Miss Mandie

“The world would be a better place if more people just randomly broke out in song and dance” ~ Jeffre Arguello

Seems a whole lot of people are doing a whole lot of dancing around the planet. Despite our supposed economic meltdown, and risk of catching foreign viruses in a sneeze, it looks to me that we are able to smile and laugh and dance no matter whats going on in the world!

From the Sound of Music bursting out in a Belgium station, to Londoners having a boogie at Liverpool tube station, spontaneous bouts of choreographed cheer is spreading. I don’t care whether these have been done as publicity stunts or to further commercial interests, what matters is the affect these breaks in routine are having on those who happen to be in the area when they occur and on all of us who watch through the magic of YouTube. The simple truth is, we can’t help but smile and feel uplifted when we see so many of us having a great time. And isn’t that what we need more of nowadays? To be shocked out of unconsciousness living and reminded of the fun we can have on earth.

Don’t think this is anything new either. Surprising people in public places with random activities is something that Flashmob have been doing for years. One of my favourite Flashmob acts hands down is the Food Court Musical – I love the look of absolute disbelief on the faces of the people who were in that Los Angeles food court that day.

To help continue the epidemic of laughter and happiness through dance, I’d like to share the song of the moment in my life that has me putting on my dancing shoes. Triple J, my beloved favourite radio station, has been featuring the new album, Manners by US-based band, Passion Pit. Their song, Little Secrets, makes me want to jump up and wave my hands in the air and do a little jig of joy. So ignore the fact the video below doesn’t have any animation, turn the volume up on your computer, get off out of your chair and shake those hips of yours. Trust me, you’ll feel better for it

Synchronicity. n. Coincidence of events that seem to be meaningfully related.

One thing I love about living in the Byron Shire (more on my new home soon I promise) is how many hitchhikers there are in the area. It seems people in this area haven’t been touched by the media-created mass hysteria on the dangers of strangers. Having experienced a multitude of cars driving by and not stopping during my hitching adventures last year, I have committed to helping out a hitchhiker whenever possible.

One day a couple of weeks ago, I had just dropped off a young couple on the outskirts of Byron Bay and came across a woman, standing beside the road with a suitcase that matched the flaming red strands on her head. I pulled over, knowing it was likely she was trying to get the short distance into town. I was right. She was heading into work. I didn’t think to ask whether she normally hitched her way into work. Perhaps she was environmentally conscious and liked the idea of pooling our resources together to keep fewer cars on the road. I know that is one reason I’d like to see hitching make a comeback.

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A global movement has been building over the past couple of years, where once a year people all over the planet have the chance to show their commitment to support our precious environment.

Started in Sydney in 2007 (go Aussies!), Earth Hour involves the simple act of switching off your lights for one hour. Proclaimed this year as the global vote between “earth” and “global warming”, we’re all being urged to make our choice and take action by flicking a simple switch.

No matter where you are in the world, just turn your lights off on your Saturday night, 28 March at 8.30pm and cast your vote! 

Want to get an idea of how far reaching this campagin has become? Watch the video below: