Buzzing bees
The piece of land our house was built upon used to be wetland. Because of environmental regulations, the loss of habitat had to be mitigated, and so behind our house lies something like a suburban jungle: hundreds of newly planted trees, an artificial pond, and an abundance of wildlife. Cranes, eagles and herons regularly fly overhead, and the pond hums with insects. Every time I go for a walk, I discover a bug I've never seen before.
Yesterday morning, I wandered past the pond and into a dense stand of plants that had grown over the narrow path, reaching almost as high as I am. A few meters in, I suddenly noticed hundreds and hundreds of bees collecting pollen from flowers that had only just begun to open. It was an exquisite moment of hesitation—a step suspended in mid-fall—as my mind tried to assess the situation while simultaneously taking in the wonder of something I had never experienced before. Was it wise to continue walking through all those bees? Already I was enveloped in their language of buzzing. I felt some land gently on my bare arms and legs as I became part of their world of purpose. I stood there, feeling, assessing, observing, sensing my body. I had to smile. I had entered their realm, yet I felt invited. I felt no fear, only curiosity, so I waited. The distance to the end of the overgrown path was still long and I had to walk the same way back. In the end, I turned around knowing that one surprised bee could have changed everything!
I became aware that I shared my attention with the more than human world. I was participating in a dance bigger than just myself. I completely owned that my presence changed the moment, and I allowed myself to be changed by it as well. Time slowed down, space somehow too, I had stepped in an improvisation— completely unexpected, completely absorbing. For a couple of minutes, they were part of my world, and I felt I might have been part of theirs as well. I walked away with a deep sense of joy, noticing that attention is not something I can develop alone; it is something that is born and developed in relationship.
Practicing being wholly alive through shared attention is what I care about in a dance improvisation, in life, in a private session, in an ensemble, even when reading a book. I am looking for shared attention, that is my mojo, my compass of what has purpose. The unique discoveries about myself through shared attention is allowing me to move into a space that isn't necessarily safe, those bees could have attacked me. Instead, I entered into a moment of relationship, of listening, of uncertainty. I did not control the encounter; I participated and that is where something new became possible.
As always, send me a note. I love hearing from you and sharing my attention with you.
Carmen
Classes, Workshops and events this SUMMER and FALL
October 9-12 - Vashon Island
Carmen Serber
I am happy that my retreat Landing in Delight is filling up! I feel grateful for the group of people who have already signed up—devoted students of movement, like myself, exactly the kind of people I love spending time with and learning alongside. There are a few spots open. If you feel called to join us for this immersion you are very welcome!
July 25 - Port Townsend
Carmen Serber
I will be teaching a morning class in Port Townsend!
11-1:30pm
Reach out to Samuel for more info: samwelly@pm.me
July 26 - Port Townsend
I am available for private sessions. Either Craniosacral Bodywork or movement education through the lens of the psoas.
September 25-27
Carmen Serber
The Fall JAM in Bellingham is a Contact Improvisation weekend hosted by Carmen and Rajendra Serber, featuring a special workshop with Rachael Lincoln and Aaron Swartzman. We are lucky to have Heather Cunningham, Soleil Chappelle, Wonder Phallen and Rajendra as additional facilitators. Music by Serge Gubelman, Aaron Finbloom and surprise guests.