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I have always loved watching dance, and in recent years shamanic and tribal dance has fascinated me. I remember watching a native dancer in British Columbia don a large feathered raven headpiece with long wide black wings sweeping the ground. I sat mesmerized through the entire dance as he shed his man skin and stepped into the Raven. I heard nothing but the drums as I watched him hop and twirl across the space he had captured ... I knew then that shapeshifting was not so farfetched. I saw his face afterwards it gleamed with sweat and his eyes had a feverish brightness that wasn't there when he had donned the feathers, he seemed to glow and we instinctive held back giving him space and room to ground. He had touched the Divine ... opening a channel between him and the cosmos. Last night I danced until my mind slipped its tether, my body was nothing more then a distant buzz and Life expanded as I reached for the Divine. The sensations remain an electric buzz in the back of my head, even this morning. My body aches in places I had no idea existed and I can't recall the point where I left the flesh so to speak. Oh I know I was dancing and was aware on that level of reality, but the overall sensation blurred the edges of the physical and surreal giving way to a definite mind expanding experience. Through my continued study of various meditations I decided to expand my experience on moving meditation. I have always enjoyed walking meditations and often suspected that joggers also reach an inner realm of contemplation as well... but until last night I had only flirted with the idea of dance meditation. I found it surprisingly easy. I was by myself, who cares how I danced.... it was a freedom of movement that followed the sound of the music. I put in some Dead Can Dance first (the anthology) and danced my way through that, some songs triggered interesting responses in a meditative state... I let my mind go and recieved this kaliescope of images and each one seemed to have meaning (can't remember today though). When the CD player moved into the tribal drums I was already beyound fatigue and reaching a state that is some what indescribable. It seems to me that almost 90 minutes of danceing isn't very long, but when I finally stopped it felt like the whole night had passed. This is a meditative exercise I seriously recommend.... granted those of you who are musicians must see this experience from the other side of the fence. Having experienced an altered state from the listen/dance perspective it makes me hugely curious about the state of mind for those that create such music. 
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| | From:  imbas1 | Sent: 3/8/2004 6:42 PM |
Oh sure, thousands of covers bands out there trying to eek out a living and the dancers are all dancing at home! Wot's the matter, you don't like play that funky music white boy??? |
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LOL... what kind of atrocious accent was that anyway? |
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I mosh! A good circle mosh cleanses the soul. Anyone who has never moshed before should definately try it...Is very fulfilling and satisfying...I would suggest though, to start moshing at an easy pace...Seriously...it might not be the best thing to jump into the pit with a serious metal band or old school punk band unless you know how to enjoy a mosh pit...you might not come back out unscathed. But mosh , always mosh, one of the true raw forms of dancing there is. |
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I asked Wanduring about moshing... lol it seems my only real exposure to it was in the punk halls during my early years... then it was called slam dancing, lol |
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I have not yet tried a concious dance meditation though I've wanted to for some time. I have experienced the effects that come from dancing when doing ballet. Also at a club once but it was very different...it was more of a Universal mind sort of thing because it was so crowded on the floor. The tequila probably had something to do with it too. Ballet is highly focused on me and is like moving on a high wire over a bottomless pit. It is very intensive. As for moshing, I'm too small...lol. I was accidentally pulled into a mosh pit once at an industrial concert in Hollywood. The floors were hardwood and beer had spilled everywhere. I remember this insane guy with totally dead eyes barrelling towards me dripping blood everywhere. It was horrible and I freely admit I hid behind the guy I had come with  . There's no way a little girl can jump into a pit of big huge sweaty drunk guys and not get crushed, let alone slip into a meditative trance...lol. I do love dance though. I will have to try some of the more tribal styles next time I have some alone time. |
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| | | From: Devine | Sent: 3/9/2004 5:11 AM |
I am with Calais as far as the moshing goes. I also love to dance and I dont do it often enough. To get into a frenzy and actually touch the Divine is an interesting idea. I must try it when the kids are out. Love and Light Devine |
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I actually know a wonderful album that would work for this. It was made by Peter Ganriel for the first Passion movie made by Scorsese in 1989. The songs all blend into each other and were made using traditional instruments of the ancient mid-east combined with modern style. I love the music of that time-period and country and I can't wait to try it out. If anyone is intersted click here. There is a track list there also. |
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Thanks Nox, sounds like good stuff :) I like some music with an Eastern flair. Devine :) As far as my experience went last night, it wasn't frenzied in the least... but it did have a rythimic drum that encouraged movement. Let me know how it goes if either of you practice it :) Remember the part of the say "... and dance like no one is watching" its just like that. If you have trouble taking your focus off your surroundings then try a blindfold and move slowly feeling the music.... you'll see how your focus changes. |
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You're right...it hurts...lol. I tried this out last night using the Passion album and went for an hour. I had to keep the trance light for fear of someone waking up and demanding to know what I was doing but it was definitely enough. The thing that I should have expected but was totally suprised by was all the colours. Every seperate thread of music had a colour and a shape and a movement; texture taste, etc. It was remarkable to watch the interplay and to become a part of it, myself. I worked up quite a large amount of energy. When I was done I was soooooo sore and sweaty I had to take a hot shower. I'll be doing this again as soon as my muscles aren't so sore. Thanks for the suggestion, Red  . |
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| | | From: Devine | Sent: 3/10/2004 3:34 AM |
Hhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyy!!! This sounds like exercise to me!! No fair tricking lol Devine |
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LOL... Devine. I wouldn't trick you, honest  Nox, it sounds like you enjoyed the experience... I too was surprised at the strength of the visuals, even though I shouldn't have been. I found the music to have an extra depth as well... talk about 'plugging in' Definitely worth repeating! |
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