Cast All Your Votes for Dancing
I know the voice of depression
Still calls to you.
I know those habits that can ruin your life
Still send their invitations.
But you are with the Friend now
And look so much stronger.
You can stay that way
And even bloom!
Keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions’ beautiful laughter.
Keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From the sacred hands and glance of your Beloved
And, my dear,
From the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body.
Learn to recognize the counterfeit coins
That may buy you just a moment of pleasure,
But then drag you for days
Like a broken man
Behind a farting camel.
You are with the Friend now.
Learn what actions of yours delight Him,
What actions of yours bring freedom
And Love.
Whenever you say God’s name, dear pilgrim,
My ears wish my head was missing
So they could finally kiss each other
And applaud all your nourishing wisdom!
O keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions’ beautiful laughter
And from the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body.
Now, sweet one,
Be wise.
Cast all your votes for Dancing!
Grateful for the wisdom of the mystical poet Hafiz, whose verses transcend time and culture, who invites us to cast all our votes for dancing. While the words may appear simple at first, they carry a profound message about how we choose to live. In a world often weighed down by stress and uncertainty, where casting our vote for governance often seems to have no good effect, dancing becomes a metaphor for joy, freedom, and wholehearted living.
The Dance of Life
Dancing is more than just a physical act; it’s a way of connecting with the rhythm of life. To “vote for dancing” means to embrace what makes our hearts sing and bodies move in harmony with the world around us. It’s an invitation to let go of rigidity, perfectionism, and fear, and instead, trust the flow of life.
Hafiz’s poetry urges us to leave behind the illusions of control and step fully into life’s unpredictable, swirling dance. It’s a call to allow ourselves the freedom to experience joy, no matter how fleeting or imperfect it may seem.
Voting with Our Choices
Every day, we cast votes with our actions, attitudes, and intentions. What do we vote for when we rush through life, consumed by worry or striving for unattainable ideals? Conversely, what might happen if we voted for the things that fill our hearts with gratitude and wonder?
To vote for dancing is to consciously choose joy. It’s a reminder to prioritize what truly matters: connection, self-expression, and the simple pleasures that make life beautiful.
Letting Go of Fear
So often, we hold ourselves back from dancing, whether literally or figuratively, because of fear. Fear of judgment, failure, or vulnerability can keep us locked in place, unwilling to move to life’s music. Yet Hafiz reminds us that life is too precious to be lived cautiously.
When we choose to dance, we allow ourselves to be seen in our full humanity—messy, radiant, and real. We stop worrying about whether we’re moving “correctly” and focus instead on the joy of movement itself. In doing so, we inspire others to join in, creating a ripple effect of courage and connection.
The Healing Power of Dance
Dancing also has a unique ability to heal. It connects us to our bodies, grounds us in the present moment, and helps us release stored emotions. Whether you’re swaying to your favorite song in the kitchen or moving freely in a dance class, the act of dancing can be profoundly liberating.
On a metaphorical level, voting for dancing means choosing to engage with life’s ups and downs with resilience and grace. It’s about embracing the unexpected twists and turns, finding beauty in chaos, and celebrating the moments of joy that punctuate even our hardest days.
Dancing into the New Year
As the year draws to a close, Hafiz’s words feel especially poignant. What if, in the coming year, we cast all our votes for dancing? What if we made a commitment to seek out joy, express gratitude, and share our light with others?
Here are some ways to embody Hafiz’s wisdom in your daily life:
- Embrace Playfulness: Find moments to be playful and spontaneous, whether that’s dancing to a favorite tune, laughing with friends, or trying something new.
- Release Expectations: Let go of the need for perfection and allow yourself to enjoy the moment as it is.
- Connect with Others: Dancing is often more fun with company. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to embrace joy and celebrate life.
- Be Present: Focus on the here and now. Dance with the moment instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.
A Life Well Lived
In the end, Hafiz’s poem is a reminder that life is too short and too precious to be spent sitting on the sidelines. Dancing—whether literal or metaphorical—is a way of saying “yes” to life, in all its beauty and unpredictability.
So, as you step into a new chapter, remember Hafiz’s invitation. Cast all your votes for dancing, and let your heart lead the way.
Be well.