Never stop moving, or you'll stop moving. I go to dance class

In the constant flow of life, there exists a timeless truth: to stop moving is to stop living. Liza Minnelli, with her vitality and boundless energy, captures this essence when she says, “Never stop moving, or you’ll stop moving. I go to dance class every morning, and it’s just good to stay strong; I like being healthy.” These words speak to the deeper wisdom of the human spirit, that movement is not merely physical, but a reflection of life itself. The act of moving—whether in dance, in work, or in the rhythm of daily life—is a reflection of our connection to the world around us, to the vitality that sustains us, and to the strength that keeps us moving forward.

In the ancient world, movement was not just a means of getting from one place to another—it was the very essence of life. The Greek philosophers understood the importance of the body as a vessel of the soul, and their teachings often reflected the balance between mind and body. Socrates himself, though often focused on the intellectual, knew that physical strength was essential to a well-rounded life. His wisdom suggests that only through balance—through constant engagement of both mind and body—can one truly live a full and vibrant life. Minnelli’s daily commitment to dance mirrors this ancient belief: it is not just about staying strong physically, but about keeping the entire being in motion, engaged, and alive.

Movement is power, and to stop moving is to surrender that power. In ancient Rome, gladiators trained tirelessly for battle, knowing that their survival depended on their ability to remain strong and agile. A gladiator who ceased his training, who allowed his body to weaken, would soon find himself vulnerable on the battlefield. Minnelli’s commitment to movement, to dance, echoes this ancient wisdom. Just as the gladiator fought not only with weapons but with the strength of his body, so too do we face the challenges of life with the strength we cultivate in our own bodies. By staying active, by continuing to move, we keep our vitality alive, allowing us to face whatever trials lie ahead.

Consider the legendary Achilles, the Greek hero whose unmatched strength and agility were the keys to his success in battle. His speed, his ability to move with such grace and power, made him an invincible force. Yet, even Achilles knew that strength alone was not enough to secure victory—his mind must also remain sharp, his body agile. In this way, Minnelli’s words resonate with the wisdom of the ancients: the body and mind must be in constant motion, for it is through this continuous engagement that we maintain our power and our vitality. Movement is the key that unlocks the potential of the body, the mind, and the spirit.

Minnelli’s focus on dance, an art form that requires both physical exertion and emotional expression, reminds us of the importance of joy in movement. In the Middle Ages, courtly dancers were celebrated not only for their skill but for the beauty and joy they brought to the world through movement. Dance was seen as a reflection of grace, of inner vitality, and of a connection to the divine. For Minnelli, dance serves as more than just a physical exercise—it is a celebration of life itself, a reminder that movement, when embraced fully, is not a chore, but a joy. In this way, Minnelli teaches us that health is not just about maintaining strength, but about embracing the vitality that comes from living with joy and purpose.

The lesson here, then, is simple yet profound: never stop moving. Whether it is through dance, through work, or through the rhythm of daily life, movement is what keeps us connected to the world, to each other, and to ourselves. Just as Minnelli finds strength in dance, so too must we find ways to keep moving—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is in this movement that we find our power, our vitality, and our connection to the deeper currents of life.

So, let us take this wisdom to heart. Find a way to keep moving, to stay active, to engage with life fully. Whether it’s through a form of exercise you love, a creative pursuit, or simply in the way you approach the world, remember that movement is life. To stop moving is to stop engaging with the world; to keep moving is to embrace the fullness of life, to keep strengthening both body and spirit, and to find joy in the journey itself. May we all, like Minnelli, keep dancing through life, always in motion, always alive.