Spinning improves attitude

The desire to reach an altered state, to connect with something larger than ourselves is a common theme throughout human religion and philosophy. But the longing to reach higher states of being, or just to simply feel better is universal. Young children know how. One of the simplest methods of altering your present state is to spin for a prolonged period of time. My four-year-old daughter would do this, over and over, and after she stopped, while her eyes were still visibly spinning around in her skull, she would utter one single word: again. Not only is it exhilarating; it’s addictive.

The entire Sufi religion has been built on the foundation of using a spinning dance as a way to connect with higher consciousness. For thousands of years, Sufi dancers, known as Whirling Dervishes, have been spinning their way to ecstatic states, their full-skirted tunics flaring out around them, as if they are ready to fly.

You don’t have to be a Sufi to enjoy the benefits of spinning your heart out. Put on your favorite tune and spin away. You may not experience ecstasy (but then again, you may), but you might relive a few moments of childish exuberance. Who knows? It might just be the very cure you’ve been searching for.