Table of Contents Principals and Practices
Meeting, Beating and Dead Fish.
Principal:
Meeting, Beating and Dead Fish, these are three metaphorical terms for energies that get to the heart of human interactions.
More:
With 'Dead fish' energy, one mumbles, one is limp, One barely shows up. Actions
are not done or they are done halfheartedly. Dead fish energy is not necessarily
quiet; A whisper can be incredibly potent.
Dead fish energy shows a general lack of givenness.
'Beating' energy, one takes over and dominates a situation in a way that negates others. Beating can be loud, interupting. Beating does not have to be loud. Beating and be in an icy stare, rolling of the eyes, and irritated tapping.
'Meeting' involves showing up, giving voice to oneself and allowing the other to show up. This meeting allows for mutuality, with respect. Meeting allowws for a real exchange. In meeting, both persons matter. Meeting is not without
authority. It is an authority that seeks to include and support the other. Both
matter. Both are unique. I become more myself because you are yourself. It is through this meeting of otherness that new life emerges.
This is the essense of harmony. For harmony to happen two or more notes must be played.
It is important to understand these energies. They are at the heart of all the following games and exercises. One can pass a ball to another from a place of 'dead fish, or 'beating' or 'meeting'. In learning this exercises, it is not just about the movement; it is about how it is done: the attention, the energy, the state of the heart, the 'Spirit' of it.
As we learn to pass, roll, bounce, toss, shake, sing, and drum, we are training the heart to respond. As we play our notes and grooves to one another and out into the universe, we can make and create whole unprecedented possibilities.
As we develop our ability and capacity to be with another and pass, roll, bounce, toss, shake, sing, and drum, we are practicing love.