February 2020
15th East Woodlands, Frome. Inner Peace: Why make a Song and Dance about it? Day event.
Mystics have always understood the significance of the power of sound especially when expressed through the human voice. The melodic sacred chants we sing honour various spiritual traditions. The combinations of sacred syllables form a nucleus of spiritual energy that serve as either a magnet to attract or a lens to focus spiritual vibrations. Use of the voice in this way produces a whole series of psychological, physical and energetic effects which can bring a deep sense of inner peace and joy.
If you are new and considering coming along it is not necessary to have had previous experience of this form of spiritual chant and dance – known by some as Dances of Universal Peace. These dances and chants are simple and accessible as well as joyful, spacious and expansive. They are for those who have a sense of inner adventure towards engaging with body, heart and mind in a new way. They are clearly taught and easily learned. Additionally during our workshop there will be short periods sitting together in the silence to help us to integrate and embody the effects of the practices.
Date and Times: Saturday 15th February. Prompt start at 10.30am. Arrivals from 10am for refreshments. Finish at 4.30pm.
April 2020
18th/19thth Thriplow, Near Cambridge. Inner Peace: Why make a Song and Dance about it?. Non-residential weekend.
Many people have an inner longing to feel whole and complete, to live life with a sense of purpose and relaxed awareness in a calm and confident manner. As social beings we have an innate need to feel connected to each other in community. While there are many spiritual methods that can bring peace to body, heart and mind, simply singing and dancing together in a circle is perhaps the easiest and most accessible way I have ever come across which is why I have devoted my life to it.
Mystics have always understood the significance of the power of sound especially when expressed through the human voice. The melodic sacred chants we sing honour various spiritual traditions. The combinations of sacred syllables form a nucleus of spiritual energy that serve as either a magnet to attract or a lens to focus spiritual vibrations. Use of the voice in this way produces a whole series of psychological, physical and energetic effects which can bring a deep sense of inner peace and joy.
Combining dancing with singing as a spiritual practice adds a further dimension to the whole experience. Yet because of the simplicity of this practice the deeper and profound effects may not be fully appreciated initially. The electricity of touch and the rhythmical movements combined with the vibrational resonance of the human voice are subtle yet influential forms of energetic communication operating below our conscious level of awareness. They can have an uplifting effect on how we feel in body, heart and mind. We relax and we feel connected to each other in the dance circle in a safe way and at a deep level.
If you are new and considering coming along it is not necessary to have had previous experience of this form of spiritual chant and dance – known by some as Dances of Universal Peace. These dances and chants are simple and accessible as well as joyful, spacious and expansive. They are for those who have a sense of inner adventure towards engaging with body, heart and mind in a new way. They are clearly taught and easily learned. Additionally during our workshop there will be short periods sitting together in the silence to help us to integrate and embody the effects of the practices..
The weekend is non-residential and will take place at Thriplow Village Hall which is 8 miles south of Cambridge. Address: Middle Street, Thriplow, Cambridgeshire, SG8 7RD
For Lunches each day bring along something delicious eat to share for our “pot luck” meals.
Bring along mats and blankets for relaxing in the breaks and also cushions for the sitting meditations if you prefer. The hall has plenty of chairs.
Times: Saturday 18th arrivals for refreshments from 10am. Start promptly at 10.30am. Finish at 5pm.
Sunday 19th arrivals for refreshments from 10.00am. Start promptly at 10.30am. Finish at 4pm.
Further details. Contact: Yasemin
May 2020
9th/10th, Brigsteer near Kendal. Sufi Sing and Dance. Non-residential weekend.
Join us for an opportunity to nurture your inner self through dance, chant and other meditative practices. In some traditions music is regarded as food for the soul and musicians are considered physicians of the soul. As we dance and sing together our dance circle becomes the physician of our souls. Our circle creates a joyful, heartfelt connection which is revivifying and healing.
The electricity of touch and the vibrational resonance of sound are subtle yet influential forms of energetic communication that operate below our conscious level of awareness yet they can have a profound and uplifting effect on the way we feel in body, heart and mind. They are indeed food for the soul. As well as dancing and singing there will also be times sitting in the silence and enjoying other meditative practices.
For those who may be new and considering coming along. It is not necessary to have had experience of this form of spiritual chant and dance – sometimes called Dances of Universal Peace. The dances are simple and accessible as well as profound and deep. Mostly we dance and sing as we move together in a circle. The chants are based on sacred phrases from various spiritual traditions.
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. When the weather is fine as it most often is for these weekends there is also space to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. Bring along mats and blankets for relaxing in the breaks and also cushions for the sitting meditations if you prefer. The hall has plenty of chairs.
