly enthusiastic and unique in her dance expression. She had years of significant neglect culminating in a very significant brain injury almost ten years ago. She fell from a balcony and could not walk for many months. She still has some weakness down one side. Even a few years ago she could not stand on one leg or jump. For years she was also very disconnected from her body. The emphasis of her therapy for more than a year was to help weave together her mind, heart and body. We integrated weekly psychotherapy with massage therapy and carefully chosen activities including lots of music to help with integrating and healing. Dance has continued the very significant healing and integration of her beautiful self. She takes two dance classes each week, one in jazz and one hip hop. She loves music too and plays the flute and sings in a choir at school. She savours each of these activities and they bring her joy and radiance from the inside out. Surprisingly, she now has more confidence and dance experience than most of her peers at school. Today she reported on their dance unit in phys ed. She felt awkward because her enthusiasm for dance stood out in her class. Her partner stood and stared at her. In her confident way she smiled at me, eyes sparkling. "I always want to give my all, mom. No matter what!"
I was deeply inspired by my daughter again tonight. I too want to always give all of who I am from my mind, heart and body, no matter what my skill level or what others around me might think.
No comments:
Post a Comment