My brother shared a video that is mesmerizing, mystical... and seemingly impossible! Miyoko Shida Rigolo was on Georgia's Got Talent several years ago demonstrating the Sanddorn Balance. (Click here to watch the video clip. It is well worth the 13 minutes... or skip the interview and jump ahead to 1:45 where she comes on stage.)
This video reminded me of a concept that was taught in our Dialogue Practicum... and, I sometimes find impossible to do: Holding It Lightly.
The image: a feather lying on an open hand; not grasping or holding it; knowing that a breeze could blow the feather away.
The skill: allowing a thought or idea to be present; without reacting or judging; realizing that we are trying to communicate or share abstract and diverse truths as we currently experience them.
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| Can you hold lightly what you hear and see? (Photo credit: Sanddorn Balance) |
In the video, Miyoko begins with a feather. One by one she adds withered ribs of date and coconut palm branches collected from the most beautiful beaches in the world to create a structure that supports the feather.
If you watch the video to the end, you will see that it is the feather that provides balance and stability to the structure. Without the feather, the structure could not exist!
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| What provides balance in your life? (Photo credit: Sanddorn Balance) |
It seems that when I am in good relations with someone, it is easier to hold lightly what the other person says. But if there is a misunderstanding or I don't know the other person, it is much harder to not react defensively.
As I listen to the news and political ads these days, I have difficulty lightly holding the conflicting stories. I am skeptical or mistrustful of the messages shared or the motivations behind the ideas.
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| When do you notice how you react? (Photo credit: Sanddorn Balance) |
I wonder... is there more to Miyoko's video? Yes, the feather is important to the structure, but what about the branches collected from beautiful places throughout the world? Maybe the interaction of the whole structure is just as important? For instance:
- What if we regard all interactions as necessary and coming from beautiful places?
- What if we hold Relationships Needing Attention in the same light as Relations Nurtured?
- What if we entered into conversations with curiosity? (Tell me more!)
Before we place a feather in our open hand, maybe it is time to extend that hand to others as a sign of welcome, acceptance, and a thank you!
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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