I have dance class every Thursday night with a bunch of hippies. I'm not a fan of hippies, but they seem to like my kind of dance (5 Rhythms). I've learned to put up with them.

Halfway through each class the teacher has everyone gather round in a circle. We introduce ourselves in turn and people mention whatever they'd like. Some will talk about how they've been, some will ask for prayers for someone they love, some try to pick up on the vibe of the group and make some grand astrological announcement. Generally I just say my name - I don't really dig the neediness of putting my life out into the group.

Although I have trained them to answer my 'mahna mahna' with 'doot do do do do'. Try that in a group sometime, it's fun.

Last Thursday an especially gregarious woman went on about how she really needs deep connections with others. How she's spent the last few days looking into others eyes, finding like-minded folks who can really give deep eye contact. She then does this big eyed stare at my teacher who reciprocates. After she sucks my teacher's soul out through her eyes, we move on back into the dance.

What would the eye soul stealer think of my kids, who give limited eye contact? I doubt she'd be able to appreciate how precious their eye contact is. I know that when my son looks me in the eyes, he's feeling good and really wants my attention. If I always had eye contact from him, would it be so meaningful?

I find myself at odds with these hippies often. Their flowing and senseless ways confuse and befuddle me. They'd probably miss the little details of my life that make it so rich, instead waiting for the big fireworks show that will never come.