Did you play circle games as a child? In one of my favorites, everyone stands in a circle, holding hands high while singing “Go in and Out the Window”. One person begins by weaving in and out of the circle through windows framed by arms in the air.
The next verse, everyone holds hands low enough for jumping over, while singing “Go hopping over doorsteps”.
Then the verse with corresponding movement is “Go stand before your partner”. Partners hold hands and weave in and out of the circle adding partners until the circle dissolves into a line of people holding hands and skipping in step with the music.
Verses end with “Just like we’ve done before”. And so it is.
Simple. Sweet, Melodic. We played it at school and amongst friends in the neighborhood. Thinking of it still makes me smile.
Childhood songs and games highlight life expressed in music and movement. The concepts, not yet understood intellectually, are planted in the body and soul of the child. We go in we go out. We find partners to go with us. The circle forms and dissolves. That’s life.
We went through the window of the pandemic in March 2020 and we came out in May 2021.
During the time inside, I got to know better my inner world, my thoughts and feelings.
We were fortunate to have enough outer resources to be comfortable at home, so I focused on the inner resources needed to not only survive but to thrive:
1. Acceptance is knowing that hardships happen. We can only thrive during a time of struggle when we accept what is. There is a lot of energy wasted in fighting what is beyond our control. When we give up the fight, we win access to possibilities beyond our imagination. Since I have had neither the power nor the inclination to control the pandemic, why would I try? Better to accept what was, maintain equanimity and contribute what I am able. Acceptance of illness or injustice is the first step toward healing it. It is not a passive gesture but an active choice. It is paradoxical, I know.
2. Trust was the second thing I needed. When I trust that hardships will end, that things will get better, my senses focus on finding solutions. Each waking moment, we are surrounded with more sensory information than we can possibly take in and process. Faith provides a filter to buffer what is not necessary and a beam of light that shines on what it is we are seeking. Solutions are always there. Trust opens our eyes so we can see.
While we go back through the window of the pandemic, weaving from the inside to the outside of the circle, I am fortified by the knowledge that acceptance and trust can get me through challenging times. I am less afraid.
If you find yourself feeling awkward entering the outer circle again, let the simple words and melody of this song carry you along. Hold hands with your partners when you do!
Go in and out the window
Go in and out the window
Go in and out the window
As we have done before.
Go hopping over doorsteps.
Go hopping over doorsteps.
Go hopping over doorsteps
As we have done before.
Go stand before your partner.
Go stand before your partner.
Go stand before your partner.
As we have done before.
With a song in your heart and a skip in your step, you will find your way.
The next post is this series is, “What is in the Cupboard?”
See you next week!
