It Makes Me Happy

Paul and Carolyn Zeiger usually start off my individual yoga session with “What kind of exercising have you done lately?” I proudly say that I’ve danced eight times in the past seven days. Their follow-up question is “How does that affect your body?” Usually I list my physical complaints of stiffness, soreness, shakiness and slowness. Today I simply respond with “It makes me happy.”

I haven’t done a research study on the relationship between dancing and happiness. I can’t scientifically verify it, nor do I care to do so. But it’s something I just intuitively KNOW about myself that when I’m dancing, I’m happy.

It’s not only dancing with the Rockyettes that makes me happy, it’s everything that goes along with the dancing. It’s the satisfaction of learning a new dance routine. It’s the challenge in remembering the sequence of dance steps. It’s the camaraderie with the other dancers. It’s wearing the glittery costumes. It’s the thrill of performing in front of an audience, the enjoyment seen in their faces and the appreciation shown in their applause. But of utmost importance, it’s the opportunity to get away from Parkinson’s and feel normal once again.

Dancing is what makes life, even with Parkinson’s, worth living.

Comments

[Bob Dawson]

Kate,
That's music to my ears !
Dance on, dance on, dance on

Bob Dawson
And turn the music up loud !

[D. L.]

I'm one of those people who believe that dancing is deeply mind/body healing. Aborigine healers ask patients, "how is your dancing?" the way a western doctor might ask about appetite and sleep. I found your beautiful blog researching PD for a recently diagnosed family member. I can't thank you enough for sharing this treasure trove of your collected knowledge and experiences. May all this good karma smile upon you and yours when you need it most.

[Kate Kelsall]

Hi D.L.,

Thanks so much for your kind words about my blog. Your message brightened my day. I too believe that dancing can provide mind/body healing.

You may want to check out the following blog for those newly diagnosed with PD: www.recentlydiagnosedwithpd.org

Thanks for making me smile.

In gratitude,
Kate Kelsall
Shake, Rattle and Roll

[Tyson Sieger]

Your answer is so sentimental. Dancing because it makes you happy is the way to go! You don't need to research it anymore, Kate! What's important is that it makes you enjoy the lighter side of life. And it makes you feel healthy, too! :)

[Kalevi Hightower]

This is such a beautiful expression of the true power of dancing. I’m glad that dancing can touch your life in this way. Dancing is finding happiness through movement. Dancing is investing yourself in a song, and letting it move you so that your happy energy flows from the song and into you. It doesn’t matter what kind of dance you’re doing, as long as it leaves you smiling and feeling better after you’re done.