On Monday at Art and Spirituality I led the group in opening ritual, card making, and the closing ritual. I introduced percussive movement in the opening name share. During our closing sharing, conversation emerged, and there was a shift in the circle. I felt the energy move from sharing about the cards they were making for others to sharing about their preferences, their artistic desires and their ideas for the future art-making. I couldn’t help but notice the program officer and the two nurses who were waiting for the program to finish were drawn to our conversation. Usually I see the nurse sorting pills or making small talk with the officer. This time they watched, silently and patiently waiting for the women to finish. It was as though they were drawn to the increased energy of the circle.

I’ve witnessed that phenomenon of being drawn in through the somatic energy in Common Art over the past few weeks. I have been developing a relationship with an artist who is a steady presence in the community. I began working with her at the request of another volunteer who noticed this artist could use some support. The artist is known to say, “no” to a new idea or suggestion. Although she said “no” when I invited her to move with me she joined in the sequence anyway. She later replied “yes” to someone who asked if she enjoyed the movement. I felt the power of dance/movement affirmed.

Then, on Thursday after lunch, three folks from Café Emmanuel stayed for a movement group. One of the volunteers who was finished cleaning up was encouraged by the group to come join the dance. Resistant at first, he stayed for only one song, left the circle, and then the next thing I knew he was back in the circle waving his scarf around. It was as though his body was magnetically attracted back to the group. He was saying “no” yet he was drawn back to the group.

There is something about having an opportunity to be in (move) and notice my body that can totally shift my way of being. I find I am more grounded, clear, and aligned with myself after having danced, walked, stretched or even stood after sitting for a long time. When I see others moving I have a desire to be moving. I remember my Grandma always saying that she loved to watch young athletic people move. I realize now her desire to watch able-bodied people connected her to movement when her abilities were declining. Writing this I am reminded that one of the oldest forms of communicating, healing, celebrating, and mourning is movement.  I can’t think of a better way to honor our ancestors, elders, and those we love and want to support than through dance and movement. So here’s to movement and dance!

–Jessi Naff