Ecstatic Dance!
Is a sacred practice of moving energy through the body to become free and clear blockages! Through the practice we allow our body to follow the vibration of the music without thinking about what comes next, what we “should” do, or how we look! There is no comparison or judgement. If anything, simply inspiration!
We will dance with the 5 rhythms. First we tap into the feminine flow of smooth, inward grace. The second is masculine, which is honoring your strength. These movements might show up as sharp and strong. The third chaos. Wow, do we have chaos in the world and in our lives! This part of the practice is to honor those chaotic parts of life/ourselves that we can’t control. Let. It. Go! Give it your all. Then we move into our lyrical phase, which to me is usually where I honor whatever emotions need to be felt and moved through. To end the practice we rest in stillness and a moment of silence, something we all need more of in our life, true silence.
The guidelines:
•refrain from talking, as that taps into the part of the brain we live in too much of the time and we are trying to give a rest! We want to live for this short time in our right side, creative brain where our overthinking takes a pause!
•with that said, singing or making natural sounds that want to flow through are not only welcome, but encouraged! Don’t restrict yourself here.
•follow YOUR energy. Don’t do what you think you need to because the rest of the group seems to be similar, do what YOUR energy needs. This is for you!
•connect to your higher source. To me it feels like prayer. Asking and listening. Feeling and BEing.
•dancing with others is welcome as long as you ask (dance similar to who you want to move with then gently hold out your hands. If you are enjoying your own experience, say no thank you by bringing your hands together in a gentle bow. If you get this response when asking, don’t take it personally! Rather be happy for them being deep in their journey.) and do your best not to be in “performance” mode, but rather maintaining the meditative flow of following energy. There are workshops out there for contact improv dancing!
•no phone usage. We don’t want to check our phone. This takes us 110% out of the practice. We also want to be sure are no photos or videos during the actual experience so that everyone feels safe to let go and dance unrestricted!
It can be truly difficult, especially when you’re new to the practice, to drop into it. There are some helpful tools you can utilize.
-breath work!
-spinning, pushups, jumping jacks-really anything to move your body in a way that takes you out of your head!
-tapping. Tap all over your body using your hands.
-tai chi/ reiki/ feeling in tune with energy around and within you.
-closing your eyes and tuning inward, turning off the outer world. Highly recommend!
With this in mind, trust that whatever comes up for you is exactly what your soul needed for your growth and evolution in being the most authentic, confident YOU.
Enjoy the journey 🙏🫶
Register at solyogacollective.com
Also check out other Workshops in Rapid City, Health & Wellness events in Rapid City.
