Sufi Song and Dance: A Weekend of Joy
A Non-Residential Gathering in Brigsteer, Nr Kendal
Tasting of this joy we love others more, we love life more and our faculty of appreciation increases. This is what he called “Spiritual Optimism.” True joy emanates from within bringing us into the present moment allowing us to transcend the ego. Joy is that spark that lights up our whole being.
This kind of joy is not a transitory feeling it is a profound state that transcends specific events or conditions. It can coexist with difficulties and challenges because it arises from a deeper sense of well-being and inner fulfilment.
One of Murshid SAM’s early campaigns was Joy Without Drugs. Of this he wrote: That is to say, the joy, the exaltation can be experienced by what might be known as esoteric or mystical methods. As the heart becomes more refined it reacts quickly and even more deeply to music and sacred words than to anything else.
Life in the heart develops our capacity for joy. If we can find the centre of our being in the heart we obtain the most joy in dancing. As we experience a greater sense of joy our capacity for exaltation and cosmic enjoyment will be much greater. When we can let the light shine from within our hearts we naturally radiate and receive joy and blessings as we connect with each other in the dances and in life.
Joy, in the realm of neuroscience, is seen as a heightened state of positive emotion characterised by a sense of connection, fulfilment, and vitality. Neurologically, joy has been associated with integrated brain function and healthy mental states.
Joy is even seen as an evolutionary superpower by neurologists. Positive emotions like joy broaden our perspective and build our inner resources. When we’re joyful, we’re more likely to explore, create, and connect with others. For our ancestors such behaviour increased their chances of survival and reproduction. In essence, joy made them more adaptable and resilient.
The benefits of joy extend far beyond our evolutionary past. Modern research has shown that joyful experiences can boost our immune function, reduce inflammation and even increase our lifespan. Joy is a natural way of protecting us from the wear and tear of daily life.
As well as dancing and singing there will also be times sitting in the silence and enjoying other meditative concentrations to help us integrate and embody the effects of the dancing practices. If you are new and considering coming along you will receive a warm welcome. It is not necessary to have had any experience of this form of dancing – sometimes called Dances of Universal Peace.
Mostly we dance and sing together as we move in the circle holding hands. The chants are based on sacred phrases and mantras from various spiritual traditions. The dances are simple, rhythmic and easy to learn as well as subtlely profound and deep. We have live music too. Philip accompanies the dances with guitar and his voice. Rabia also plays drum.
The weekend is non-residential and will take place at Brigsteer Village Hall in a delightful room with a beautiful wooden floor. It is a spacious and clear, ecological venue in a tranquil setting with plenty of space for parking and is only a short drive from Kendal.
The hall has plenty of chairs. Bring along mats and blankets for relaxing in the breaks and also cushions for the sitting meditations if you wish. For those travelling some distance a limited amount of accommodation is available in the village with more in Kendal itself. Brigsteer is less than four miles and only a ten-minute drive from Kendal.
N.B. Lunches each day will be on the basis of Food to Share. Bring along something delicious to eat.
Do let us know ahead of time if you are intending to join us.
Times:
Saturday 16th May arrive for refreshments from 10am.
Start at 10.30am. Finish at 5pm.
Sunday 17th May arrive for refreshments from 9.30am.
Start at 10am. Finish at 4pm.
Bookings and Further Details: Contact Mary Rabia Dowson.
Tel. 015242 21147 Email: madowson@gmail.com