With so many small businesses suffering, closing, or questioning how they will continue to operate, it is no wonder that I have had many people asking me how we are doing. The truth is, regardless of what is happening in the world 3 things will remain true: 1) people will have children, 2) people will pass, and 3) people will find things to celebrate.
There is so much in life worth celebrating at a time when so much is uncertain. One thing that should always be celebrated is life. Life in humans is driven by a few things. The first of these is human connection. Another is our sense of belonging. And the last I will touch on is our need for accomplishment.
Humans crave connection. Babies need physical touch and attention in order to grow. Scientists are finding that human connection and physical touch have huge health benefits. For example, “researchers [found] that oxytocin may be a link between hugging and lower blood pressure.”
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/In_brief_Hugs_heartfelt_in_more_ways_than_one
Dancing is a form of both physical touch, the opportunity to emotionally connect with someone via conversation, and actual human connection without technology for a minimum of 40 minutes. Yes, during this time we do all of this in a way that is safe, respectful, and keeps everyone’s health in mind.
In psychology, there is great discussion with a person’s ability and need for a sense of belonging. What does it mean to belong? The great thing about dancing with us is that you automatically belong to a group of people who all share something. This group is not just our school. It is not just within our city or our state. It is a group of people who all share this same passion, hobby, skill across the globe. Knowing that is powerful.
That last thing I want to touch on is a sense of achievment. We truly live our life trying to become better. Hopefully, I would presume that we are in a constant state of learning. The idea of medals, jackets, trophies is wonderful; though, the idea of knowing that we have overcome, and that we are able to continue to grow in something is far stronger. With dancing, you are constantly growing both in learning the art form, but also in growing as a person.
Please know that I am a small business owner. Yes, we had to close our doors for a while. Yes, we are not at the fully capacity that we could be. But we will survive. We have to survive. We embody so much of what people need in life, especially today during the time of COVID-19.
Wonderful!!