Through my ex colleague in Taj, monya now a friend, I got an opportunity to dance with experienced elderly gentleman, and ladies.
I loved the concept of samvedna, meant for elderly Sr Citizens to age gracefully…. profound. This is not an old age home; it’s an old age activity centre, to have sessions to nourish body, mind, and soul.
To do this, I had many fears, one of them, is to experience how vulnerable is this age, I remember this line that has stuck on to me shared in one of my sessions, we are at an age where we have nothing to hide…..it still gives me goose bumps….it is the truth, and sometimes truth is real, and bitter.
What I liked the most was, how being a bit reluctant, and shy at the beginning, everyone‘s space would be transformed by moving, inhibitions get dropped faster, where they were absorbed in the moment, laughing, and forgetting their worries.
Most of them had medical ailments, so it was important for me to make them move in their spirits, and then their bodies moved. I was touched when people who would come in wheel chair they loved the music, and swayed their hands with life, and optimism.
Confronting this age, gracefully is truly an art, where one has high acceptance, and less regrets.
I chose topics like jealousy , love , marriage , peace , hope , friendship , dreams , rain , freedom , and beauty.
In one and a half hour, we had enough time to move, and share, how we feel about each aspect of life, it was enriching to listen to so many experiences.
The intent was to be in touch with all emotions, I remember we all spoke about jealousy, we all were wearing green that day, and shared our insecurities. This generation has gone through massive change, where some were married at the age of 18 to now seeing their daughter in laws working, being independent in all aspects. Being jealous is a natural emotion; my intent was for them to embrace it. Sharing just felt great for everyone, and once it was accepted, a new space opened up.
I felt dancing this way, they felt a lot at ease, it was not about being perfect doing a step, and looking your best, it was about feeling your best, was happy to break many shackles, and judgments they had about themselves.
I would play all the old numbers, meenakumari, and madhubala, that would easily transport them to their younger days, their hearts felt happier, and they had many stories to share.
Intent was to also keep enhancing positive emotions , like hope , and tell them to do what’s in their heart , and what they desire to do , more and more , nudging , cajoling to live their dreams.
Myriad of emotions each time, and feeling absolutely grateful to monya and archana to have given this opportunity to move with them. I pray that we are all moved to move, and be able to dance like no one is watching!!
