We Might as Well Dance
As often happens, I was in the middle of teaching a class when something "off the mat" filled my mind based on the analogies I was using to cue the pose. I was working with the class on Dancer's Pose (Natarajasana). If you're unfamiliar, this is likely one of the most popular "Instagrammable" poses out there. I'm certain you've seen a snapshot of someone on top of a mountain or overlooking the ocean, standing in a one-legged balancing shape, where one foot is lifted behind the body, grasped by the hand as we tip forward and reach the other arm to the front.
I say it all the time, and I'll repeat it here - there is no perfection in yoga. No perfection in poses. No perfection in how to get in and out of them. There are ways to reduce harmful stress on the body and ways to protect the integrity of the pose. However, even if you neglect those, you will go somewhere mentally in the pose despite whether or not you can get anywhere physically.
The way I work with my class to build Dancer's Pose is perhaps counterintuitive to what many think. When we are in balancing poses, it's often our first instinct to focus on our grounded foot, the one we're standing upon and rooting through. While that foot IS important, we end up abusing it and making its responsibility harder when we neglect the reaching arm and the leg that's kicking back. The balance is not in the foot and leg that are rooted in the ground, but in the alignment and forces/counterweight of the hand and foot that are lifted. Once you find stabilization in those two elements together, then simultaneously they can lift. THEN you can play with pressing down through the ground in the rooted foot and using that leverage to lift even higher into the pose, reaching, stretching, to the fullest expression.
As I guided my students through this pose, a metaphor emerged in my mind: once we find balance with ourselves and others, together we can rise. Once we can give and receive in balance in the community, TOGETHER we can collectively rise. This concept of balance and collective rising led me to contemplate how leveling socioeconomic disparities could potentially enhance our society's overall quality of life.
Research has consistently shown that socioeconomic inequality is associated with a range of negative outcomes, including increased violence, higher rates of drug and alcohol abuse, and poorer overall health. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that income inequality was positively associated with violent crime rates across U.S. states (Hsieh & Pugh, 1993). Similarly, a meta-analysis by Wilkinson and Pickett (2009) demonstrated that more equal societies tend to have lower rates of violence, better mental health, and reduced substance abuse.
Imagine a society where we could collectively have enough, where crime could be reduced, mental health issues could be alleviated, children could go without hunger, and people could find hope in recovery from addictive behaviors that they use to cope. This wouldn't happen overnight; it would take generations of work. But what an absolutely positive thought.
Addressing socioeconomic inequality could have far-reaching effects:
1. Reduced violence: Studies have shown that narrowing the income gap can lead to decreased violent crime rates (Fajnzylber et al., 2002).
2. Improved mental health: Research indicates that living in more equal societies is associated with better mental health outcomes and lower rates of depression (Pickett & Wilkinson, 2015).
3. Decreased substance abuse: Economic inequality has been linked to higher rates of drug and alcohol abuse. Reducing this inequality could potentially lower substance abuse rates (Galea et al., 2007).
4. Enhanced social cohesion: More equal societies tend to have higher levels of social trust and community engagement, which can contribute to overall well-being (Uslaner & Brown, 2005).
5. Better educational outcomes: Reducing socioeconomic disparities can lead to improved educational opportunities and outcomes for all children, regardless of their background (Reardon, 2011).
The pose also reminded me of this song that I have loved for a long time: "We Might as Well Dance" by Madeleine Peyroux. The lyrics resonate deeply with the idea of coming together despite our differences:
"The times are changing and tensions are rising
But fear can never be our guiding light
I'm not a fool, I know what hate is disguising
And only love can bring the will to fight"
As we practice Dancer's Pose on our mats, let's also consider how we can work towards greater balance and equality in our communities. By supporting policies and initiatives that aim to reduce socioeconomic disparities, we can contribute to a society where everyone has the opportunity to rise together, just as we find balance and lift in our yoga practice.
While we are all here, we might as well dance. Food for thought - XO.
B
