The mysterious Angela Monet is quoted as saying, “Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.” Living passionately requires listening to the music within and hearing the music of the world, without being distracted by the noise.
As children, most of us were naturally enthusiastic and danced freely to the song playing clearly in our heart. Unencumbered by the accumulation of disappointments and regrets, we approached each day with excitement and exhilaration. But if again and again, your feelings were hurt, your boundaries were crossed, and your basic needs for attention, affection, appreciation, and acceptance were not met, you may have joined the sad ranks of the sane. As the residue of emotional toxicity accumulated in your body, heart, and mind, the natural flow of life energy was impeded.
To regain your passion, vitality, and creativity, the most essential step you can take is identifying, mobilizing, and releasing the emotional pain you have carried for so many years. You can begin by asking yourself, “What am I carrying with me from the past that is no longer serving me in the present?”
If you recognize that you are harboring unresolved emotional pain, misunderstandings, or toxic beliefs, set the intention to mobilize and release the congested energy. Once you let go of whatever isn’t serving you, you will naturally make choices that are nourishing and life-affirming.
When you release your emotional turbulence, the internal noise that has been preoccupying your mind will become quiet and you will be able to hear the music once again. Then, as the Sufi master Hafiz reminds us, you will be able to “cast all your votes for dancing.”
