Dancing has always been a part of me. As a child, I danced to every beat, transforming my living room into a personal stage, eager to showcase my new routines to family and friends. The rhythm of music was my language, and movement was my expression. However, as life unfolded with growing responsibilities and a growing family, the magic of dance gradually faded into the background. Occasional nights out provided brief escapes to the dance floor, often fuelled by a few drinks to loosen inhibitions. While I shared joyful dance moments with my children at home, the pure freedom of uninhibited dance became a cherished memory.
I sought to reignite my passion through various dance styles – salsa, swing, and group dance classes – but something was still missing. I craved a dance experience that was raw, unfiltered, and allowed me to reconnect with my inner child. That's when I discovered the transformative power of ecstatic dancing.
Initially, I explored ecstatic dance through virtual sessions with a close friend. This experience was revelatory. I felt a connection to my body and spirit that I hadn't experienced in years. It was then that I realized the true potential of this dance form.
Now, I'm part of an amazing group, #mindbodycollective, who gathers on the last Saturday of the month for an early morning, sober ecstatic dance session in a magical woodland setting. Surrounded by nature, with the sun peeking through the trees and the earth beneath my feet, I lose myself in the music. It’s a communion with the elements, a celebration of life, and a profound way to connect with myself. Additionally, they offer evening sober dance sessions once a month.
Following this euphoric dance experience, I am drawn to continue my day by taking an invigorating sea swim which completes my self-care ritual. It's a refreshing reset, washing away any remaining tension and reconnecting me with nature.
This combination of ecstatic dance and sea swimming has become my sanctuary. It's a reminder that age is just a number and that our bodies are capable of incredible things. It's an invitation to step outside our comfort zones, to embrace vulnerability, and to rediscover the joy of movement.
Ecstatic dancing offers a powerful somatic experience. It allows us to release physical tension, process emotions, connect deeply with our bodies, and improve self-awareness. This mind-body connection is essential for overall well-being and can lead to reduced stress and a greater sense of balance.
So, if you're longing to reconnect with your body, to reduce stress, experience somatic healing, and pure exhilaration, I encourage you to give ecstatic dancing a try. It might just ignite a fire within you that you never knew existed.
Have you ever tried ecstatic dancing? What other self-care rituals help you start the weekend off right? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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