“You’re really thoughtful… I mean that in a good way” – one of those confusing compliments I have received from a friend. I didn’t think thoughtfulness could be a bad thing, but the truth is my thoughtfulness has not always brought good into my life. My days are spent thinking deeply about everything from my purpose in life to why the Rice Krispies® guys outfits are so eclectic. Sometimes it gets exhausting, but my brain has made it clear that its depths are boundless. The trains of thought that derail in me often charge towards anxiety and depression.
Thoughtful:
A generous word that marks people of kindness who notice and attend to the needs of others.
A description of someone consumed by the recesses of their mind and stifled from richly experiencing the present moment.
I hope most of my time is spent as the first description, but left alone it is easy for me to lose sight of joy. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons I am continually drawn to dance. Dance is certainly an intellectual practice but it also draws me into my body and the present moment. Focus is freedom for me and dance provides that space.
We live in dark times where headlines breed hopelessness. We live in bright times because we are still alive. Take thought for what matters and let the raging seas roll over you.
