Holistic Networker » Art

Spiritweaves in Dallas

Liz Tucker — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:58:42 +0000

I started ballet lessons at the age of three, and by the time I was 13 I was dying to go up on pointe. For those of you who don’t know, this is the glorious transition of a ballerina from ballet slippers to pointe shoes. It didn’t matter to me about the hot, itchy lambs wool that would need to be wrapped around my toes, or that there was a possibility that my feet would become deformed and blistered, or that I would have bunions like my grandmother, or that my toes looked like they were six inches long. I would gaze longingly at the pink satin pointe shoes of the girls that would come in after my class ended, the beautiful ribbons that would decorate their ankles, the exquisite half-moon shapes they would create with the arches of their feet, and how they would twirl on the tips of their toes as if they were suspended on invisible strings. Looking down at my black plastic shoes with the elastic straps across my feet I thought, “This cannot be it.” I kept asking my teacher, “When can I go up on pointe?” She would continually hold me at bay by telling me I simply wasn’t ready yet, until finally she broke the news. “Elizabeth, you’re just too tall to be a dancer.” I believed her, and I quit.

Flash forward to August 2008. I was turning 40 and wanted nothing more than to spend it at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California where I journeyed twice before from Dallas within the previous eight months. Beyond the lush lawn that invited long naps in the sun, the delicious organic food, and the mineral-rich natural hot springs from the Saint Lucia mountains, Esalen had become my spiritual home, a magical retreat, the kind of place where you have to be careful what you wish for because the potency of the land is so ripe with manifestation. The Gestalt therapy of Fritz Perls, Moshe Feldenkrais’ somatic method, Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rhythms practice, and Ida Pauline Rolf’s bodywork technique, are only a few of the countless pioneer movements that were nurtured at Esalen, leaving indelible marks on the landscape of human potential. The visionary spirit that lingers in the soil of the grounds is palpable. In considering this significant celebration, it didn’t even matter what workshop I attended, but lo and behold there was a workshop with Spiritweaves, a dance practice lead by the facilitators Anneli and Michael Molin-Skelton. When I called to make the reservation, the woman who took my information asked me if I had ever danced with Anneli and Michael before. I told her no. (I was too big to be a dancer, remember?) She assured me, “They are delightful. Very special. You will love it.” I trusted Esalen, so I went.

I arrived at this dance without expectation, without a deep longing or a thirst to be quenched, not seeking yet another pathway to the truth. As a yogi for 14 years, I didn’t recognize a need for another practice. I simply followed the part of me that loves to dance. I stepped into the container of the dance space and my body instantly began to move. Before my mind could protest, I found myself on the floor rolling my spine and exploring the boundaries of my edges, then up on my feet, running furiously around the room, taking on shapes that were unfamiliar, buoyant, confident, and completely free. We danced for an extended period of time in silence. No prompting, no direction, no urging from Anneli and Michael. Instead they created space, and then held it for us, and allowed us to breathe in it for a while, to explore. The music was impeccable. They weaved in and out of us in their own dance, introducing us to their humility and their vulnerability, and their genuine desire to share their love of this practice with us. Within a very short time, I realized that my identity, my ego, any part of me that clung to my sense of self-importance was absent. The Divine was being expressed in my movements. This was prayer.

From that first experience with Anneli and Michael, I have danced with them time and time again, and each time I do, into their open arms I begin to drop in to greet myself, that familiar face at the window of my soul who often becomes a stranger to me between dances. They keep me safe while I run into the darkness of the secrets that my body has been holding, creating a space where I can be receptive to all that arises without binding me with rules, or tutus, or barre pliés. That darkness, they say, “is just one part of us, and the more we can embrace those parts of ourselves, the more we can be fully self-expressed.” Through their own study of 5Rhythms and Soul Motion practices, they invite us into a seemingly endless repertoire of exercises that evoke transformation and healing, and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to articulate the ones that have impacted me the most. So I’ll just share the one that I’ll never forget.

During one of our five-day retreats at Esalen, Anneli and Michael led us through a wave of music that was long and deep. I came to the end of it feeling especially open, and my mind intensely quiet. They invited us to make what they called “soul cards”. Around the room they had placed groupings of magazines, picture books, glue, scissors, X-acto knives, and stacks of five by eight-inch boards made from heavy cardstock. Their guidance was to begin by flipping through the magazines and books, and tear out anything that spoke to us – words, images, colors. They asked us not to intellectualize the experience, or try to analyze why we were attracted to certain things. Instead they gave us permission to let our creativity be expressed in the cards.

That evening we gathered in a circle after Anneli and Michael led us through another wave of music. They asked us to bring one of our soul cards to the circle with us, and explained the nature of the exercise. When we were called (which, by the way, is always a caveat that Anneli and Michael lay down at the beginning of every exercise), we were invited (another caveat) to enter the circle with our soul card, and take a shape that expressed the essence of how the card spoke to us. At that point, we were to be joined in the circle by at least two other dancers who would take on the same shape. From there we were asked to speak the words, “I am the one who…” and then finish the sentence with a word that organically completed it. The direction was to do so, again, without intellectualizing, as raw of an expression as possible.

