I don't have a pleasant, singing voice, but that doesn't keep me from singing along to my favorite songs. It's an instant mood boost. Of course, I don't mind subjecting my family and friends to my lack of talent because they love me unconditionally. (I'm sure they would like to put conditions on their love for me and ban me from belting out tunes, but unfortunately, they can't.) In public, that's a different story. I stick to lip-syncing and not offend any strangers' eardrums. Why am I bringing this up? Well, a friend of mine told me she doesn't dance. It's not something she feels comfortable with, and so she refrains from trying to keep a beat with her body. I completely understand, but I want to emphasize the importance of connecting our minds and bodies, and I believe the quickest route is dancing.
Dancing in the privacy of your home can be liberating. The movements put our bodies into a variety of positions that affect how we feel emotionally. Do you want to feel strong? Put your arms above your head and lookup. Do you want to feel sexy? Bend your knees, shift your weight to one side and lift your hip. Do you want to feel flirty? Put your hand on your hip and look over your shoulder. If all of this makes you feel silly, that works too. Moving our bodies to music is an exercise in mindfulness. As you listen to rhythms and melodies while you dance, it's hard to think of anything else.
The remarkable side effect of being in the here and now is stress reduction. The worries of the day and fear of the future recede for the time being. Instead, your focus is on your breathing and how your body is tuned into the music. You're not performing for anyone. This is a moment to feel good and relax, and you may find this little exercise gives you a much-needed energy kick. I suggest listening to music that's fun and upbeat. Something that makes you smile when you hear it.
It's the small actions we can do for ourselves that make a big difference. Yes, you can flop on the couch and stare at the t.v. after a long day, but even dancing for thirty seconds on a commercial break will make you feel better. Of course, there's an added bonus if you can get your family to join in. But, if they don't and laugh at you instead, it's still a plus. We all need a reason to get out of our heads and enjoy each other. We're busy being our serious and professional selves all day. So, what's wrong with being goofy and lighten the mood?
I hope this convinces my friend to dance and see how easy it is to connect with ourselves. It's a short vacation from the pressures of the day and a way to reenergize, all without having to leave home. If it doesn't, I may threaten to sing to her until she at least tries a few dance moves.