“It was through Philip that I was introduced to Sufism, the Dances of Universal Peace, and to the beginnings of a path that continues to lead me towards and from the heart. I find Philip’s presence and guidance wonderfully simple, straight forward and direct. He draws on his own life experience and offers a clear compassionate take on life. Philip’s guidance and teaching is direct and to the point embracing the depths of experiencing and creating a space.
Philip is wonderfully understated and creates an atmosphere that invites a deepening into the heart. He creates the space for me to step into my experience and move beyond the known, towards truth, love and simplicity. He is a musician of the heart who accompanies those on the journey through his subtle and powerful use of sound, rhythm and breath. His workings with groups seems effortless bringing a natural ease and flow that invites a relaxed and open atmosphere and sharing. Philip’s subtle care and attention to detail creates a safe, relaxed and playful space of meeting and sharing. It is this that invites growth and opening in me and a sense of community, family and belonging. Philip creates the space for me to see myself more clearly as I am, in the moment and for me to begin to simply accept and let this be a part of my experience.”
Eveline, Edinburgh
“I have danced with Philip since the early 1990s and am privileged to be one of his Sufi mureeds. His gifts are subtle and understated. It is hard to put his refined qualities into words that fully express their power and beauty. What I treasure most, both in his teaching of the dances of universal peace and as my sufi teacher, are his egoless, warm, natural presence, combined with his innate, divine given musicality. Despite his high status as a Sufi Murshid, he never has airs and graces, is consistently friendly, good humoured, even and approachable, always has his feet well planted on the ground. He makes us all feel special and cherished.”
Dinah Aziza, Kendal
Hi PhilA big thank you for taking us on such an amazing journey this last week. It was truly a heart opening experience. I’m so grateful to be able to share the journey with you.With loveElaine 🙏x
“Philip, I always feel so nourished and encouraged after a retreat with you, and expanded somehow, by your trust in me. I have felt supported in such an unconditional way by you for so many years now, really from the first time I met you; and your acceptance of me as I am, and your belief in what I am capable of becoming, have been fundamental to my growth in that time. I am a more confident and fulfilled person because of what you have given me.”
Jilani. Yorkshire.
Dear PhilipMany thanks again for the pilgrimage in Cumbria and the immense amount of preparation which must have gone into its planning. Being within the circles of stones within the circles of hills was a very full experience. As one does, I was reflecting on the space within our circle in its role as an akasha. It occurred to me that the inside of the circle was not empty since – obviously – you were in it.This made me assess to some extent why in my experience you are different from other dance leaders of various levels. Many can sing and/or play an instrument very well, and can emanate some devotion. But, perhaps I am wrong but to me, the leader needs to be both there as a kind of guide into the practice but not there in terms of not filling up the space or occupying the akasha. It is the second one that requires a deep and delicate level of self-effacement. What Rumi would maybe use the image of being the space within the reed or flute through which ‘whatever one may call it’ travels. This is a clumsy way of expressing something fine, but I hope that my attempt to do so comes across.Thank you again.Much loveRuhani. Hampshire
Dear Philip and Cinda
I just want to thank you both so much for a wonderful pilgrimage last week. It was a very special three days and it’s amazing just how much we all did in that time!
I loved it all. Lots of special memories.
Many blessings and love
Barbara x
“I met Philip in 2004, when he came to Argentina to lead an intensive week of Dances and other spiritual practices. And I have been dancing with him since then. As my mentor, Philip has helped me grow as a dancer and Dance leader, and what I learn from him transcends into practical spirituality. His ability to listen and the reassurance he gives me has much contributed much to my personal growth. I am grateful for what he has brought to the world.”
Patricia. Somerset.
To have experienced the last weekend I´m so grateful. A lot of melodies from the last days rise up and are present with me. Thanks to you from my heart again.Today the weather changed and we have rain – good for the plants.much love to youCornelia