What kind of lifestyle are we modelling for children and young people?

Is it one that inspires enthusiasm and curiosity about life? About fellow human beings and friendships?

Are we modelling respectful treatment of nature and all living things?

Or are we conveying the message that the strongest prevail and that solidarity and compassion are less important?

We find ourselves in a time when everything seems achievable, when we act and react ever more quickly, and when AI may soon take over our thinking.

Yet more and more people feel lonely, insecure and fearful of the future. We have a wealth of contacts, and yet many young people feel unseen, unheard and unloved.

I observe that adults in particular behave passively and believe that nothing can be changed, or, on the contrary, develop uncontrolled anger and hatred towards those who think differently. Both are passive because they fail to take responsibility for themselves.

My generation was born after the World War; we exploited the earth and its ecological systems for prosperity and growth. Now we are the ones who are starting wars and destroying again.

Do we really want to convey such values?

I am grateful that I have met people who have exemplified different values to me. They have shaped my life and my development.

One of these people is Rolando Toro, the initiator of Biodance, and all my later trainers.

In every Biodance session, I see people who truly connect with each other, who express their joy and uniqueness, who are empathetic and supportive of one another.

We can be like children, laughing and playing, completely free and creative, and we can be mindful adults, coordinated and synchronised with each other, sensitive, responsible and expressive. We are connected in the present moment, moving in harmony and in the midst of life.

Biodance is a symbol of humanity, of love for life and of transformation. Without effort, without obligations and without demands.

I wish for all children to be able to grow up with people who exemplify these values every day. An encouraging model for life requires more than words; it requires each and every one of us to fill it with life in our everyday lives.