Defying Gravity

I would never say I am an optimist or a pessimist. I can be either and/or both within minutes of each perspective but I tend to think of myself as a realist. I try to assess a situation for what it is and think of how to handle it or adapt to it. I suppose I focus on what is a productive way to react to a new development.

It does little good to get angry when something goes in the direction we would prefer it didn’t.

But sometimes I am inspired to the point where I am so awed by achievement that I become reminded of the potential we have. Humans are flawed creatures and we make bad decisions, both as individuals as well as a congregation, but I feel that overall we are more or less going in the right direction, albeit with stumbles and setbacks and lessons learned the hard way.

(Please know I am not using congregation in the context of a church congregation.)

It’s easy to look at the world or an influential person and wonder where we went wrong. That we are heading towards a dark future. It’s in these moments pessimism creeps in. But in times of quiet reflection, often out of nowhere, we can see what we have done, what we can do.

Two years ago I stared out of an airplane marveling at the cities below. The farmlands. The communities. I saw forests untouched by development but contrasted by skyscrapers not far away. The juxtaposition of woods that have existed for centuries coexisting with a bustling metropolis illustrated our ability to cooperate and build and live.

Of course, there’s something to be said about deforestation but that’s neither here nor there at the moment.

It’s moments like that where I am reminded that despite the divides that two people can have, collectively we are going in the right direction. Progress is never in a straight line nor is without backtracking, but we have the potential to do great things. If you keep your eyes open, and if you keep your heart open, you can see this.

All of these thoughts were opening up in my mind as I watched humans do amazing things on Saturday night.

I was invited to opening night of Zip Zap Circus: MOYA at the Children’s Theatre Company this past Saturday and although I wasn’t sure what to expect, I certainly didn’t expect to be inspired and I certainly wasn’t expecting to feel… hm, pride of what someone can do? I suppose the feeling I kept coming back to was being amazed at what a human can do if they have opportunity and support and encouragement.

Zip Zap Circus isn’t a traditional circus. No animals, no clowns, no one being shot out of a cannon. Although I have no problem rambling on and on as I try to make my point in my writings, I struggle to find the words to describe this spectacle. From CTC’s website:

Soar into the visual spectacle of this pulsating acrobatic performance set against the Cape Town skyline! Comic jugglers, unicycle dancers, and an authentic gumboot dance will take you on a freewheeling journey that explores the spirit and vitality of township life. Watch as a simple city bench becomes a sidesplitting spark for a newfound friendship, and feel the energetic beat of South African pop music. You’ll relish this thrilling feat of acrobatics and rhythmic movement that celebrates the joy of sharing community with one another.

I suppose if you have ever been to a Cirque Du Soleil performance you can begin to visualize and imagine what Zip Zap is all about.

My sister and I watched backflips and leaps and breathtaking aerial movement. A girl climbing up fabric and wrapping it around her only to drop and spin and unravel to the ground… catching herself just in time. The joy on the performer’s faces, the energy, the confidence. The thrill of achievement.

Seeing what someone can accomplish after years of training and discipline and work and patience is incredible. It’s inspiring. It’s a reminder of humanity’s potential. What someone can do when they are given a chance.

We live in a decisive world. But we don’t have to. Maybe someday we won’t.

Zip Zap Circus: MOYA runs through October 20th, 2024. Thank you to the Children’s Theatre Company for the invitation and for the reminder that although not all of us can jump rope while riding a unicycle, we can do amazing things with patience and encouragement.

Love, Hannah