Life Is Both a Dance and a Shelter: Embracing Duality
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Chapter 1: The Storm and the Dance
Most of us have encountered the beautiful saying attributed to Vivien Greene: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain.” While this is a lovely expression, there are moments when we must embrace both aspects. Sometimes, it’s necessary to seek shelter until the tempest has passed, allowing us to emerge later and celebrate our survival amidst the gentle rain.
Life is complex and encompasses various situations; these two ideas coexist without contradiction. Throughout a lifetime, both can hold true.
Another insightful saying comes from choreographer Vicki Corona: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” This statement captures a specific sentiment, yet it also acknowledges a fundamental truth—our existence is indeed marked by each breath we take, as any Yogi would affirm. However, without those awe-inspiring moments, life would lose its vibrancy. Once again, we find that both views can exist simultaneously.
Shakespeare, in Hamlet, expresses, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” This philosophy is prevalent across cultures, reminding us that our perception shapes our reality. Life contains both joy and sorrow; it’s our choice how to interpret these experiences.
As someone who tends toward optimism, I often shy away from discussing life’s darker elements. However, it’s crucial to recognize that life is a blend of both. What happens when our optimistic views seem naive against harsh realities?
My generation, along with those that followed, often proclaim that we create our own luck. Yet, it’s important to note that the stories shared in self-help literature rarely come from those enduring hardship in refugee camps or facing scarcity. Perhaps we cling to such ideas because we wish them to be true. Maintaining that belief becomes increasingly difficult as we age.
(Unless, of course, you’re one of those authors still profiting from the lofty ideals sold decades ago. P.T. Barnum had it right; the allure of fantastical promises continues to draw people in.)
Anyone can end up feeling disillusioned and resentful. Life often thrusts us into situations we never would have chosen, and as we grow older, we confront this reality more frequently. No matter how intricately we explain concepts like karma or divine intervention, we witness even the most deserving individuals—and even beloved animals—falling into unbearable suffering, leading some to seek solace in death.
What a sobering realization!
I’ve never fully aligned with the more confrontational methods of Yoga Guru B.K.S. Iyengar, preferring gentler approaches. However, his profound response to Rama Jyoti Vernon in the 1960s when asked why he practiced Yoga struck me deeply: “So that I may die magnificently.” These words, spoken long before his passing, reflect a man unclouded by illusions, acutely aware of his life’s priorities.
We all face mortality. Yet, those who examine life honestly and cultivate gratitude for their blessings while remaining indifferent to challenges are likely to find peace at the end.
This lesson resonates with the Buddha’s experience when confronted by Mara, the illusion master. When Mara presented temptations and threats, Buddha remained undistracted, embodying indifference in the face of illusion.
Thus, life involves waiting for storms to pass, while also learning to dance in the rain. It is gauged both by the breaths we take and the breathtaking moments we cherish. Sometimes our dedication and focus align the universe in our favor, and at other times, overwhelming forces threaten to engulf us. Regardless, as long as we maintain our awareness, we can choose our response.
We can either submit to circumstances with defeat or choose to stand firm in our identity until the end—unfazed by forces that may seem dominant, for we understand they do not define us.
If we falter and momentarily forget this truth, that’s perfectly acceptable. No one will condemn us for it, and we will surely return to our true selves when our spiritual insight reawakens.
A detailed comparison of the terms "either" and "neither," exploring their proper usage in English grammar.