I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Katie Bruckbauer’s reflection and poems on dance and poetry as a spiritual practice.
Dance has always been a contemplative practice for me. Even as a child, I knew that dance was not just entertainment but a way to express what was deeper than words could convey. Dance as prayer was the most natural thing in the world and the most sacred and truest part of me. As I entered the second half of life and began “falling upward,” as Richard Rohr would say, I also discovered that writing poetry was a soulful and cathartic way for me to pray, process, and explore the questions, joys, and sorrows of life. Along with yoga and mindfulness, these practices have nurtured my body, mind, and spirit. They require a slower pace, a welcoming heart, and an awareness of both the inner and outer worlds. During the upheaval of the Covid pandemic, I, like so many others, struggled with the conflict, devastation, loss, and fear that was so prevalent. But I also used this time for pause and reflection. With less distractions, I began noticing nature with a more introspective gaze—particularly the trees and birds outside my window, who seemed to carry messages I needed to hear. The wise owl, the humble sparrow, the delightful chickadee, the junco with spunko, the upside-down nuthatch, the fierce hawk, and the peaceful dove—all called forth poems and dances from within me, eventually leading to a full book of poetry and a choreographed performance that is a unique fusion of poetry, music, and dance. The evolving and winding journey that resulted in the blending of these spiritual practices has been an unexpected and cherished gift. And in sharing these winged messages of hope and healing with others, I have been able to spread warmth and joy to a weary world as well. My greatest delight is introducing people of all walks of life to a contemplative way of looking at nature and being present in the world.
Below are two of my “word dances,” with accompanying illustrations by Mary Jo Savageau, from our book, Time to Soar: Word Dances and Bird Songs for Every Season. The first, “I Am,” came about while observing a sparrow and reflecting on the quality of true humility. The second, “Embrace,” developed from Christine Valters Paintner’s New Year practice of “give me a word.” As one who has spent most of her life “bracing” against the hardships of life, the word “embrace,” given to me a few months before the onset of Covid 19 was certainly serendipitous, providential, and one that I continue to bring to mind daily.
A YouTube link from Word Dances: Poetry in Motion is included for viewing the danced version of “Embrace.” https://youtu.be/swmwKkk3ifg
I Am
I am
tired of
pretending
I am
more than
I am.
I am
tired of
pretending
I am
less than
I am.
I am
(more or less)
who
I am.
Embrace
Embrace the face before you. Embrace the place you’re in.
Embrace the pain and sorrow. Don’t brace against today, tomorrow.
Open up and welcome in. Embrace, I say again.
Embrace the life you’re living. You’ll find the grace therein.
But what about the people, the ones with whom I dwell,
the mother, daughter, brother, the spouse I know so well?
Everyone has darkness. Everyone has light.
Embrace the face before you. Your love will reignite.
And what about my fears, the ones that keep me wide awake,
the fear of faults and failures, rejection and heartache?
Embrace your imperfections. Embrace the you you are.
Dare to live and dare to love. You’re worthy of the scar.
And what about the questions that keep circling undefined?
I’d like to know the answers. I’d like some peace of mind.
Birth, death, heaven, hell, beauty, evil, strife?
Embrace the deep unknowing of this mystery we call life.
And what about the here and now, the place I’m in today?
Can I accept this moment and not try to run away
from tragedy or triumph, the inspiring or mundane?
Embrace it all, embrace it all, the sunshine and the rain.
Embrace the face before you. Embrace the place you’re in.
Embrace the pain and sorrow. Don’t brace against today, tomorrow.
Open up and welcome in. Embrace, I say again.
Embrace the life you’re living. You’ll find the grace therein.
Katie Bruckbauer is a poet-dancer from Fargo, ND. She finds dance and poetry to be healing avenues for exploring the complexities and beauty of life. Katie choreographed an impactful, multi-sensory dance performance to complement her first book of poetry, Time to Soar: Word Dances and Bird Songs for Every Season. Learn more: WordDances.com
