WHY DOESN'T MY HEART GO DANCING?
- Anne Smith
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Hi, Everybody-
"Spring is here: why doesn't my heart go dancing? Spring is here: why isn't the waltz entrancing? No desire, no ambition leads me. Maybe it's because nobody needs me.
Spring is here: why doesn't the breeze delight me? Spring is here: why doesn't the night invite me? Maybe it's because nobody loves me. Spring is here, I hear." (Listen to a version by FrankSinatra) https://youtu.be/O8HH5zEn-Ec?si=w0Y6KT2BCIQVRhSB
Rogers and Hart co-wrote and published "Spring is Here" in 1938 for the musical I Married an Angel." I have always been drawn to its lush, haunting melody and chord changes. It is really "a love song in the absence of love" and the lyrics are painful, psychologically complex. It's not a great headspace to be in, for sure. Have you ever been there? Have you ever been surrounded by joy and beauty but so stuck in your own misery that you can't open your eyes and heart to your present surroundings? Have you ever been so taken over by anger or depression that everything seems grey? Of course you have. Of course I have. There. We admitted it. We're humans, and humans suffer from the power of their emotions.
I deliberately chose this old standard to write about because of its preoccupation with Self. Nobody needs me! Nobody loves me! Why can't I be happy during the most life-affirming season in all of creation? Nature, desire, dancing and music, are not pleasing me like they used to do. Why? What's wrong? I have no ambition. I don't even want to get out of bed. What is there to live for? My worst nightmare has come true. The candidate I despise and voted against is now in power. Now what? What's going to happen?
Like the little "How-Come?Tree" in my book, The Dancing Tree's Secret, I have an inherent curiosity to know why. I need to know the meaning of being human and finding my place in this World of We. When in doubt, I consult ancient experts! Stoic Marcus Aurelius answered my questions with another question:
"Does what's happened keep you from acting with justice, generosity, self-control, sanity, prudence, honesty, humility, straightforwardness, and all other qualities that allow a person's nature to fulfill itself? So remember this principle when something threatens to cause you pain: the thing itself was no misfortune at all; to endure and prevail is great good fortune."
Am I really going to let "this thing", this convicted felon, idiot and atrocious leader prevent me from becoming the best version of myself that I can become, in this short lifetime that belongs only to me? Nah. I will prevail. What about you?
I will continue to create, to fulfill my soul for as long as I live. I will continue to promote The Dancing Tree's Secret and write more books and songs that express my own unique nature. Never question whether or not you're needed or loved. That is the secret of the Dancing Tree: "You are loved for the things that live on in your heart". Spring is here!
Allow this season of renewal, resurrection and rebirth to stir your heart.
My twin sister shared a link with me earlier this morning. I think it's a great way to end this post.
Until Next Time xoxoxox
Annie
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