Contrary to popular belief… we don’t have to agree with each other to get along. We don’t even have to agree with each other to create and be in harmony.

Peace Dancing

This is something that is embodied and experienced in the dance circle. We join hands, learn a simple song, and simply start moving in harmony. Some people may like Reiki, others may not! We have Democrats and Republicans in our circles. We sometimes sing a song from the Christian tradition, and then turn right around and do the same thing with Arabic or Hebrew phrases. Sometimes we do songs that I think are just dumb, sometimes we do songs that I think are profound. You may totally disagree with me! But we dance and it is good.

We aren’t even always that perfect and peaceful with each other. Personality problems happen in dance groups, and all sorts of difficulties arise amongst us. Yet when dance time comes the circle and the song evens us all out and we still connect.

Fixed Positions

Dancing with each other in a circle helps us to relax our fixed positions. In fact, studying other religions, and honestly trying to understand how all the various traditions create our societies can really help us understand each other.

There are two similar sayings, from two different traditions, that I really love. One is an old Chinese saying, and another from a rapturous Sufi poet.

Wisdom from the ancient Chinese:

To hold the truth firmly before you, never be for or against.

When I first heard this phrase I was struck with how difficult it was for me to do. I’m a pretty hardheaded person, and I used to really believe that my opinions defined and created me. I had to actually post this on my wall for years to start working it into my life. But I’ve found it to be very true.

People wouldn’t hold to fixed positions if there wasn’t an opposite to that position. The opposite position has a lot of weight, and is worth honestly examining. We can’t examine the opposite position unless we are willing to relax our own fixed ideas of what we are for and against. With practice it becomes easier and easier to be able to see both sides.

Ecstatic Sufi poets

Out beyond ideas of right and wrong there is a field… I’ll meet you there! (Rumi)

Here is Rumi saying the same thing with poetic passion. Not only can we, as individuals, hold our fixed beliefs at bay, but we can meet each other in the clear field it creates.

We can meet and dance in the dance circle and experience, first hand, this open way to be with others. I’ll see you there!