One of the last pieces that I created for The Avodah Dance Ensemble was called Balancing Act. I was fascinated with the different ways we catch ourselves when we are losing our balance and how we can support each other to find balance. The motivation for creating the piece was mainly from a physical point of view, although there were certain emotional challenges that I was facing at the time. I didn’t explore any; I just approached the choreography with a physical fascination.
I love this picture from the piece. In this moment the dancer is grounded to the floor with her one leg while the rest of her is reaching out… looking … exploring what’s around her, with both arms testing the space, her focus up and one leg in the air reaching for a giant step forward. Try this … balance on one foot with your head facing the ceiling! Natrea Blake did an outstanding job in the piece.
If I were to create this piece today it would come totally from an emotional place. The events of the past year pose daily hurdles for me to keep my balance and stay informed with what is happening in the world without sinking into a deep depression. A quick Google search of the relationship between the news and mental health showed that I am not alone. In today’s blog, I’ll share what is helping me to stay aware of what is happening, while maintaining a healthy outlook. I welcome you to add a comment as to the tools you are using.
- Setting limits. I set boundaries as to how much time I will spend keeping up with the news. I find I can no longer spend even a half hour listening to news. I am best to read headlines on the computer and then a few paragraphs of an article. I also rely on a few daily email journalists on Substack to skim what they are sharing.
- Being creative each day is essential. For me, spending some time painting is very calming. When I am painting, all my focus is on the picture.
A painting I just completed of a Pitahaya in full bloom.
- My new project of creating a dance film about resistance is helping. Even though I am realistic that my goal will be to finish it and share it on this blog, it feels good to be doing something related to my concern for democracy in the United States.
- Challenging myself to do something new. And then feeling good about accomplishing it. Leaf cutter ants are both amazing and a problem in Costa Rica. Overnight an army of these ants can destroy a tree, making a parade back to the nest carrying a part of a leaf. Recently when I was walking the property I discovered I had three different areas affected. I solved the problem through both pellets and painting a dot on the leaves as the ants marched by. The ants carry either the pellet or the leaf with the poison dot back to the nest. I only spent 15 minutes focused on painting leaves or putting out pellets, and there are no more ants doing damage today. Of course, I will need to keep a daily watch and most likely repeat this several more times in the next few months.
- Reaching out to friends, particularly in person, and enjoying time together with only limited conversation related to the news.
- In the evening watching fun movies that cheer me up.
These are some of the things that are helping to keep my spirits up. I want to hear what you are doing. Please share in the comment section so we can all benefit.