My mom said it’s a bit “racy” and that it made her blush. It definitely increases my heart rate much.

See, on the night soon revealed, I was tempted to keep to myself. To hide my talents and let them sit on the shelf.

Thanks to an angel and encouragement from a few, I got on that stage and did what I had to do!

I offer you this dance for pleasure and delight. AND, as a reminder to move through challenges and dance your dreams into life.

Enjoy the show and if it inspires you, share it with your friends and post a comment or two!

Muawah ~ Kisses!

This footage was captured (and originally posted on YouTube by CelestialCirque) at Hoopcamp 2010. That year was my first time teaching and performing (Philo, the Editor of hooping.org made be do it and I’m so happy he did!) at this AMAZING west coast event dedicated to the sharing and expansion of Hooping ~ the return of hula hooping as a fitness, meditation, dance and performance art. I’m so excited to return to the September 26 – 30, 2012 Hoopcamp ~ Movin and Groovin event where I’ll be teaching HoopYogini™ ~ Holistic Fitness with a Spin!. Registration for this awesome event starts today.

Win an online private HoopYogini™ class with me!
Learn how here!

It was just some tiny cells in my mom’s breast that had forgotten their purpose…but oh did they have power to transform our lives! Suddenly my mom started filling our house with flowers, crystals and gems. And we also heard her say weird things like ‘you need to listen to what you say because you will attract it’ or ‘I saw an eagle today, that’s why I know’. I didn’t comprehend at the time what she was talking about and when she left her body, the little 18 year old me sat there with this unbearable (at least that’s how it felt at the time) block of numbness, sadness, even bitterness and anger that I didn’t know how to deal with. I didn’t know yet that my mom – and the divine Universe through her – had already set me up with all the tools I needed to get through this challenging time and far, far beyond.

First tool: Crystals

I didn’t feel like anything material could bring her back so I didn’t care about her belongings. Yet there were two little things though that touched my heart the moment I saw them: a beautiful rose quartz and a little heart shaped peridot pendant (the ‘grace’ pendants from my collection are inspired by it). Studying about stones later I realized that both stones were stones for the heart – to open our hearts, giving us back the ability to love and to feel fully nurtured. There are endless people that have touched my heart since then, and I feel grateful my mom helped me to open it more than I ever had before.

Second Tool: Signs and the power of manifestation

The morning my mom left her body, a small green bird (this was in Germany where they don’t have green birds!) was sitting outside the window looking at me. Now every time I see a green bird (maybe one of the reasons I now live in Australia – I see them daily) I know I’m on my right path. It feels like my mom, my intuition and the Universe are all checking in with me.

I also didn’t realize at the time that the ‘weird’ things my mother had been talking about really stuck with me. I started noticing more subtle things, watching my language and thoughts and using affirmations – which started to make sense when I found a book in her things by Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Life. I loved her affirmations and still have her cards on my altar.

Third tool: Yoga

At first it felt incredibly uncomfortable to feel inside – it all was numb. One day a friend took me to yoga – and the movement and breath made ‘looking inward’ bearable – even enjoyable. The amazing sensation of calmness that overcame me felt so familiar but I had never known how to access. Now I had found a tool I would be able to use daily.

Equipped with these three tools, my journey led me all around the world, teaching me about people, cultures, design, yoga, meditation, philosophy and gemstones. Over the years I have seen how amazingly connected we all are – and what a difference it makes when you open your heart.

These tools have helped me so much I feel they can help others also and that is what Ananda Designs (do you see the green bird logo?) stands for – connecting you to that bliss inside of you that’s already there waiting for you to discover it.

Thank you Christina for this beautiful sharing of your reflections on nurturing and preparation for life’s journey.

Reader, if this post has touched you, helped you and sparked healing, please leave a comment below and share the post with your community.

Christina and I have partnered for a giveaway of the Ananda Design’s Lakshmi Necklace pictured to the left. An entry will be randomly picked on Friday, February 10. To submit your entry, go to my Facebook Page: Jocelyn Gordon ~ Ecstatic Embodiment Expert - and follow the entry instructions.

Please also visit Ananda’s Facebook Page for more information on Christina’s jewelry and occasional coupon codes towards web purchases. We look forward to announcing the lucky winner!

A-U-M. In the beginning was the the word. Word. Aum is said to be the original vibration from which all of creation has reverberated. The Big Bang that set the Universe in motion.

Pythagoras described the movement of the sun and planets as the harmony of the spheres, and Kepler later described the connection between geometry (sacred), cosmology, astrology, harmonics, and music as musica universalis. At a sub atomic level particles are described as vibration not matter. In India, the Universe has long been described as Shiva’s dance of creation and destruction. In one hand he rolls the damaru drum, which set all of creation in motion, in another is the fire which destroys it again. Many of the anthropomorphic Indian gods play instruments to symbolize the cosmic music.

