Welcome . . . to another Friday in the Sanctuary.

May you find a few moments of peace and respite here today. Life is tough. We all need to protect our peace!

C’mon in.
Take a break.

First, let me explain where I am . . . right now.

About this time every year I get just a little bit of seasonal-melancholy. It’s suddenly a whole lot darker outside. The clouds look different. I know it won’t be long before the leaves start turning. I like fall, don’t get me wrong, and I’ll welcome it when it finally arrives. But . . . I really love summer. It’s the vibe of it, y’know? Because even if you’re not a summer-fan, you’ve got to admit . . .  that vibe-i-ness of summer is nice . . .  the extra light, the ease, the relaxed atmosphere, the change in routine. (Okay. And the popsicles.)

So my low-level melancholy feeling comes from knowing summer is waning . . . and remembering the long, dark, bleak winter waiting in the wings. I’ll welcome that, too, (eventually) and I’ll look for ways to bear it when it comes. But for now . . . I’ve got my summer to say goodbye to.

So this week in the Sanctuary . . . I’m looking for low-level distractions that will make me smile and allow me to carry on with my ordinary day. Nothing deep. Nothing heavy. Nothing soul-stirring. Just . . . entertainment mixed with some awe.

Yeah. I’m talking about . . . dance! People moving their bodies in extraordinary ways. With joy. And strength. And an amazing sense of timing and rhythm.

Rest and take a break today . . .  while I share some of the best little dance clips I gathered this week. Go ahead and tap your toes. Or maybe grab a hula hoop?

Let’s begin with a classic remix . . .

A little Fred Astaire. A little Michael Jackson. And Cyd Charisse (with her legs-a-mile-long).

Now, let’s get to that toe-tapping . . .

with a street performance from those tap artists, the Gardiner Brothers, and their special guest, Jabu Graybeal. Enjoy!

On to another genre (or two) . . .

when jazz dancers “do the conga!”

Finally, grab your hula hoops . . .

and get ready for a little rage-hooping!

Oh! But wait! I’ve got one more . . .

just some regular women (maybe your neighbors, even) having a little summer fun!
EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!

And that’ll do it for this week, my friends.

Well. I don’t know about you, but I can feel my melancholy lifting. Dancing (doing it OR just watching it) always helps me chase the blues away.

Enjoy the weekend.
Kick back a little.
Put on some music and do some dancing.
No one’s watching. No one cares.
Just move!

Protect your peace.
And remember . . .
EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!

I hope you’ve found some . . . Sanctuary . . . here today.
At least for a few minutes.