Reflections on ‘The General Dance’

Thomas Merton

From the book “New Seeds of Contemplation” Trappist monk Thomas Merton wrote a chapter about what he called the 'General Dance'. This simple and yet profound chapter offers a paradigm shift when it comes to participating in life. “Yet the fact remains” Merton writes, “that we are invited to forget ourselves on purpose, cast our awful solemnity to the winds and join the general dance.”

He’s referring to the newness of life that is constantly around us and within us. That the Creator of the universe and everything in it, including us, was and is created for enjoyment. To enjoy the interior silence of our hearts and to join in this divine dance. He again writes, “What is serious to men is often very trivial in the sight of God. What in God might appear to us as ‘play’ is perhaps what he takes most seriously.”

How awesome is that?!? Could God Almighty himself be happy? This is good news!  When it comes to creation you cannot exclude the greatest creator of us all, The Divine. And it turns out we have been extended an invitation to participate in this general dance. The only question is, are you willing to accept this most delightful invitation? To awaken and stir up the divine love that is already within you? A Love that transcends and includes.

Merton, T. (1972). New seeds of contemplation. New York, NY: New Directions.

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