MAY
07

Dance of Liberation

Two weeks ago I was racking my brain about a very big decision. Not knowing or having a plan for what comes next generally results in a mini freak-out session for my Type-A’ish personality. I was practicing my yoga breath in full-force, trying to keep my calm on decision day. One email pushed me in the direction of the path that had no plan. It was an invitation to attend the Tadasana International Yoga Festival and experience ‘The Dance of Liberation’ (DOL). It was one of those moments that you know the Universe is practically yelling “pay attention, there’s a better life for you”. I’ve been hitting ‘delete’ with fervor as I try to describe DOL and what I experienced through the dance at Tadasana Festival. The Dance is best described as a ‘holistic rave’ grounded in ancient ritual. The Kickstarter campaign video  – which is to help Parashakti finish her documentary on DOL – is a wonderful place to start understanding the dance.

Speaking with Parashakti and learning of her own journey is one that gives me hope for my journey in life. All too often we want what we want right now. To meet this incredible person who has been loving, living and learning from her craft for over 20 years gives me hope and the freedom to breathe about growing into my own with my career. Parashakti is a classically trained dancer, yoga and Trance Dance instructor. Most of all, she’s a healer. Parashakti shared two incredible stories of transformation that have happened from Dance of Liberation.

One: A woman who was trying to conceive came to Parashakti. She had been through the expensive medical treatments to try to conceive. Parashakti had the woman start with a cleanse of her body and mind. Over the course of 5 days they danced together and had intensive counseling sessions. Through their journey of cleansing, dancing and “peeling the layers” through their discussions, Parashakti discovered as much as the woman wanted to be pregnant, she also had an intense fear associated with becoming a mother. Together they worked through the desires and fears. The woman realized she was ready and became pregnant soon after her time with Parashakti.

Two: A Miss New York and Miss America pageant winner was looking for love in all the right places. Or so she thought. She had an uncertainty she could not shake about the man she was ready to marry. She came to Parashakti, seeking counsel and advice. Parashakti invited she and her partner to partake in a DOL. Midway through the dance, Miss America lifted her blindfold, flooded with the emotions and knowing that the person she had intended to marry was not the right person. After the DOL session, she ended her relationship with her partner. Shortly thereafter she met her husband. Parashakti married them and the couple now have a happy, healthy baby.

This weekend and experience left me feeling more at peace with not having a plan for my next steps. I’m making the conscious choice to revel in my passions and share that joy. I believe it is possible to find wealth – in all meanings of the word – by engaging in what we love instead of molding ourselves to a career. Feeling your best is an important part of this journey. DOL is a tool for unlocking and discovering our journey in a safe and sacred space. Did I mention that you’re blindfolded for portions of the dance? There will be no judgement on your method of shakin’ it out! Here’s a taste of what happened in the sacred space:

                                leave your fears AND shoes at the door...

                                        dancing in blindfolds

                                  art - on canvases of every type

Can you make the life you want by simply putting your intentions into the world? I would have to think “yes” after being in a room – a sacred container in DOL-speak – filled with intentions, love and energy (yes, it’s official that I’ve gone off the “deep-end” in California!). Do you believe in setting an intention for your life? How do you make it part of your life’s journey? I’m open and ready for your advice, WELL readers! And this quote seemed all too fitting for the journey of our lives:

“I’ve never begun any important venture for which I felt adequately prepared.” Sheldon Kopp

Find out more about Parashakti via her site, Facebook page and by following her journey on Twitter. If you are interested in experiencing DOL, I recommend donating to the Kickstarter campaign which offers incredible gifts (books, CDs, art, raw food meals & more) in exchange for supporting the completion of her documentary. Oh! And download 30-songs that came out of the Tadasana weekend here (yes!!).