I was eventually inspired to move to the center of the circle with my soul card. The shape that my body took on was similar to a child’s pose in yoga, hips at the heels, forehead on the floor, shoulders rounded forward, arms draped at my sides, hands near my feet, and palms facing upwards. Michael called several dancers to come out on the floor and take the same shape. Slowly my body began to uncurl, and I started to stand up on my knees with my arms hanging by my side. Out of my mouth came, “I am the one who was left behind.” I stood up a little taller on my knees and my arms raised up over my head, and I screamed, “I am the one who knows that if I’m not perfect, you’ll leave me!” With that, Michael cued the other dancers around me to begin to chant, “I AM NOT PERFECT. I AM NOT PERFECT. I AM NOT PERFECT.” And from there, he said, “Liz, I want you to dance imperfection.” My heart was pounding out of my chest in gripping fear, yet in that instant, I was crisply aware that it was the time to face this demon, to dispel the story that the only way to be worthy was to be perfect. So I let go, in a way that I hadn’t let go before. I stumbled. I was off beat. I didn’t care what it looked like. I let myself be seen by the other dancers and most importantly, by my teachers, the ones who I was certain would disapprove. I allowed the fear of being left behind to move my body and my breath. I loved myself inside this feeling of imperfection. At the end of the dance, I stood at the back of the circle and looked at the other dancers. They stopped chanting. Michael said, “Take a look around. You are not perfect, and they are still here.” I stood there as long as I needed to stand there, and I wept. Too tall to be a dancer? I think not.

To say that their gifts are immeasurable, that their partnership in life is inspiring, that their ability to hold space is impeccable, that their compassion, generosity, and love is boundless, would diminish the gratitude I hold in my heart for their presence in my life. Instead I will merely invite you to dance with Anneli and Michael. In the words of David Whyte, “Sometimes with the bones of the black sticks left when the fire has gone out, someone has written something new in the ashes of your life. You are not leaving. You are arriving.”

Anneli and Michael will be in Dallas August 6th through 8th at the Sammons Center for the Arts. To register, contact Monica Blossom Hochberg at 214/597-6800 and/or visit www.flowetryinmotion.com. For more information about Spiritweaves, visit www.spiritweaves.com.

Prepare to Fly: Divinely Inspired Art by Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:34:31 +0000

The spirit bird waits upon the cosmic nest. She is resting and preparing to take flight. It is not time to spread her wings. So for now, she sleeps and has beautiful dreams of the future.

Even when we’re resting, we’re active. So much work is being done internally and on other planes of consciousness. We are busy reinventing ourselves, rediscovering who we are, and allowing more healing, and receiving of guidance. All this takes time and patience.

There is action in just being, imagining, visualizing, and dreaming. These are important efforts for choosing our grand new experiences. Now is the time to reach inside yourself and determine what you really do want. To fine tune your vision of yourself and your life. So focus on the joyful dreams you want to create, and prepare to fly.

©2010 Nicole Mizoguchi • www.nicolemiz.com • nicole@nicolemiz.com

Rest for the Soul: Divinely Inspired Art by Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:44:02 +0000

Rest for the Soul

There is a time to be active and a time to rest.

The flow and the rhythms are what your soul needs to grow fully. So rest when you need to rest and play when you need to play. A new year is upon us and will take us to many unexpected and wondrous places. But we need time to prepare for our work. Allow the internal processes to take place, clearing out the old and making way for the new. Make firmer connections with your inner gifts, love of self, and gratitude for all your experiences. There is hope for brighter days ahead, so rest and prepare. The world needs us and all our glorious gifts.

©2010 Nicole Mizoguchi • www.nicolemiz.com • nicole@nicolemiz.com

New Beginnings: Divinely Inspired Art by Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:40:58 +0000

Something new is forming but what is it?
There are many things shifting internally and externally. And Life doesn’t seem the same anymore. The colors may be bold or subtle and don’t always form what we expect. Things are still transforming and the picture is not clear yet. Whatever is meant to be will unfold. It’s already happening whether we can see the results or not. Allow the colors of your life to create it’s own picture. It will form into whatever is best for your growth and learning at this time. Surrender and embrace the process with joy as your new life begins.

©2009 Nicole Mizoguchi • www.nicolemiz.com • nicole@nicolemiz.com

Awakening Kundalini: Divinely Inspired Art by Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:49:28 +0000

Awakening Kundalini

When light stirs inside you it can be wonderful and also challenging.
You are on the path to discovery and new beginnings. Choose to move forward and embrace your direction with acceptance and peace.
There are many gifts awaiting you. No need to fear the unknown or doubt your capabilities. Be reassured that all is well and your journey will unfold in the best ways. You are doing better than you think! Take it easy and be gentle and understanding with yourself and others. We are all evolving in different ways. Focus on growth with love, joy, safety, guidance, and ease. Trust the process and take small steps to greater growth and happiness.

