DANCE - When I am EARTH...

“Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.”

_Thieh Nhat Hanh

In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, we often lose our connection to the earth—the element that roots us, stabilizes us, and nourishes our bodies and spirits. But when we take the time to consciously reconnect, through movement and dance, we rediscover the profound wisdom that the earth holds for us.

Let us explore the qualities of EARTH – steady and strong, forming a foundation for life. Earth is supportive offering stability as we rise and expand into our lives. At the same time sinking into the ground we are grounded, rooted – reconnecting with the primal forces that live within us.

When we embody the earth element in dance, we not only ground ourselves physically, but we also tap into a deeper sense of belonging. The earth reminds us that we are part of something greater—a vast, interconnected web of life. As we sink into the ground and feel the strength beneath our feet, we remember that we are held by forces much older and wiser than our individual lives. This connection to earth brings a sense of security, a quiet reassurance that no matter how chaotic life may become, we have the capacity to return to this place of stillness, stability, and inner strength.

_Christos Daskalakos

DANCE: Unfolding Essence

“Life is a dance: Mindfulness is witnessing that dance.”

_Amit Ray

Our bodies are not separate from who we are—they are us, alive and full of our essence. When we dance, we have the chance to reconnect with this truth, expressing it both inwardly and outwardly. Yet, how often do we find ourselves trying to control our movements, performing for the world, concerned with making a good impression, or trying to look right? What if instead, our dance became a spontaneous expression, free of thought and self-judgment?

In the practice of being present, we allow the music to move us while simply witnessing our movements and thoughts as they arise. When our mind drifts to past memories or future worries, we can gently return to the now by coming back to the dance. This act of returning anchors us in the moment, where pure expression lives.

Through presence in dance, we uncover the beauty of who we are, step by step, moment by moment. Life no longer feels like an external story we must react to. Instead, we witness our own creative potential, becoming both the protagonist and the choreographer of our own unfolding dance of life.

_Christos Daskalakos