Hey all, looking forward to dancing together!
This week’s theme is “Smile.”
This morning, while making coffee, I caught myself feeling frustrated by how much time and effort goes into such a simple daily task. I laughed, remembering a moment from yoga classes: we’d settle into a long, difficult hold— focusing my hardest on having a calm smooth breath, struggling to make sure I'm in proper alignment and trying to fight my wanting to jump out of this pose —and right in the middle of that intensity, the teacher would gently invite us to smile. It always made me laugh and instantly softened the seriousness I was feeling.
My invitation for all of us is to welcome a smile as we move through our days, and to notice how it shifts our experience—how a touch of joy or lightness can meet whatever challenge is present.
I’ve also been reflecting a lot on relationships and duality, so I want to acknowledge what could be a shadow side of the smile too. Perhaps there’s a tendency in your life to smile through everything—to focus only on joy, goodness, and positivity—while ignoring the things that feel off, the emotions that are difficult, or the parts of you that feel hurt, fearful, or abandoned.
My invitation here is to explore welcoming these other aspects as well. Let them walk beside your smile, perhaps widening your experience of love, truth, and authenticity.
Can't wait to shake it with you all come Sunday!
-Patty (VibesUp)
Sunday Nov 30th
Doors Open: 10:15am
Dance: 10:30am
Closing Circle at 12 noon
Buchanan Hall
2674 Dunsmuir, Cumberland
$20-$15 sliding scale
(CASH ONLY on the door)
::LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT::
I respectfully acknowledge that the land we gather on is on the Unceeded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
::DANCE TEMPLE AGREEMENTS::
In this space we collectively agree to:
*Develop compassion, awareness, acceptance
*No talking on the dance floor
*No cellphones
*No instruments
*No photography
*No drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants.
*Tops to be worn throughout the dance and around the property for all gender expressions, bikini top is the minimum coverage requested by the landowners, please be respectful of this boundary.
::ON BOUNDARIES & TOUCH::
We recognize that touch and physical proximity can mean different things to different people. In this space we practice self-awareness of our own bodies, and the ways in which we engage with the moving bodies of others. We define consent as freely given, enthusiastic agreement for mutual participation.
::WHEN APPROACHING OTHERS::
*Make no assumptions!
Look for a yes, look for eye contact
*Respect any no (including when someone is ignoring you or moves away from you)
*Respect a Solo Dancer’s right to their space.
* Do not engage in physical touch without clear consent.
This is a transformational space for dance, healing, prayer, laughter, joy, sadness and everything in between.
ALL AGES, ALL GENDER EXPRESSIONS, ALL ABILITIES, ALL BODIES WELCOME!
-Love from the Dance Temple Team: Patty, River, Aaron and Mark xoxo
Also check out other Workshops in Cumberland, Health & Wellness events in Cumberland, Contests in Cumberland.
