Practicing Joy and Resilience as an Antidote to Fear and Oppression

Joyful dancing by the beach. Credit: Isabelle Moses

As Karla talked about in our most recent newsletter, living in LA has been tough lately. So many of our community members are under assault due to ICE and unprecedented militarism in the face of peaceful protest. In the midst of rising authoritarianism and fascism, we have to make space in our daily lives to practice joy and resilience and to cultivate spaces where we can manifest more of the world we want to live in. 

One of my absolute favorite pastimes is salsa dancing. I first started salsa dancing at dance clubs during college in Washington, D.C. It’s a hobby that has stayed with me despite many moves and life transitions. Last Friday night in Los Angeles, dancing outdoors with a live salsa band felt like an act of resistance. I felt a small tendril of fear as I surveyed the crowd and wondered if ICE might show up. I know someone who stayed home and didn’t dare risk being exposed. I also felt  brave and glad to be in the largest gathering I’ve seen at this spot, with people of every race and age and varied dance skills spinning and laughing. After a bit of observation, I felt my hyper vigilant self relax into the rhythms of the drums, swaying to the percussion, feeling held by the saxophone and matching my feet and hips to the beat. 

The salsa community is one of the most multiracial and multicultural spaces I’m ever a part of in any city where I’ve danced - united by the call of the drums and dancing steps that have been practiced by our Afro-Latiné forebearers in the Caribbean and passed down through generations. Dancing salsa is an amazing practice of feeling rather than thinking, listening rather than talking, and being rather than doing.

I’ve been reflecting on experiences that foster joyful resistance and cultivate resilience - like the seminal dance scene of Sinners - where the power of music breaks the veil between realms - allowing spirits across generations to dance in harmony with one another - offering both nourishment and healing. Or, the Cowboy Carter concert where everyone understands the assignment: show up and show out! Be the most fabulous version of yourself in whatever way feels good for you: cowboy boots and sequins, or chaps and body suits, or pageant gown and sash, or denim on denim on denim on denim. There is a place for everybody and every body and for every hue and gender - truly. All of us moving together and singing along (even if you only hum the words or tap your toes). 

All of these experiences support us to develop the muscles to co-create a truly multiracial and multicultural society where our unique gifts and talents are celebrated and uplifted as part of a broader community. Where we are not required to learn the exact same steps to dance a jig for conditional freedom. 

We’d love to hear how you’re taking time to practice joy and resilience. Where do you cultivate the world you want to live in? Where do you practice feeling rather than thinking and being rather than doing - in community?

With joy,

Isabelle