I am learning belly dancing and should be finishing the first level in a couple of days. It’s been a very thrilling, invigorating and explorative experience. Contrary to the popular belief (at least in India) that belly dancing is only a seductive and an obscene form of dance, I must admit that it’s totally wrong. In fact it is a classical dance (certainly not what Mallika Sherawat did in ‘Maiya Maiya’) which is aesthetically very beautiful. It almost brings you in a meditative state of mind which most dances do. No other art form except dance and yoga allows you to explore your body thus. Belly dancing in particular involves a lot of co-ordination of the mind and body, many isolated movements and an amazing control over even the smallest muscles of your body which we didn’t know existed:-)
I also feel that it’s imperative for anyone to keep learning throughout ones’ life and something which is away from one’s profession. The reasons being many – it’s a lot of fun, it makes life more interesting, it keeps us active mentally & physically, challenges us in different ways we might not have thought, opens newer avenues, enhances performance in various fields, helps us meet different people, opens our mindsets, and gives satisfaction. Moreover, it’s the time we spend with our own selves which is most valuable. It is also one of the things which we don’t learn to earn. So there are no vested interests. I term it as recreation – an activity done involving most of our senses, for the sheer joy it brings. I believe that there has to be some time every day or every other day designated for such activity. And no, watching TV, talking on phone, listening to music do not fall under this category as they are passive. Cooking, gardening, sports, dance, painting, music, singing…….would definitely qualify. It is also one of the for pillars of a yogic lifestyle. (Vihar - Achar, Vichara, Ahara being the other three)
I also feel that it’s imperative for anyone to keep learning throughout ones’ life and something which is away from one’s profession. The reasons being many – it’s a lot of fun, it makes life more interesting, it keeps us active mentally & physically, challenges us in different ways we might not have thought, opens newer avenues, enhances performance in various fields, helps us meet different people, opens our mindsets, and gives satisfaction. Moreover, it’s the time we spend with our own selves which is most valuable. It is also one of the things which we don’t learn to earn. So there are no vested interests. I term it as recreation – an activity done involving most of our senses, for the sheer joy it brings. I believe that there has to be some time every day or every other day designated for such activity. And no, watching TV, talking on phone, listening to music do not fall under this category as they are passive. Cooking, gardening, sports, dance, painting, music, singing…….would definitely qualify. It is also one of the for pillars of a yogic lifestyle. (Vihar - Achar, Vichara, Ahara being the other three)
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