Spiritual Dancing: A Yoga of Joyous Activity
A Non-Residential Gathering at Brigsteer, Near Kendal
Join us for another opportunity to harmonise your whole being through dance, chant and other meditative practices. Experience the ways through dancing we create joyful, heartfelt and healing connections with others.
When we dance together, we become unified through the movements, mantras and breath. Spontaneously a natural way of being unfolds as we communicate with each other as if from heart to heart, from glance to glance. Singing and dancing together allows us to experience the spiritual depths of our beings.
Our Dances could also be called Yoga Dances. Indeed, Samuel Lewi, the originator of these forms of dance, had what he called Yoga Dances as well as Sufi Dervish Dances and Dances of Universal Peace. Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “to unite” or “to join,” Yoga signifies the connection between individual and universal consciousness. Those who practice yoga know that doing so cultivates the sense of harmony between the body, mind, and soul, fostering inner peace and increasing awareness. Those who dance know that doing so cultivates the sense of harmony between the hearts and minds of others as well as the individual self and universal consciousness. The dances are a unifying practice quite unlike anything I have ever experienced.
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. The dances are simple, rhythmic and easy to learn as well as subtle, profound and deep. They are accessible and allow everyone to enjoy the benefit of the dances on a level that they are comfortable with. We have live music too. Philip accompanies the dances with guitar and his voice. Rabia also plays drum.
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. 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.
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 may be available in the village with more in Kendal itself. Brigsteer is less than four miles and only a ten-minute drive from Kendal.
Acknowledged as a master of spiritual dance and a senior teacher (Murshid) of the Sufi Ruhaniat International I have studied within a number of spiritual lineages including yoga, tantra, Buddhism and Sufism. The style I have cultivated over the years creates an atmosphere that invites a deepening into the heart. I see myself as a modern-day mystic yet at the same time just an ordinary human being. Being a musician of the heart I accompany people on the journey of awakening through the subtle and powerful use of sound, rhythm and breath. Seemingly effortless, my way offers a natural ease and flow that invites a relaxed, open atmosphere and a sense of togetherness.
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 19th September. Arrive for refreshments from 10am.
Start at 10.30am. Finish at 5pm.
Sunday 20th September arrive for refreshments from 9.30am.
Start at 10am. Finish at 4pm.
Price: £120
Bookings and Further Details: Contact Mary Rabia Dowson.
Tel. 015242 21147 Email: madowson@gmail.com