I love music. And music as an analogy for the rhythm and harmony of life, nature, the Universe. There obviously is a rhythm to the movement of the cosmos. Our heart beats the primordial beat of life, right there in the center of our being. The music of the heart is always there. Ba-dum-ba-dum. The beat pulsating in perfect time to the rhythm of creation. The Funk. Just listen to it. Feel it.

If you want to play music you must listen and play along to the rhythm and harmony of the piece. If you insist on playing your own time signature, in your own scale it will not sound good. You’ll be out of time and play wrong notes. But if you are tuned in to the rhythm and harmony you will be funky! The same applies to dancing… and life. If we are not tuned in to the rhythm and harmony of how things really are, we will live in an illusion of how we wish things were, and be out of tune, out of rhythm. If we are tuned in on the other hand, life will be music. Music, that reflects all our experience, from bliss to blues. Different expressions of the cosmic symphony.

To be in tune we have to tune our instrument. Through meditation we can tune the instruments of our being and tune in to the cosmic vibration simultaneously. The mystics of India call this Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound. Listening to the un-struck sound. It can be used for healing and enlightenment. The Buddha recommended keeping your attention just like the string of a veena, not too tight and not too slack. Then it would have the right vibration to make sweet music.

Bhakti means devotion. It is the most powerful catalyst for personal development and enlightenment. The Bhaktas of are full of love and devotion for God / Life / the Universe, whatever you want to call it. They express this love and devotion through song and dance. Personally I wish to infuse whatever I do with that devotion. If I am playing the flute, singing, dj’ing or whatever, I wish it all to be an offering to the divine source of creation.

So when Jocelyn came up with the concept Bhakti Boogie® I loved it instantly. It’s Bhakti in a more contemporary, “funky” form. Meditating, dancing to funky beats, moving to THE inner rhythm. As the Grand Master of the Funk, George Clinton, said: “Free you mind and your ass will follow”. The other day I accidentally rephrased it “Free you ass, and your mind will follow”. It can work both ways!

MAY THE FUNK BE WITH YOU! ☺

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Dance your Truth ~ your inner rhythm connected to the divine pulse of the Universe! Join Dj Fyah Luv, Kevin James Carroll – Bhakti Yogi & World Musician, and I in Bali, Indonesia, March 10 – 16, 2012 for the Bhakti Boogie® ~ Dance Meditation Immersion at Michael Franti’s Soulshine Retreat Center. We will call on the Universal FUNk to assist us in liberating ourselves and others from TraumaDrama (those stories we tell ourselves about why we continue to suffer). Great airfare to Bali is still available. Register now to secure your space and dance Heaven on Earth!

The overarching message during that time was “You’ll know when you know.”

So true…

I remember that morning so clearly when the next best step revealed itself and two hours later followed, “I’m getting a divorce AND moving to California.”

What next? After doing the grown-up, responsible research and taking the steps required to dissolve a marriage and move cross country (I won’t bore you with those details), what would the day to day look like as I traversed through logistical steps A to Z? How would I move through and navigate these changes with awareness and empathy, and in some ways, create an emotional and expressive snapshot of this momentous time in my life?

Looking back, the pathway and support system are clear. First and foremost, my friends and family showed up, helped out and gave me so much love. My girlfriends came out STRONG and for this I am so appreciative and grateful. My Mom & Aunt, Step-Mother and the enduring yet non-physical relationship I have with my Grandmother, provided and continue to shower me with unconditional love. My Dad as always, listened with a nonjudgmental ear. These Beings helped me dearly with their presence, well wishes, “what if?” questions and sound advice.

Regarding the intention to express and chronicle this journey, the desire was real, the process was organic. In reflection, the following D.A.N.C.Es ~ Daily Actions Ensuring Conscious Evolution™ ~ saved the day. I offer them to you as a support system to move you through intense challenges in your life and to assist you in the discovery of your inner resolve.

1. Meditation
Yes, sitting, breathing, and allowing the Self to be. So simple and so challenging at times.

Meditation has a long list of benefits. Here are some benefits I’ve experienced:

• a release of stress through focus on the breath and present moment

• a sense of well-being and an expansion of trust

• spontaneous creativity and problem solving resolutions which seem to arise out of “nowhere”

There are many meditation tradition and approaches. I practice sitting with an aligned spine, focusing on the flow of breath in and out of the body, watching thoughts arise and dissolve, and returning to the breath whenever I get attached to those thoughts.