©2009 Nicole Mizoguchi • www.nicolemiz.com • nicole@nicolemiz.com

The Source: Divinely Inspired Art by Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:23:07 +0000

The Source

The source of everything is eternal. It is never depleted or extinguished. All things come from this source whether that be love, money, food, or life itself.

The source provides and gives in unlimited supply. By affirming and believing in this abundance of the universe, you allow miracles in your life and your world.

By trusting in what you know in your soul you release doubts and limitations. Free your mind and allow the source to take care of all your needs.

God is my source…God takes care of me abundantly.

Transformation Time: Divinely Inspired Art by Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Transformation Time

Again the light stirs rising from the internal world.

Energies that were sleeping now awaken.

It feels different, dynamic and unsettling.

Such a change can be confusing and the light may seem overpowering.

But this is a necessary shift to a new beginning.

Shift from being busy and scattered to being calm and focused.

This brings a more gentle flow and allows the light to take its course.

Everything is in order as it should be.

It’s an expansion and integration of something new.

Interview with Artist Ejay Moore

Tony — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:23:32 +0000

How did you get started?
I got started about 3 years ago. I lost/released a job I was quite fond of and found myself feeling pretty depressed and disheartened. My aunt was painting at that time and I guess hearing about her paintings planted a seed in my head that maybe I could paint too. So, one day, I went out, bought a couple of small canvases and some paint and got started. I painted almost everyday for several months in a row, loving every minute of it. I went from canvases to painting original greeting cards. In fact, in order to get ready for the first Wellness Expo I took part in, I painted roughly 400 cards (by hand, no reproductions).

Where do you find your inspiration?/ What is your creative process like?
My inspiration is purely spiritual. I know people say that so much it has become a cliche`, but it’s true for me. I will sometimes dream a concept and try to bring it to life on a canvas (sometimes it works, sometimes, not so much). I also have had instances where I’ve heard a word or phrase over and over and I’ll feel lead to try and capture that on canvas. Of course, there are other times when I just sit down and express whatever comes at the moment. I find that when I really release myself to the process, it’s pretty cool. When I’m TRYING to create something, that’s when I struggle. Isn’t that a life lesson?

What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
The thing I love the most about being an artist is that moment when I see people’s faces as they experience my art. Now, I don’t mean that in a narcissistic way at all. There is something wonderful about being a channel through which something came that causes people to pause, to wonder, to think. Even if they don’t like it, I love that moment of wonder – even if they’re wondering, ‘What the heck is that supposed to be?’ lol It’s fantastic!

What aspirations do you have for your work?/What impact do you hope that it will have on people?
I want to see my work everywhere! lol That’s right, I DREAM BIG! I don’t think we can ever have enough positive message out there and I am currently working on several product ideas using my work and life-affirming, uplifting captions. I want to inspire people to think, feel, do and be more (hence the name of my company, Think Moore Ink). This is about more than just art for me. I truly believe that I am helping people whenever they are exposed to something brought to life through me. I love what I do and I think it shows in the work, you can feel it in the work. I intend to leave the world better than I found it and I think I’m off to a good start.

I’ve participated in the Wellness Expo a few times now and every time, I’ve had a visit from the same older man and he asks the same question every time. He always walks up, gives a cursory look over my booth and says, “What are you doing to promote wellness? This is a wellness expo.” Now, the first few times, I just sort of gave some mumbled reply and went on about my business. The last time he visited, though, I had a different response. He asked his question and my answer was, “I am promoting wellness by exposing people to beautiful art and beautiful words, that’s what I’m doing.” He stopped and looked at me, hunched his shoulders and walked away. lol I was quite proud of myself, not only because I stood up for myself, but because I believed what I said. I’m doing my part.

email: ejay_moore@thinkmooreink.com
phone: 214 774 7005 (Please call to schedule a private showing)

Life Companions: Divinely Inspired Art by Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:46:14 +0000

Life Companions

When you meet someone special it adds new colors to your life.

You feel alive and the energy is strong between you. All relationships have a flow and a rhythm

Now is the time to strengthen the relationships that are most important to you.

Pay special attention to the connections that you have created. Don’t let them slip away or become complacent.

Adding new energy and vitality is what makes partnerships continue to grow and flourish.

See how beautiful and integral people are to your growth and joy.

There are many lessons to learn and new beginnings will come into view.

Reconnect with your life companions in a deeper way.

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Sweet Fire

Nicole — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:03:06 +0000

Sweet Fire

I’m like a butterfly attracted to a flame.
Drawn to the light radiating from you.
You inspire me to shine even brighter.
Feeling more whole and free and loved.

The universe brought us together to share in this
experience.

Connecting, learning, inspiring, and growing…

We all meet various people in our lives, who share in
our dreams.

They may be family, friends, or lovers who enrich our
lives and help us to see ourselves more clearly. It is
best that we honor what we have and enjoy the beauty
of those connections that flow to us.

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