If you travelling from further afield there is accommodation in the village as well as lots more in Kendal itself. Brigsteer is less than four miles and only a ten-minute drive from Kendal.
Times: Saturday 14th arrivals for refreshments from 10 am. Start promptly at 10.30am. Finish at 8.45 pm.
Sunday 15th arrivals for refreshments from 9.30 am. Start promptly at 10 am. Finish at 4 pm.
Bring along mats and blankets for relaxing in the breaks and also cushions for the sitting meditations if you prefer. The hall has plenty of chairs.
How to find the hall: Brigsteer Village Hall, Brigsteer, Near Kendal, Cumbria. LA8 8AL. The Hall is opposite the car park at LA8 8AL on the Underbarrow Road which runs North from the Pub.
For map click on here.
Further details. Contact Rabia: madowson@gmail.com
July 2020
Over the past few years, an important concentration for me has been taking dancing pilgrims to various sacred sites of Dorset and I consider this one of the most important aspects of my work.
Known and cultivated by our ancestors, these ancient sites are energy portals, that link together to form a worldwide web of energetic connection. What happens in one area, positive or negative, has its effects in other areas just like in the human body. The assignment I have seem to have been given relates to sites in Dorset but the effects of the practices we engage in are not limited to Dorset or even this country. The energy pathways connect the whole being of the Earth and as we activate them we can help restore and maintain the health and harmony of the earth.
It is highly likely that the ancients danced and sang together in their ceremonial practices, as we do, and we are in a real sense dancing in the footsteps of our ancestors – though who knows what if any sacred phrases they may have used. My feeling has always been that we can only offer our own heart felt dancing and singing using the sacred phrases we have attuned to over the years.
Many of these ancient sites have been severely mistreated over the years and others have become dormant but they do seem to respond well to our presence and our practices. To reach all the sites involves at least some walking – sometimes up hills. I have yet to revisit several sites to see if they are appropriate to visit again this year and I will be looking at new sites also.
We will be a relatively small group of experienced dancers and places are limited. In this way our dances and meditations can be more focussed and deeper.
Further details: Contact: Philip
December
19th Yealand, near Lancaster. Dancing into Spacious Awareness. The Aramaic Lord’s Prayer. Day event.
As winter approaches we may begin feel the natural impetus to focus more inwardly on how our life has unfolded this past year. Nature presents us with another change of season. December signifies the end of a yearly cycle. If we are in tune with such natural cycles our rhythm of life also changes as a consequence. During the past 12 months perhaps we have been presented with some challenges as well as celebrated many joyful occasions. As we begin to move from dark time of the year and start to turn once again into the growing light this is an optimum time to clear what is ready to be released. Making space inside and listening to inner guidance, insights can be received into how best to focus our life energy in 2020.
The Aramaic Prayer seems most appropriate at this time of year to put us in touch with our hearts and to help us clarify our intentions. The Aramaic words and movements of this cycle continue to resonate deeply in my heart. Experiencing it for the first time many years ago was a significant turning point in my life. Through this I reconnected with Jesus in a completely different way; to Jesus as a Middle Eastern mystic. Many of those with whom I have worked over the years have had profound effects and similar realisations.
No previous experience is necessary. All the words and movements are clearly taught and now most people can assimilate them with ease.
The Danced Prayer Cycle presents a spiritual journey into the timeless wisdom of Jesus. It uses words attributed to Jesus in the Aramaic language and can allow one to experience this Prayer in an entirely new way. Through heart centred body prayer and devotional singing the Prayer offers us the opportunity to tune ourselves to the Infinite Source of All Life, and helps us to remember how to live fully and intentionally in this awareness. It’s a celebration of the Unity of Life and an affirmation of our own unique place in this Unity.
The movements and melodies of the Aramaic Prayer Cycle are the work of Neil Douglas-Klotz whose translations and meditations on the Aramaic words of Jesus appear in his highly acclaimed book Prayers of the Cosmos.
Bring food to share for lunch.
The Venue: Yealand Village Hall, Footeran Ln, Carnforth LA5 9SU.
Time: 10.30am to 4pm. Arrivals for refreshments from 10am.
Further details and bookings: Contact Rabia: madowson@gmail.com
DHARMA includes a selection of chants from the Dharma traditions of India. Including Hare Krishna Hare Rama; Radhe Bol; Om Mani Peme Hung; Om Tare tu Tare ture soha; Maha Mrityunjaya: Twam eva mata; Om Shanti
THE HOUSE OF TANSEN – Ever popular recording including We sang and danced and moved in circles: Let peace begin with me; The House of Tansen; From a hidden place; Kyrie Eleison; Zikr; Sri Ram; Hare Krishna.
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