If meditation is new to you or if you feel you don’t have time to engage in this practice, start with three minutes a day and then eventually build up to 20 or more minutes. The i-Qi Clock app is a great tool to time your practice and transition out of your meditation with the pleasing sounds of chimes and singing bowls.

I’ve found that a morning practice is a great way to align with positive energies and to intend for a conscious outlook on life. Also, with an a.m. practice, your seated endeavor is completed before getting into the full swing of day-to-day activities.

For a guided meditation experience, sign up for my Awaken Celebrate & Inspire newsletter. As a bonus for joining my mailing list, you’ll receive for free, my Awaken Seated Meditation audio when it’s released at the top of February. The practice is designed for beginner meditators and connects you to your breath and to the earth, enriches the discovery of your inner wisdom, and assists you in creating intentional aims for how you would like your day and life to flow. These are all great tools for navigating change and strengthening the ability to let go.

2. Gratitude Journaling
We’ve all heard Oprah and those into the Law of Attraction discuss the power of gratitude and gratitude journaling. It’s actually quite practical and a great way to remember what’s important, to chronicle the continuous blessings flowing in life and to shift you into an improved mood when you’re feeling down: gratitude begets a positive attitude.

Before and during the divorce transition, I wrote down the moments, people, messages and lessons that I appreciate in my life. A dedicated gratitude journal was kept near my bed (and still is!) to write down these appreciations before sleep and upon rising.

Purchase a journal for yourself that’s dedicated for your daily appreciations. Colored pens can also be a nice addition. Reflect on what’s written in your journal when you’re feeling down or when you want to elevate your mood.

4. Expressive Arts Therapy
I suppose this offering should be titled “Embrace the Child Within”. During the divorce transition, I was also compelled to draw…with chalk…outside…on the entryway. I took frequent work breaks to hoop (as in the return of hula hooping) outside and what can I say, my daughter’s colored chalk collection was very compelling.

I found myself inspired to hoop, then draw, hoop again and repeat (frequently). The experience was liberating and ignited the unfolding of me falling in love with myself again. My expressions expanded into self-portraits and poetry.

Enter the innocent space of discovery and let yourself create with curiosity and without limits. Take photos of yourself with your iPhone and computer camera. Doodle and write poetry. Include the date on your precious revelations as you chronicle this chapter in your life.

5. Dance!!!!
This list of D.A.N.C.E ~ Daily Actions Ensuring Conscious Evolution™ ~ would be incomplete without shouting out the benefits of Dancing! Dance is my first love and it’s my direct portal to my authentic self and connection with Spirit. It’s liberating, expressive, healthy on so many levels and just feels good (even when dancing discomfort or through discomfort).

To be clear, by “dance” I mean moving your body, consciously and with intention, to discover, release or share the Truth of the Moment and the Essence of Self. No choreography or additional set of preconceived notions are required. If you can walk, you can dance! Better yet, if you can breathe, you can dance.

The kitchen and my bedroom seem to be my favorite dance domes. Find the space that feels good and organic for you. Maybe it’s a private space, or maybe you want an audience (being witnessed is a powerful healing tool). I would frequently dance in the kitchen with my daughter looking at me like I’m crazy until she eventually joined in.

I’m fond of three song playlists as inspiration for daily dance explorations. Below is a playlist that may assist you in dancing sadness, letting go and moving into a space of positive expectation. Pandora is also a great resource for getting your dance on! Pick a channel and move for at least three songs.

Playlist:
1. Chan Chan ~ Buena Vista Social Club
2. I Hate This Part ~ The Pussycat Dolls
3. Breathe (Extended Mix) ~ Telepopmusik

“…to heal you must be able to dance, to hear the music from deep within.”
extracted from The Dancing Healers by Carl A. Hammerschlag, M.D.

Dancing unifies even when dancing feelings of separation, confusion and fear. By acknowledging what’s real, space is created for healing, resolution and peace. Dance daily and frequently. Your energy will soar and your outlook on life will improve. In addition, you’ll get a great workout that will tone the body, strengthen the heart and clear the pores. Dancing is Holistic Fitness!

Separation, divorce and breakups are all opportunities for growth and self-discovery. In truth, life is an experience of constant deaths as the only constant is change. It’s best to learn how to dance with this Truth. Fortunately, we have many tools for navigating through and expressing all that Life has to offer. We are always supported.

