Beauty in Movement

Last weekend I spent four days on the Agape Soul Sisters Woman’s Retreat “Return To Me.”  This was my third year attending and was truly transformed by the experience!  There is something very magical about a community of women from their teens to women in their 80′s coming together to share, laugh, pray, dance, eat, and grow.

The retreat was held in Temescal Canyon Park actually right up the street from Buerge Chapel, where my husband and I got married almost two years ago.  We had sunrise beach ceremonies, peaceful hikes, meditation, yoga, african dance, bellydance, “Tell Mama” a panel of elders give advice and prayer, amazing food, and a bunch of other workshops that uplifts and educates women.  This year I served as an ”angel” to assist in the retreat running smoothly and also taught two workshops, Morning Movement Meditation and Beautiful Belly Dance.

The movement meditation consisted of an affirmation that I write, then choreograph a simple yet feel good set a movements to match the affirmation.  This year’s affirmation came to me while journaling and I wanted to share it with you.  The very first line was inspired by Edwene Gaines when she spoke about prosperity at Agape in June.  I had never heard any woman say “I am a woman of power.”  It stuck with me deeply and became the first line of this year’s movement meditation.

I am a woman of power releasing my divine gifts.

I rejoice!

Creativity flows through me like angelic watercolor.

I rejoice!

In peaceful stillness I give thanks.

I rejoice!

The Beautiful Belly Dance workshop was a blast!  Yes I am a contemporary ballet dancer, yet was given an amazing opportunity to be a part of a belly dance troop in Los Angeles years ago.  The culture and this sacred dance became a part of who I am and I haven’t been able to shake it.  Well actually that’s exactly what we did!  We shimmied our hearts out and did as many hip drops, bumps, camels, and hip slides as I could fit into 50 minutes.  We had an awesome revitalizing time!

Movement and dance is very freeing and also healing to our body, mind, and spirit.  Whether you’re a dancer, simply just love to dance, or are a bit shy about moving, it is such a wonderful feeling to turn on some music and wild out in your own company until you fall on the floor with exhaustion.  It is certainly a major stress release for sure.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Peace and Sunshine,

Dawn Michelle

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(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)

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