I was pulled through the door of Love

The Dances of Universal Peace have pulled me through the door of Love. Started in the late 1960s by a mystic who returned to his birth city of Berkley California USA, in his 60s. He had a revolutionary idea he shared with his mentor and friend Ruth St Denis, famous dancer. "I am going to start a revolution!!, I am going to teach the 'children' how to WALK" Brilliant! she told him. He rounded up all the interesting "Flower Children" of the city, and many became his students. He lived another 2 years, creating eleven dances which at the time were called "Sufi Dances".

They are now called Dances of Universal Peace and can be found around the globe. ongoing weekly dance circles to month long one time retreats. These circles are my "church". And the Sufi path is a path of following the heart.

Following the directions on the dances website i was seeking a dance mentor so i could start leading dances. In that ignorant process, I was blessed to find a spiritual teacher and a dance mentor.

The person leading the Dance has to know the notes/keys/melody/rhythm, teach the words, melody, and movements to the circle, each time before dancing it. the muscicians and the dancers follow the leader.

So, very very much I have gained personally from this path. Being of Service to others. music theory. voice lessons. confidence. maturity.

I lead in Eugene, Oregon-a circle that has been dancing for over 30 years. And I am Beverage lead for Northwest Sufi Camp, which will be 40 years old. 200 people infant to 90 years old come together for 7 days. We recently had folks from South Africa come to our retreat, finding us on this blessed internet.

Some of my favorites? they definitely sound better with tune (right another music theory i do not have down yet!!)

Use me for the purpose that thy wisdom chooses, Guide me on the path of thine own goodness

Be melting snow, be melting snow. Wash myself of myself

Come, Come, whoever you are, even though you've broken your vows a thousand times, come come again (rumi)

Thank you for reading. I just wanted to share my inspiration today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRcraUReRz4&list=PLl3DVQXzmzoYa104L_jGHxuhFDd68m69k