On a recent family road trip, the song, Thriller, came on and my family immediately perked up. The lethargy that had begun to set in was instantly chased away and we were like zombies coming to life. My younger daughter, try as she might, could not get the "thriller clap" down (as my older daughter called it.) They practiced and practiced, no luck, hopelessly off-the-beat. My older daughter's advice seemed harsh but right on the money...

"It has to come from your core. You have to feel the beat. It's in your core." The younger daughter, in all seriousness, "I can't do it, you guys. I don't have a core." We laughed at her statement but continued to work with her, clapping and counting. She was finally able to clap in rhythm and we rejoiced in this seemingly simple (but not really) accomplishment. By the way, my son tried to ignore this whole scenario as he busied himself with texting and practicing avoidance.

"I don't have a core." How many have thought that or actually 'fessed up? Unfortunately, there are many that do not have a "core," a center, a hub where decision-making takes place. And not just any-old decision making, but an area where decisions and actions are mulled over, considered and then, thoughtfully, choices are made. "I don't have a core" can be a very sad statement or admission.

I guess it is one thing to say it about yourself, when referencing your ability to dance the funky chicken. It is quite another when referencing parts of your being that makes decisions based on your own personal assessment of and in any given situation. Our core, or center, is just that. It is the basis for that universal moral code; the part of you that tells you it is wrong to trip old people as they are walking down the street. It is the part of you that says to not kick a man when he is down. It is the component in your brain that tells you to listen to reason with reason.



© by rayannethorn