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Please comment below and share this post. Dancing Forward…

Dance your Truth and join me in Bali, Indonesia, March 10 – 16, 2012 for the Bhakti Boogie® ~ Dance Meditation Immersion at Michael Franti’s Soulshine Retreat Center. Adam Dreisler aka Dj Fyah Luv and Keven James Carroll, Bhakti Yogi & World Musician will assist us in liberating ourselves and others from TraumaDrama (those stories we tell ourselves about why we continue to suffer). The Early Boogiesattva Rate is extended until Friday, January 27. Great airfare to Bali is still available. Register now to secure your space and dance Heaven on Earth!

There are several practices that boost my courage, soothe my heart and help me integrate change. I’ll continue to share them with you. Sign up for my newsletter to ensure that you’ll receive each post.

Are you ready to move through resistance and into the life of your dreams? I’m your coach. Receive Collaborative GuiD.A.N.C.E & Coaching Sessions to identify and speak the BIG Dream & CORE Vision that you wish to be true for you and your life.

It was challenging letting go, completing relationships and ending a cycle. I’d been the family massage therapist since beginning a Reflexology apprenticeship at the age of five, followed two decades later with a professional practice. Massaging was sentimental and it was what I “did.”

My massage clients taught me how to listen to the body and it’s seemingly silent messages. The yoga mamas reinforced a deep appreciation for the initiation of childbirth and motherhood. I was going to miss these people and that brought on a discomfort which led to procrastinating the inevitable ~ moving on and evolving.

That said, more challenging to deal with was the burnout I started to experience years prior, combined with the fear, doubt and resistance associated with eliminating core components of my business. Who would I be? What would I do? How would I create income?

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anais Nin

One day, while meditating in a yoga class, my inner voice spoke loud and clear – “Stop trying to satisfy your love of and gifts for sharing dance, through massaging and teaching yoga. Your direct channel to Spirit and joy is through dance.” The message was real and unmistakable.

I listened to my intuition – internal truth messenger – and took courageous steps towards living my truth. Shortly thereafter, I focused on developing my transformational and fun movement practice, Bhakti Boogie®, became a Hoopnotica Master Hoop Dance Instructor, traveled to four countries to teach hula hooping to adults, and was featured as a lead instructor and choreographer in the Marisa Tomei hoopBody DVD.

I had no idea at the time that letting go was going to rapidly usher in so much growth and fulfillment in my professional life. The experience revealed to me that when you’re on purpose, aligned and authentic, life showers its’ abundance.

I Cheated On My Fears.
Broke Up With My Doubts.
Got Engaged With My Faith.
Now, im marrying my dreams.
Anon

Looking back, I see that this adult experience of choosing to let go strengthened currents of courage and trust in my being. Currents which supported me this year in ending my six year marriage, moving my daughter and I across the country, and reducing my work load with a long term client. (You can see that I’m one for big transformations.)

To say the least, 2011, was a year of immense change.

As such, I’m currently fascinated with death and the petit morts – little deaths and ironically the French word for “orgasm” – that happen each moment. Strolling down the beach and occasionally looking back to observe the distance traveled, has become a practice. Looking at what is gained through the space created by what is released, has become a contemplation.

Since moving to California this August…

• I have found community and immense beauty in the landscape of the central coastline.
• My daughter and I live in a gorgeous home with a view of the Pacific Ocean meeting the sky. We cherish even more the relationships with friends and family back east.
• My coaching business has grown and I’m thrilled to offer a Bhakti Boogie® ~ Dance Meditation Retreat in Bali, Indonesia this March.
• My first HoopYogini™ DVD is in post-production.
• The beautiful website that I’ve dreamed of has been birthed.
• My first blog post (you’re reading it), a cathartic expression of truth, has been published

‎We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Joseph Campbell

Thank you for reading and witnessing this journey. Life is constantly unfolding and more deliciousness will be revealed.

In this season of reflection and the closing of another year, I know there are many releases and changes for you to acknowledge and process. Today, now, comment below and tell me what you’ve let go of and what that spaciousness has created in your life. What are you letting go of now to allow space for your truth and dreams to shine?

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There are several practices that boost my courage, soothe my heart and help me integrate change. I want to share them with you. Next week, I’ll provide you with D.A.N.C.E – Daily Actions Ensuring Conscious Evolution tips that helped me initiate and navigate consciously through some of the change mentioned above. Sign up for my newsletter to ensure that you’ll receive the post. To help you connect to your intuition – internal truth messenger – you’ll also receive a FREE download of my Awaken Seated Meditation audio as a member of my newsletter community.

Are you ready to move through resistance and into the life of your dreams? I’m your coach. Receive Collaborative GuiD.A.N.C.E & Coaching Sessions to identify and speak the BIG Dream & CORE Vision that you wish to be true for you and your life.

Please comment below, share this post and share the love as I’m letting go of fear to allow for vulnerability and connection. Dancing Forward…