23. Je suis
In the early seventies, I attended the Dalcroze School of Music in New York City for one or two years. This was a music method developed by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze that connects music, movement, mind, and body.
One of the most powerful exercises we did was accomplished in three steps. I stood in a circle with others, standing tall, hands at my side. First step: I take a forward step with my left food and raise both hands to shoulder height with hands in a fist saying “Je.” Second step: I take another forward step with the right food as I fluidly move my arms down my side with hands still in fists and parallel to the floor, saying “suis”. Third step: The left food comes up to the same place as the right food, again standing tall and knowing “I am!”
We would do it again and again in the Dalcroze movement class—clearly saying “Je suis” (I am) over and over again.
I tried it this morning. And it felt good. I felt that I was moving through my space as a strong and capable woman.
Through the years I have learned that it is true. It is true that I AM. And when in doubt, I am reminded by this exercise of forty years ago that I still can take the steps, can stand tall, and let my body and the rhythm of the movement remind me of my reality.
