The Awakened Soul The Power of Truth
In a recent issue of O Magazine, an article stated: "David R. Hawkins, MD, a noted scientist, demonstrated that the body remained strong when participants told the truth and weakened when they told even a small lie."
Reading this, as a dancer and teacher, I instantly felt the profoundness of this statement. My mind flooded with recognition. I had often wondered why some dancers immediately showed improved muscle tone when given specific exercises, while other students' bodies didn't mold or change nearly as quickly, if at all. I have always had sensed the link between integrity and transformation. I also see the connection between an open mind and a willingness to be vulnerable that leads to rapid improvement. The dancer who excels is the dancer who really goes for it. They possess fire and their creative breakthroughs come in flashes.
Through practicing Yoga, I became aware of areas where my life wasn't in alignment with my truth. Whether I was staying in a relationship for the wrong reasons, pretending I could afford something when I really couldn't, or working with someone I couldn't stomach, my body and intuition always told me the truth...insisting that I respond. If I didn't, I invariably would regret it later. The lesson would always reappear, usually in a louder, more obnoxious form.
Truthful people are powerful people. In the art of dance, power is a priceless quality. Whether the choreography requires bounding leaps, multiple pirouettes, lightning fast petite allegro, or impressive extensions... these all become far more exciting, visually, when the dancer has tapped into her power. Likewise, I have seen dancers who can do many pirouettes or hold their leg above their ear, but if it's done with a numbness or lethargy, it loses the appeal, the excitement, and the artistic quality.
I once did a financial exercise where I had to write down every penny I spent...to see where my money was going. As I got a notebook out to begin, I instantly became upset, anxious, and emotional. It brought up all kinds of unpleasant feelings: denial, pain, deprivation, frustration, feelings of failure, and the loss of the side of my personality that had once been very good with money. This exercise was churning up my blocks. It worked. I saw areas where I could avert the flow. I thought back to my childhood. At that time I had a small book, "My Allowance and How I Use It." It had small manila envelopes wired in for things such as movies, clothing, fun, music...etc. There were ledgers where you recorded the money you earned, that you spent, and how you planned to spend it. It kept me organized, and I was constantly working at babysitting jobs, walking dogs, cleaning houses, washing windows...anything to make money. This taught me an important lesson. Bookkeeping has sort of a magical effect on your earning power. Likewise, now, if I neglect my filing, let the receipts pile up, or procrastinate, the in flow dwindles. Once everything is in it's proper place, the phone starts ringing, and the calendar is quickly booked with work.
Children and the speed with which they heal and bounce back show us the power of truth, clarity, and being in the moment. They are able to completely recover from their injuries, whereas often adults have chronic aches and pains that linger, sometimes for years...or even decades! Dogs, too, are able to leap, run and play even with something as severe as an amputated leg... as if missing a leg is no big deal. A dog is so in the moment when hiking or galloping on beach that any physical concerns just disappear.
They way to see if someone is telling you the truth is to look into their eyes. The eyes show everything: guilt, remorse, love, passion, excitement... the real feelings. The body shows them, too. How a person stands, moves and expresses themselves is very revealing.
Happiness and excitement show up in our energy field. A dancer who is motivated, working to her full potential, and eager to perform radiates a contagious enthusiasm and a powerful work ethic. When teaching, I look for this quality in dancers. I scan the room for the qualities of determination, commitment, desire, passion, love, devotion, musicality, and of course, talent. These qualities to me are more important than super high arches, natural extension, being thin as a rail, or as flexible as a contortionist. If the inner qualities are there, then I know that with time, love and patience, the hidden talents can and will be developed. Over the years I have learned that sometimes the dancer that is born with the natural physical gifts doesn't necessarily have the personality or tenacity that it takes to be a long term or professional dancer. They may even find it kind of boring. Having self-discipline, dedication, and a willingness to work on overcoming your weaknesses....that's what separates the lasting dancer from the fleeting.