What’s the one thing man did even before he knew how to light a fire? Dance! The ancients used dance as a part of worship and healing. They tried to copy nature through movement and sound in an attempt to connect with the ‘Spirit’. This was the origin of dance. It became a method of prayer, used regularly to promote spiritual and physical well being. As time moved on, cultures evolved and so did the place of dance in various societies. However, what most people forgot was that dance really is a #DoorwayToThesoul. What more, #DanceTherapy is one of the most powerful spiritual and inner wellness techniques that just about anyone can practice and enjoy.
Embracing dance as a #SpiritualPractice
#Dance is a meditation for physical, emotional and spiritual release. #DanceMeditation is a spiritual practice that can be extremely enjoyable. It’s a great stress buster. It can help rise above your usual left brained , linear thinking process and access the wisdom of your body through movement. And it grounds your body, creates wellness and helps transcend your ordinary mind and access the Divine. And it’s so simple, it’s almost unbelievable!
When
Anytime. Or when you are on the verge of exploding with stress, try meditative dance to help you figure what’s going on. It reduces stress, builds confidence, fuels creativity and releases mental blocks. Besides, it enables the mind and the body to work harmoniously and create internal balance.
Where
You can practice dance meditation in any space that offers privacy…unless of course you prefer an audience! You can practice in a room, on a private terrace or even a lawn. As long as you have enough empty space to move around. Remove anything breakable or sharp. Ensure that it’s a space where you will not be conscious of being watched.
What you need
Rhythmic, percussive music that’s devoid of lyrics as these create a distraction and break the meditative state. Popular “trance” music works well too. Use a regular music system or a portable MP3 device with headphones. Wear comfortable, lose clothing. Be barefoot if possible as this grounds you better to the earth. Keep a blindfold. Remove all accessories – spectacles, watches, jewellery. And NO mobile phones!
How
1. Play the music as loud as possible, so that that you can actually feel the vibrations it creates. Dance non stop for at least 30 minutes at a stretch.
2. Use a blindfold as a #SpiritualTool that helps block out distractions and focus on your inner experience and visions. This creates an altered state where there is no one but one's self. And this inner journey helps us connect with our higher consciousness.
2. Banish your inhibitions. Throw them out for a while. DANCE!! Don’t just move around like you are in a packed pub or a sardine sealed in a tin. Move every part of your body. Try new movements. Flow with the music instead of performing “dance steps”. If nothing comes to mind, take inspiration from nature. Dance like the flowing stream, a waterfall, the wind, a bird, a wildly swaying tree, a deer. Don’t be self conscious. Be free.
3. While dancing, focus on your dance. Try to feel connected to your #HigherPower . You may find various emotions suddenly popping up. Simply carry on dancing despite these. Don’t hold back. Laugh, cry or scream, but don’t stop. Dance through all your feelings and see how you feel at the end.
4. Once you have danced for as long as you can, sit down, bring your awareness to your breath and #meditate.
Once you embrace dance #meditation, you will see how new possibilities will soon start flowering in your life. And when you become one with it, you can spread the joy of this wonderful practice by asking people close to you to join in.
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Photo: Bindiya Murgai
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