David Earl Woodbury
No 15 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, April 4, 2014
The Time Machine
Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most
deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice
which says, “This is the real me,” and when you have found that
attitude, follow it. — William James (1842-1910) American Philosopher and Psychologist
When I dance I believe that time stands still, and we do not age. We are in the eternal dream of endless youth and vitality. Then, I believe that the longer we dance, we become younger and the hands of time reverse. Therein is the magic of dancing, we remain young at heart forever always with a song in our hearts, and a spring in our steps.
Want to feel wonderful, dance a Swing. Want to feel elegant…Waltz, dramatic…Tango, exciting…Mambo, romantic…Rumba. You can live all your life’s emotions through dancing, and even create new experiences through dancing.
Now that I’m 57, I am usually the oldest person in a staff formation or at a dance camp. More mature students seem feel comfortable with me. I’m like that vintage Cadillac that becomes a classic as the years roll on. But inside, when I dance, I am fierce, young, vital and youthful. Dancing seems to wipe away injuries, illness, age, and doubt. The moments I spend dancing are fun-filled and joyous.
The biggest change for me in dancing has always been making mistakes. Yet, every lesson has a whole lot of great laughter, enough to water your eyes and giggle your sides. Now, when we make a mistake, I just look at my student and say “What was that?” and we just roar with laughter together. It makes them unafraid of venturing into something new, and we realize that there are no limitations to movement. We laugh together and give each other a hug. Try learning this way and you’ll do it better the next time, and you’ll both have a twinkle of joy in your eyes.
As for health, it’s our wealth. As you know, I’m back to Weight Watcher in Santa Monica with Amy Brunell and she is a saint. She brought me back to a healthy way of thinking and got the good gears moving again. I’m midway through my physical. Just had my heart echo today and my treadmill stress test with good results.
Get this, when I heard the heart echo scan today, and heard my heart beating through the speakers, I was amazed. This is what I heard, “Ka-wish, kawoosh kawoosh” or “Sh-wee, shumm, shumm” or “Chi-cka, kachu kachu” as I heard the actual sound of each part of my heart beating. I said to the technician “My heart is keeping beat to the music of life”. I was amazed at the musical rhythm I heard as she did her procedure. At the end, I told her that everyone who has a heartbeat has rhythm and the echo test proved that theory!
What we do with that rhythmical music of life is what determines the outcome of who we are. My cardiologist said, lose weight and get your heart rate up to 135 three times a week and you’ll be fine for the rest of your life. Move, eat well, and take care of myself.
Have you used your Time Machine? Well, come to the Santa Monica Arthur Murray Dance Center. Our theme is “Hospitality” so we know that you will feel welcome. Our plan is simple and we have a course for everyone. Take a lesson, experience a group and a party. Invite a guest and have them join with us. Take a leap of faith and see what it’s like to have time stop, or even reverse for you. You’ll be younger in heart and feel great!
Thank You,
David Earl Woodbury
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