Embracing Inner Harmony: Dance, Song, and Self-Dialogue

In our quest for harmony and joy, everyone finds unique ways to engage in life. It is amazing how the art of sensuous dance becomes an integral part of cultural heritage, infusing energy into both folk and classical styles, its expressiveness even laying the foundation for ballet. Movements imbued with emotion and the depth of sensuous experience allow people to forget about everyday hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in a realm of aesthetic pleasure and inspiration.

Improvised dances, where music and personal emotions serve as the only guides, grant moments of absolute freedom. These spontaneous dances unite people, even if they move independently, following only the rhythms of a melody or the sounds of everyday objects transformed into a kind of beat. This wonderful phenomenon reminds us of the importance of following our own feelings and letting the music lead us on a path of joyful self-expression.

Singing hymns and spiritual verses also serves as a powerful means to awaken inner strength and create an atmosphere of warm comfort. For many, especially laypeople, such performances not only elevate the spirit but also help form a positive outlook, giving life depth and tranquility. Moreover, every method of self-expression—be it dance, voice, or quiet inner dialogue—allows a person to understand themselves and discover the source of their inner harmony.

Ultimately, the art of self-expression enables us to experience moments of joy and savor every instant. Whether we choose to dance, sing, or simply reflect inwardly, all these forms contribute to an energetic flow that inspires us and awakens a sense of true well-being.

What forms of self-expression (for example, talking to oneself, dancing, singing) help people feel good and enjoy life?

People can draw joy and a refined sense of well-being by expressing themselves through various activities. Sensuous dance, for instance, plays an important role in this process. It not only laid the foundation for both folk and classical dances but also evokes aesthetic pleasure, allowing one to immerse in the moment and experience the fullness of sensuous sensations. As noted:

"Among this set, the most commonly used and developed turned out to be sensuous dance. They became the basis for all modern folk as well as classical dances, including ballet. Yes, ballet! The entire aesthetic of ballet is based on the excitation and satisfaction of the sensual, even lustful, side of the human personality. This is openly reflected in the movements and even the costumes of the dancers. In the consciousness of our compatriots, the concepts of ballet and debauchery long went hand in hand. In one of A. N. Ostrovsky's plays, there is a wonderful phrase: 'Anyone who over a span of twenty years has not missed a single ballet is unfit for marriage'" (source: link ).

Another example is the spontaneous, improvised dances where people, guided solely by music and their own emotions, begin to move in rhythm, helping them detach from the demands of everyday life and indulge in moments of joy:
"All of them were stomping and swaying in complete silence; each was improvising, dancing on his own without paying attention to others; they were united only by the music and the shadows on the wall. Throughout the long journey, I repeatedly witnessed such spontaneously emerging dances. The slightest hint of a melody, and they could no longer stand still; and if there was no music, someone would beat on an empty tin with a stick to keep the rhythm" (source: link ).

Singing is also a powerful form of self-expression. Especially for laypeople, singing hymns or spiritual verses can set the mind on positive thoughts and create an atmosphere of inner warmth and joy. This is emphasized in the following excerpt:
"Singing hymns or spiritual verses is not a sin. But it is good for laypeople. Good thoughts and motives create a good mood, unlike secular songs. But for a monk, singing hymns is not suitable. They distract from prayer. Can any singing, even if good, be compared with the prayer of Jesus? It surpasses everything. It is the highest—joy and comfort. Everything else only interferes with prayer. Singing is the most delicate nourishment, and a monk must feed on something more substantial" (Pres. Nikon, 8, pp. 312–313) (source: link ).

Another significant form of self-expression is inner dialogue—that is, talking to oneself. Such a conversation helps a person rethink their experiences, understand their feelings, and thus achieve inner harmony. As noted:
"And even the Great Lent kontak from the Great Canon 'My soul, my soul, arise, what have you written?' is an address to oneself. Here are some examples of such an inner conversation. - Why do you wound the miserable, hold down the wages of a mercenary, not love your brother, drive away fornication and pride? Talking to oneself—what is that? Does it not inspire apprehension when a person talks to himself and gives answers to himself? ..." (source: link ).

Thus, sensuous dance, the singing of hymns, and even talking to oneself are effective ways of self-expression that help people not only to feel their emotions more deeply but also to enjoy life by finding in them a source of inspiration and inner harmony.