Teflon - Community Code Series

Today I wanted to continue our topic regarding the Community Code.

I believe the last one we discussed was Awareness, so next up…Teflon.

Don't take things personally. There are too many unique individuals in this group to avoidminor misunderstandings. Let things slide off your ego - don't let them stick.

First, what is Teflon?

Teflon is a non-stick coating applied to cookware, so the food doesn’t stick.

To be clear, Teflon or Lotus Effect does not mean letting people walk all over you or keeping your mouth shut for the sake of keeping the peace.

I understand it to mean not holding grudges or letting misunderstandings fester.

Recently my dear friend Lisi pointed out that an even better term for us to use would be The Lotus Effect.

Lotus Effect applies to a superhydrophobic surface. Meaning the water simply runs off, rather than absorbs into the petals or leaves.

This is a beautiful term for a really lovely concept. Thanks Lisi!!

Sometimes applying the Lotus Effect is not that easy.

There are many reasons why letting things “slide off our back” is easier said than done.

Many of us have lived in a world where we felt the need to prove ourselves. Whether as children who needed to “be good”or “do good” in order to get affection/praise or the need to prove yourself in your career.

Or perhaps lived in an environment where they never stood up for themselves, had low self-esteem or even believed other people’s perceptions of them instead of their own sense of self worth.

This can make it harder for people to let go of even the smallest negative comment or situation.

The beautiful thing about a chosing to be part of a community is that we generally have chosen it because we feel safe, welcomed, accepted, loved and celebrated just by being ourselves.

Yes, this trust can be broken or strained at times, but the bond and trust that has been built shouldn’t be so easily broken.

In fact, if we incorporate the previous community codes:

Commitment, Communication and Awareness,

then Teflon (or Lotus Effect) should be a lot easier to adhere to (no pun intended).

For instance, incorporating Awareness helps us understand if we are being overly sensitive or maybe already feeling down about non-related things.

Communication can help us clear the air and respectfully communicate with our fellow dancers, including the ones that may have hurt us.

Hopefully our Commitment to this dance community and your troupe inspires us to want to incorporate these codes into our lives and investigate ways we can use the lotus effect.

After all, the lotus represents learning and enlightenment, and we even use its symbol in our Gratitude Meditation. Why not embrace its many lessons in personal and community growth.

I’d love to hear from you!!

What is your interpretation of Teflon or Lotus Effect?