I have been traveling recently, and as I do so, I have also been struggling with a complex mix of emotions in response to tragic events around the world. It seems that the past two weeks in particular have offered little respite from news of destruction. It is important to honor all the feelings that such news can evoke, including deep sadness, anger, and fear. It is also important to attend to things that give us hope and remind us of human connection. The times when life is disrupted can also be the times when we see most clearly that which is precious in each-other. So this week, in honor of balance, travel, connection and possibility, here's Matt.
Matt is a guy who really likes to travel and to dance. His dancing is not fancy, in fact, he is the first to admit that it's pretty silly. But that didn't matter. In 2005 he made a video of himself dancing all over the world. His enthusiasm was contagious and it quickly became a (brief) internet sensation. In 2008 he did it again, and this time he was joined by laughing, smiling, dancing crowds in 42 countries:
In 2012 things got more elaborate. Matt exchanged dance moves with even more people in even more countries. His video highlights the diversity of cultures and movements around the world with a palpable delight.
In the midst of darkness, let us remember the beauty, silliness and wonder that we humans are also capable of creating.