Finding Your Rhythm

When you are in a situation which requires you to work with others, one of two things will usually happen.  Either you will feel energized by the collaboration or drained of energy. This is the time when people become inappropriately close or part ways. The maker or breaker of relationships. 

This difference is one of rhythm, not necessarily energy. Energy you feel with your heart. Rhythm is felt with the body. It feels good or bad. A feeling of being high or being beaten up. What you need to remember is that you may be at the same music festival, but are each moved by a different type of music. 

You may resonate with the quick-paced, back and forth salsa rhythm, while your companion is moved by a chaotic, yet cohesive hip hop rhythm. You might be a graceful, precise ballerina working next to an improvisational jazz-style dancer. All the dances are as beautiful as they are individual, and the hip hop dancer is as much an expert in her field as the ballet dancer. They simply, approach the music differently.

This is not to say that you should try to make all relationships work. Clearly some people must leave your path, or you should leave theirs, but use your heart to make the decision. 

First, find out what your energy feels like. You may not have any idea. Perhaps you have been dancing to the songs of others for so long, you have forgotten your own rhythm. Take a day or two. See what makes you feel good. Are you an early riser, burning out quickly then needing a rest, or are you a slow steady worker, pacing yourself so that you can go all day long?  Does your energy start and stop, or go on for longer periods? Find your comfortable pace, then watch what others do around you. Do not judge the person who sleeps in and starts slowly, or seems spastic and hyperactive. They might just have a different rhythm than you do. 

Second, when you must work or play with others, find ways to dance briefly in their rhythm, then pull back and rest and recharge in yours. You are not all the same. Perhaps you can get started early and rest a bit while they work or take breaks when you feel exhausted. 

If a person insists that you follow their rhythm, they are not speaking from their heart. It may be time to move on. Only your heart can make this choice.

In the meantime, your feet can dance, either to your special, personal music, or stretch yourself and dance to another

beat for a short time just to see what it feels like. You will learn much about yourself and others this way, and it is great exercise. ~Silas