Day 6 of Continuing Recovery
Thank you, G-d, there is dance. And it is available to everyone. Even if all I can do is notice the movement of energy inside me, dance is there.
In 2007 was introduced to the 5Rhythms practice of dance through a weekend workshop at Kripalu in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. I loved it, but I didn’t pursue it. Occasionally I would revisit it at home for a few minutes here or there.
My coaching training in 2010 through Newfield Network reinvigorated a passion for dance. I had great plans for staying in my body.
A few short days after graduating from Newfield, the January 2011 accident happened. For many months, my body was both absent and painfully close. As I began to recover I thought, well, I have lost my chance. No more dance for me.
Finally, the draw was too much. Last night I set out for a 5Rhythms dance practice with the intention to be with whatever was there for me. It turned out that there was a lot there. As I began to dance there was comparing — my body can do this now which it couldn’t do a year ago; what it could do two years ago that it can’t do now. There was sadness and pain and frustration. I felt so stuck in this identity as the terrible accident survivor, the one who is still in trauma.
As the waves of rhythm coursed over me and I danced to them, there was a shift. I began to pray to the rhythm and the element it met.
Flowing rhythm – Mother Earth – Creatress – this is your daughter Valerie. Please fill me with what I need.
Staccato rhythm – yes – no – fire – this is your daughter Valerie. Please fill me with what I need.
Chaos rhythm – G-d – Creator – water – this is your daughter Valerie. Please fill me with what I need.
Lyrical rhythm – air – lightness – this is your daughter Valerie. Please fill me with what I need.
Stillness rhythm – Spirit – ether – this is your daughter Valerie. Please fill me with what I need.
Gradually, over two hours, grief came to me; and also compassion for others. The more I danced, the more I was aware of beauty, gratitude, healing, inspiration, love, meditation, Nature, peace, and yoga… union of body, Spirit, and community. I understood that I was dancing as a prayer for liberation.
G-d was in the house.
On the way home, food craving came up… and quickly faded away. I knew I was going home to bed, not to eat. Thank you, G-d.
Love & Light,
Valerie
Here is a 30 minute program about 5Rhythms and its teacher, Gabrielle Roth. In the video, you’ll see how a class works. The practice I attended last night was not a class. It was just practice.
Photo of Deva Nandan.
Wonderful to watch – it must have taken a great deal of courage and desire to get well that took you to 5 rhythms again. mom
Hi Mom, You may be right. Most of all it took a decision. Love & Light, Valerie
love you
and am glad
for you
and dancing
and reminding
more dance
and reminders
needed
love you
and
thank you
<3
<3