Four Ways Dance Can Anchor You Through Major Change
New Year’s Greetings!
We sure are on the cusp of major change. Every year my qigong teacher Master Chunyi Lin does an energy reading of the year ahead and this year’s forecast is indeed full of change – surprisingly peaceful and transformative change! It’s worth taking a listen, at least to the first part. (Listen to the whole thing if you like digging into feng shui.)
My greatest wish is that these transformative times help you thrive. It’ll be a ride, and I heard my teacher say words to the effect of “stay patient and don’t lose perspective” several times.
Dancing through the year will be an anchor for me. Here’s why you could probably use more dancing in 2025 as well.
Community. Dancing in a circle together nourishes community connection in a very special way. There are many physiological ways that the collective movement helps activate a sense of wholeness. Beyond that, I make sure every dance class includes opportunities to really see each other. From checking in with the mood of the week, to honoring birthdays, to sharing how we are experiencing the seasons of life with each other, dancing cuts past the small talk and cultivates real presence and connection.
The best way to navigate rapid change is in community. The best way to cultivate transformation for oneself is in community. (Thank you Gina at Mighty Network for articulating these truths so clearly). Want to cultivate change for yourself while keeping your head above water in rapidly changing times? Lean into community.
You’re Going to Need to Shake it Off. It helps to build in times in your day and in your week where you can move your body and release tension. I see every step as an opportunity to pump up Mother Earth energy and refresh the body. I teach dance in a way that both loosens the hips and shoulders, integrates the head and heart, and helps activate the body’s qi.
Mystery. The big picture of the Universe is much bigger than any of us can understand. Integrating the wisdom teachings from the dance traditions is a way to befriend and align oneself with the Divine Mystery. Dancing is a way to celebrate and cultivate trust with this Mystery. This year we may not know what to think, it might be hard to know what is good and what is bad, and we will need to keep reminding ourselves that more is happening than meets the eye.
One of the symbols from embroidered dance costumes that reflects mastery of this mystery is the winged woman. Like a bird, the winged woman can connect with realms beyond what we can see and bring their seeds to us.
A bird that becomes a woman who can fly is a key image in Master Lin’s energy reading of 2025 – a synchronicity that delights me. For this reason the Winged Woman will be a key theme at our Winter Water blessing, which happens to fall on the eve of Chinese New Year. Event details are below.
Joy! We need joy and that doesn’t negate that we also need to mourn and rage and whatever else. Joy is healing and transformative and we all need it. I’d love to be surprised by how our joy transforms the world.
Love,
Emily
Make it stand out
Bless the New Year by blessing the water that is the source of all life. We bless the water, and ask the water to carry our blessing to all of life, bringing healing and joy in our world. In honor of the special energy of 2025, the theme of this year’s celebration is the Winged Woman, she who can travel between realms and bring blessing.
The Winter Water Blessing is inspired by ancient European custom of blessing the water at the New Year, a tradition that continues as an Epiphany Day celebration across Eastern Europe. This year’s blessing takes place on the eve of Chinese New Year.
No experience necessary. All genders and cultures interested in this tradition are welcome.
Sunday, February 2, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Crosby Farm Park, St. Paul
Free - Register here! (please register for weather related updates and planning purposes)