During our family trip to Machu Picchu this summer, I danced in a way I’ve never dreamed possible: without music. Now if you know me, you know that I rarely turn down an opportunity to dance to any music, but this dance was something far more intriguing. Before you can do it, though, you have to strip yourself of the comforts that define you. Mine were electricity and sandals. Electricity was not a big one for me. Getting to see monkeys from my mosquito net covered bed was well worth the exchange in wattage. Giving up my sandals for mud boots was definitely a stretch, but seeing rainbows of macaws perch on a clay lick or soar through the air was well worth my caged in toes.
But how can you explain trekking up hundreds of steps daily, to view the cultural splendor of Machu Picchu: dancing in silence. The Peruvians and their Incan ancestors are a complex people. Their stone altars, spirit filled trees, and ornate chapels fascinate me. But how can I really “understand” them when we are worlds apart.
The first thing I do to gain understanding of another is to ask about music. You can tell a lot about a person by the music he or she listens to. The Peruvian music is beautiful, with panpipes and flutes. And so the dance begins.
I take a little of their art and religion, mix it with some Marvin Gaye and Tchaikovsky, and try to dance along. But it never really works. The beats in my head keep tripping over theirs. It was what used to happen when Tim, my husband, and I first danced together to his favorite band, The Grateful Dead. Let me just say that I don’t really consider what the Grateful Dead plays songs. It is like listening to a long jam session that never goes anywhere. But I dance with him because I honor him, and our relationship is about mutuality, love and respect for the other. So, I just turn down the volume of judgment in my head, take his hand and follow his lead. After a while, I take the lead, and before I know it we are laughing and yes, even grooving.
So it is with Machu Picchu. Instead of getting all worked up about the human sacrifices that were made on occasion, I focus on the fact that the persons sacrificed were the children/relatives of the leaders or priests. Now that is true leadership! I think I might be able to trust the religious or political leaders of my day if they were willing to sacrifice a bit. That is the allure of our dear new Pope Francis, isn’t it? He is sacrificing the things in which most popes indulge. And we trust him.
How interesting a correlation I find with what is going on in Washington right now. Our leaders are refusing to dance with each other. They are at the big expensive dance, and each wants his/her music played, and only that music played. Hence, they are standing on the walls full of fear, while making fun of each other for the absurdity of the other’s moves. Well, its time to turn off the music, and sacrifice a bit.
Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t our legislators throw a little sacrifice of their insurance plans on the altar? If every government official had to live with the plan that he or she is crafting for the rest of us, we all might just begin to trust them a little. How about another sacrifice? How about if they can’t balance the budget, they don’t get paid? Now the altar looks pretty interesting. I’m ready to dance. How about you? But first, let’s turn off the music.
Let the silence in our heads, help us attend to, respect, and respond to the moves of another. Before long we’ll all move away from the wall, and learn how to follow and take the lead with ease. We might even quit judging the silly moves of others, and join in the dance. I’m hoping we may just shake off the frustrations, fears, and judgments we have that separate us, and eventually learn to add a few panpipes and flutes to the mix. And what the heck, what about a good rendition of “Mustang Sally” while we’re at it?
Julie Rogers-Martin 
Lovely blend of ancient history, current news, personal reflection, excellent visual imagery… more photos!
Loved it. Can’t wait for the book to be published.
Julie–So glad you’re doing this! Love the silent dance imagery (no surprise there) and agree that we can all learn to be present to life and life on behalf of others in new ways.
Love your post!
Julie–I love your analogies to dance–using your Peruvian trip, music, history, our gov. shutdown, etc….very inspiring & helpful food for thought!
Very good analogy. I also believe the politicians should receive the same benefites that they choose us to have. Also they need to have a budget like the rest of us, balance the budget, quit giving massive sums of our money to countries that don’t like us and want to kill us. Looking forward to seeing your book published.
Loved your post. Wish our government leaders would read it.
You’ve been grooving and dancing through life for as long as I’ve known you! Thank you for sharing your song with us!
Wow, love this first post, Julie! Brilliant analogies and I whole-heartedly agree with your thoughts that the DC folks are just standing on the edges refusing to dance to someone else’s music. But, I guess that’s part of the problem… they (both sides it seems) think that it’s their “enemies’” music that’s playing and so you’re right, they just need to turn the music off altogether and start making some sacrifices. Yes, Pope Francis has gained our trust and respect purely for that reason. How can’t our leaders see and understand that message? To lead you must become a servant and sacrifice your own will (and/or the desires of the very loud/wealthy constituency goading you on) to determine what’s best for the whole. I guess what further frustrates me about this whole situation is that the repercussions on the government shut-down here have a far wider reaching than just DC’s backyard. For better or for worse (probably too often the latter) much of the world’s economy is intrinsically linked to what happens here and we are too short-sighted to fully understand and appreciate that. Just praying that enough folks from each side of the issue will be bold enough to stand up and say that while they still believe their music is better than the music choices of the other side, they are willing to let go, listen to the other music and even step away from the wall and dance….
My fear is that most have forgotten why they are at the dance in the first place: to serve. But not just to serve the the wealthy constituency, but the greater good for all. You are spot on when you said: We can still believe our music is the best, but be willing to let go, listen to the other music and dance. We might even be surprised by how it all turns out. So sad that some our leaders are willing to sacrifice the world’s economy but not their own perceptions.
Years ago, living in the Caribbean, I often went scuba diving. The local dive companies always wanted to give you the most “bang for the buck,” so they kept you moving along the reef constantly, with little hesitancy. So, everything seemed a blur. Difficult to focus, hard to remember.
The thought once occurred to me that it would be fantastic to simply attach a lawn chair to a strategic portion of the reef, sit in full scuba gear, & “watch what comes by.” This notion of randomness appeals to me. And yet, not succumbing entirely to whim….I want a secure chair; a functioning BC & scuba, and making certain there are no underwater naval excersises in the vicinity!! Beyond that, allow awe & surprise into your life. Anyone who imagines they are in complete control is in for a rude awakening.
Just some thoughts from a wayward cousin…
Complete control is a definite illusion. But a little order goes a long way. Especially after herding monkeys for the past 20 years–AKA raising my brood. Thanks for the insight, though. I’ll like that image.