Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Santa Monica
“Be an Encourager” by Joseph Sica
Fr. Joseph Sica was an amazing writer and priest. Right after he died, his office was re-opened, and sitting in the middle of his desk was the finished copy of his last book from his publisher. Even though he had been ill and dying, his last completed book was sitting on the middle of his desk. What dedication. What vision. What a calling! What a great gift to all of us!
He lived his life to be an encourager. Each Lent and Advent, I read all his daily meditations, and I have every book he has written (that I can find). When I am reading Fr. Sica, I feel as if I’m with someone who knows me inside and out. Someone who understands me. Someone who loves and cares about me.
The following is a practice that I follow 100% of the time. As the New Student Director in our Arthur Murray Dance Studio, I visit many, many dance lessons. My only job it to encourage the student and support and praise the instructor. I always share with each student or couple that I never teach anyone how to dance. I merely look at them and see the greatness already within them, and I pull that greatness out and reveal it to them.
I think everyone has greatness inside of them. In this turbulent world, we are surrounded with constant “noise”. We are bombarded with the Internet and our mobile phones bringing the outside world directly into our hands 24/7. We are constantly “sold” something. We are constantly shown what we lack, what we need, and the high standards of how we should be living.
My mom, J. Clair, had a wonderful way of thinking. It was called “Build an Empire”. She taught me that when I meet someone new, immediately see something about them that I loved. It could be anything. Their clothes, their laugh, their scent. The handshake, the smile, the energy. I always say: “I love this….” and I say something positive, fun, warm and welcoming to them.
J. Clair said that we would build an “Empire” of friendship by making this a habit. I have old friends and new friends that came from this “Empire” idea. And, it’s fun to do. Usually I end up with a big friendly laugh together with them and it truly breaks the ice. I’ve met life-long friends through using this wonderful gift of meeting new people.
And, it works all the time. When you see a friend from last week, say something uplifting to them. When you see your dearest friend, try this with them. When you see someone who is going through grief or illness, try it as well. Everyone needs a good word and a loving smile and a look of warmth and friendship.
The magic that makes this happen is your kind voice and a sweet smile. How do you know that you are smiling at someone? You see your own smile reflected through their smiles back to you. If we are smiling, they are smiling back! It works all the time and is a wonderful way to live.
This is my goal in life…to be an encourager. It takes patience, foresight, love, kindness, understanding, a lot of patience, and practice every day.
Try to be an encourager. If you already are, thank you. I hope to meet you and share a smile. Because you are reading this, you are on your way to becoming an encourager every day of your life.
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury