Hope Beneath Our Feet_ Restoring Our Place in the Natural World - Martin Keogh [125]
Many essays were submitted that will have to wait for future volumes. This project allowed me to sleep better when I found out that there are so many people who care enough to act.
A diverse group of individuals offered their time as “first-impression readers.” As the essays poured in, they offered their gut reactions and ideas for improvement: Alex Chasin, Anne Aronov, Barry Shapiro, Brando Brandes, Catherine Musinsky, Dan Zola, Deborah Feld, Deborah Watrous, Diane Cella, Elizabeth Alach, Gene Broadway, Jill Cooper, Jovanina Pagano, Lolita Valianos, Lori Thomson-Sweet, Mars Miquelon, Max Gautier, Megan Orwig, Nancy Shapiro, Neige Christenson, Owen Jones, Peggy Holcomb, Pen Dale, Peter Rosselli, Rachel Hollowgrass, Rhonda Morton, and Susan Singer.
Special thanks go to a few who went the extra distance: to the activist, Vivienne Simon; to the man who brings poetry and music into his dissent, Shepherd Bliss; for ongoing support of my book projects, Kristelle Bach; to the weavers of people, Bob Banner and Tzeporah Berman; and to the writer’s midwife, Elianne Obadia. Thanks to Deborah Watrous for our conversations and the book retreat at Crooked Pond. And an immense hug to the one who was there every step of the way with insight and honest feedback, Susan Lehotsky.
My respect goes to the staff and volunteers who bring vitality to the Earthdance Retreat center. Thank you especially to Margit Galanter and Spirit Joseph for your generosity in presenting me the secluded Claudio’s cabin for so many book retreats that I lost count. This anthology would not be in our hands if it were not for your trust and support.
To my dance companions around the world who have such a small carbon footprint because what is important is not what they acquire but the life they live: You create a refuge from the sorrows of the world. Now get out there and get active; you can’t live in the refuge forever.
To my siblings Nina and Peter Keogh, for upholding art as a doorway to a meaningful life.
I’m grateful to the incredible force of nature that is my son, Dylan, and to my stepsons, Wyatt, William, and Stefan; you are my great teachers. Seeing you growing up gives me the impetus to get off my ass to do something.
I’m grateful for the walks through the Mexican countryside with my first mentor, Pierre Delattre, and to Robert Bly, who showed me that I could fall in love with language.
My connections to people give me the greatest ground for thanksgiving. This includes my students, who demand that I stay vital in my body and imagination, and also the champions of the dance from Contact Improvisation who host me to teach what I love all over the world. There are individuals in our lives who believe in us, and it is on the pillar of that belief that we can trust ourselves to do something greater. Some of these friends in my life include: Anne Aronov, Dan Zola, Don Mill, Karen Roeper, Leigh Hollowgrass, Mary Ford, Michael Steinberg, Nina Bindi, Owen Jones, Peter Rosselli, and Valerie Mejer.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to the authors in this volume: you inspire hope by your generosity, action, and caring. You are doing work in the world on behalf of all of us.
Finally, I extend gratitude beyond words to my companion, lover, and wife, Liza—my life is dedicated to you.
–Martin Keogh
Easton, Massachusetts, 2010
About the Editor
Martin Keogh is the founder of The Dancing Ground, an organization that produces conferences and symposia on gender, race, and mythology. He has produced and taught with such bestselling authors as Joseph Campbell, James Hillman, Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Robert Bly, Coleman Barks, Malidoma and Subonfu Somé, and many others. One emphasis of Dancing Ground events is the need for actively engaging in the world in order to fully enter life.
A Fulbright