"Take me to the places on the earth that teach you how to dance, the places where you can risk letting the world break your heart. And I will take you to the places where the earth beneath my feet and the stars overhead make my heart whole again and again." Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Over the years I have come to appreciate movement so much in my life...by movement I'm referring to movement of the body. I have had, and continue to have, deep conversations with my body whenever I feel that my emotions are shutting down. I have learned, that my body holds the key to so many of my intentions, thoughts, dreams, hopes and aspirations. My body holds memories and impressions and I believe that it is my vehicle to those parts of myself that have yet to be revealed to myself and to those around me.
One of the things I enjoy doing in my apartment is to dance alone in front of the mirror...I know, perhaps this might sound a little crazy, but for me it's my time to just BE. It is through dance that I'm able to move not only my body, but all the emotions that go with it. I have stopped looking at my body as a separate entity from my mind and soul. Taking care of my body through movement and wholesome nutrition is what liberates and sustains me to be present to those around me.
This was very evident as I was present to my dad who passed away last month. I noticed that it was a give and take process of being fully present to a parent who was slowly dying, he was growing tired and weary, I was also absorbing his tired spirit and weary body. Those were the days when I made a conscious effort to breathe more deeply and connect to my heart and body more intently. I could feel his pain inside of me and my heart felt the overflowing of love that is felt between two people that have known each other for years. My task during his last few days at the hospital was just to be present to him. I couldn't take the pain away or his discomfort. I could only be present with my heart, mind, soul and body.
I've been dancing in my apartment these past few days, I've put my favourite music on and danced my heart out...and I like to think that dad is also dancing with me in spirit too. This makes me whole, this is the place and space that I step into to replenish my spirit and body.
What replenishes you in times of sorrow? How do you quench your spirit when you are feeling weary? What space do you take during the day to breathe deeply?
I invite you to click on the link below, and listen to the song that I've attached, and let the music move you in anyway that it's calling you to move. Listen intently to the music, but most important of all listen reverently to your body, to your soul, your heart...what do you need right now to renew yourself?
https://youtu.be/j5AUm_xaE9A
