Dancing With The Dharma: 5Rhythms® & Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness

In order to truly understand the dance, one must be still. And in order to truly understand stillness, one must dance. – Rumi

If you can liberate the body then the heart-mind can follow. In this retreat, will we integrate the stillness of Buddhist mindfulness meditation with the moving meditations of the 5Rhythms®. The Buddha encouraged us to bring wise attention to every aspect of our lives. In sitting meditation, we have the opportunity to observe the mind and body at rest through silent introspection. In the practice of the 5Rhythms, we engage in mindfulness while in motion. The 5Rhythms is a map that teaches how energy moves. The two polarities of moving and sitting meditation together mirror the dance of life. In this journey we are always moving between these two spectrums. If one learns to not cling or avoid, one can then hold the place of the silent witness and be at ease with all that life offers.

We encourage meditation students to practice mindful dancing in order to bring balance and insight into their lives. We invite dancers to engage in sitting meditation in order to embody integration, balance, and insight. Join us for the groundbreaking union of these two deep and wise practices.

Participants should bring to the workshop:

• Comfortable, breathable clothing that you don’t mind getting good and sweaty in + Layers.
• • We will dance barefoot or in soft soled dance shoes. No street/outside shoes.
• • Journal + Pen
• • A Zafu/Meditation Cushion for our seated meditations.
• • Shawl or Blanket for wrapping up/laying down & (optional eye pillow)
• • A Yoga Mat and Blanket if you want some cushion laying down on the floor (Saturday only)
• • Refillable water bottle.
• • Snacks/Lunch to refuel (if they are not having lunch with the group at the restaurant)

We are blessed to be joined this weekend by Leah Song of Rising Appalachia. She will weave song in and throughout our weekend, seeding harmony and co-regulation throughout. On Sunday Leah will lead a special session with us as we together create unity through song.

She called this work:

Song, Movement and Folk Choir

Leah Song’s vocal workshops explore sound vibration and body movement as tools for self-awareness and sound.  The space is created to help each participant to embody the physical art of making sound from all the many resonators in the body. This workshop session utilizes the expressions through movement and music, using a variety of techniques including vocal contact improv, creative sound improvisations, singing techniques and movement (drawing upon yoga, contact improv, martial arts, and modern dance), and expressive group song. Join our growing Folk Choir and learn to create your own sound palate.