When we dance...

People of all ages dance from time to time, whether it is ballroom dancing, ballet, line dancing, cha-cha, at the club or music festival. Going to discotheques and music festivals, dancing till early morning is something very popular among adults nowadays. On the whole, dancing is considered as a joyful and fun activity.

Meditation is a discipline in which the mind is focused on an object of thought or awareness. Most of you have heard of or at least tried meditation, and majority of the practices are done sitting or lying down, in a stationary position. Not everyone can sit still for the more traditional forms of meditation, which is why active meditation can be a great alternative or variation. It promotes a greater sense of awareness, centeredness and relaxation.

Now think about this... What if we combine meditation and dancing together? If meditation alone is effective, then meditating when you are really enjoying yourself must be 1 million times more effective, isn't it?

Dancing IS meditation. Through dancing, it is possible to gain direct access to our own enlightened qualities: peace, love, openness, understanding, energy and joy.

The popular notion of meditation is to withdraw from the senses and suppress our thoughts. This is hard to do and doesn't last very long because it is an artificial state. It is also rather dull.

Real meditation is being completely awake and open to what is happening right now. We recognize thoughts as just thoughts and return to openness again and again. This moment of recognition is effortless and natural and can become completely stable.

Vivid dance experiences are the ideal time to practice real meditation. Real meditation is effortless and sparky. Effortless because we are simply opening up to what is already there, our natural awareness. Sparky because vividness is fun!

Dance and meditation come together in the experience of absolute spontaneity! When we are completely in tune with the music, not a thought in our mind, and no idea where the next beat will take us, then we are in touch with our own spontaneous perfection. This is dance as a spiritual path to enlightenment.

Next time you dance, think about the beautiful things in life, or send love to the world. I'm sure it will make your party experience not only more meaningful, and perhaps you will find yourself dancing for longer hours than before too!