At ASP Summer Staff Training, a unique tradition unfolded this year: Square Dancing night. For those unfamiliar, picture this: after dinner, a group of enthusiastic individuals learning the steps of square dancing, immersed in Appalachian music, and even belting out a classic summer staff potato song. It’s an experience steeped in tradition and surprisingly insightful.
There’s an undeniable magic in participating in such a time-honored custom. The beauty of square dancing lies in its forgiving nature; you can’t truly “mess it up.” The emphasis is on laughter, collaboration, and figuring it out together. And that’s when it hit me – square dancing is a powerful metaphor for life itself. It’s wonderfully chaotic, incredibly fun, and demands communication to flow smoothly.
So, with no further ado, let me share three valuable life lessons I gleaned from my square dancing initiation. (Kids, maybe try this with supervision!)
Lesson #1: Tune into Your Caller
My square dancing journey began at dinner with Frank and Deborah, the very people who would soon guide us through the dance. From the moment I joined them, their warmth and kindness were palpable. Conversing with them was like savoring a cup of tea – gentle, unhurried, and comforting.
Seeking some pre-dance wisdom, I asked Frank for advice. His question was simple: could I keep a beat and follow instructions? My hesitant “yes” was met with his confident reassurance, “Then you can square dance.”
And he was absolutely right. For the square dancing novices out there, let me share my newfound expertise. The key is to listen intently to the caller, the person who announces the steps over the music. You quickly grasp the basic movements and the dance pattern. Before you know it, the steps become instinctive, almost second nature.
Reflecting on this, I realized a profound parallel to our spiritual lives. We need to listen for our guiding voice amidst the noise of life. This voice provides direction, and through practice, following this guidance becomes ingrained, guiding our actions.
During one dance, Deborah offered a suggestion for a different move to Frank, the caller. Frank readily adapted, announcing to the group, “I call it like she tells me!”
This small moment was a gentle reminder: sometimes, we need to listen to our inner guidance and act accordingly. Without that sense of direction, the rhythm of life becomes confusing, and our actions lack purpose. When life feels overwhelming and the pace quickens, I hope you, like me, will remember to listen to your caller, your inner compass.
Lesson #2: The Power of Holding Weight
As the evening progressed and we tackled more complex square dance moves, I discovered my favorite technique: “Holding Weight.”
In square dancing, turning with a partner involves grasping hands and spinning in a circle. For a faster spin, dancers lean away from each other, using their weight to generate momentum. This is “holding weight,” and it’s quite a sight to behold. Deborah, while explaining this move, wisely commented, “It’s helpful for life because sometimes you need a little resistance.”
Watching my fellow staffers twirling and leaning, her words resonated deeply. It struck me as the perfect metaphor for the summer staff experience itself – an intense, exhilarating journey where we would rely on each other for support and momentum. Summer staff life is demanding. With early starts, late finishes, and demanding responsibilities in between, teamwork and mutual support are essential.
This summer and beyond, I hope we can all “hold each other’s weight.” It might sound sentimental, but any returning staff member will attest that their team is their lifeline during the summer. Without that support system, what would we lean on?
Lesson #3: Do-Si-Do Requires Two
During dinner with Frank and Deborah, our conversation touched upon the vital partnership between ASP (Appalachian Service Project) and the Appalachian community. While organizations like ASP offer valuable support, they cannot operate effectively without the knowledge and collaboration of the local communities.
“No one knows the mountains like the people who live here,” Deborah emphasized.
In square dancing terms, this mirrors the “Dosey Doe” move, where partners move around each other in a square. Without communication and coordination, this move would descend into chaos, with dancers colliding and stepping on each other’s toes. A successful Dosey Doe requires both partners working in unison.
Time and again, I’ve heard from staff and volunteers that the homeowners we serve have a profound impact on us, often more so than vice versa. Our work is symbiotic; partnership is crucial for ensuring our efforts are successful and meaningful. We must always remember our interdependence – it truly takes two.
So, my takeaway from this week is this: Life can be challenging, but it’s also wonderfully vibrant and enjoyable. Listen to your inner guide, support those around you, and approach life’s dances with love and partnership.
And above all, make time to dance.
