Day 5 - Spiritual Dance Retreat
Last night's Zaar dance lesson was incredible. First of all, it was funny because the teacher had a bit too much to drink, as well as quite a few of the students. We started out using momentum to roll down and up off the floor in a way that they teach trapeze artists. Her take on the Zaar began with us following her through an undulating path through the room like baby ducks. This was the "Community" stage and was done to a heart-beat drum beat. The second stage after a bell was rung was the stage in which we were in our own little world by ourselves. We began by walking a circle about the size of a hula hoop. Then, we turned in the centre of the circle with a limp step. Then we moved within the circle using only circles with our body parts: Hips, head, shoulders or hands. A bell was rung and the drum began a slow Ayub beat that moved faster and faster. The third and last stage was moving energy from inward out. Hands moving towards the chest and then flung outward. In-out, in-out. Faster and faster until the music stopped and we relaxed. She rang the bells again.
Today we visited
Kilauea volcano. We got to see fields and fields of lava that were red hot just decades ago. We saw a smoking crater. The air quality was poor, but an acupuncturist taught me five pressure points and some breathing and hand movements that can be used in an asthma emergency. Seriously, this guy was called upon to train military doctors in battlefield first aid acupuncture! Today we also discussed the book The Goddess In Everywoman by Jean Bolen. After dinner, we have a guided meditation and dance.