Trance Dance for Healing

O keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions' beautiful laughter

Keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From the sacred hands and glance of your Beloved
And, my dear,
From the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body.

Now, sweet on,
Be wise.
Cast all your votes for Dancing!

(by the poet Hafiz)

For centuries, (perhaps since forever), trance dance has been a part of healing traditions in many cultures of our beloved Earth. In the healing practice of bellydance, rhythmic drum beats, chanting, and movement pathways have been used for the healing of every malady.

It is through trance dance that the whole person, and all the factors that have contributed to the pain they experience is addressed.

For example, if you have a simple cold, and you begin a dance to enter a trance state, you may begin to cry, and then discover, that you have a sorrow that needs expression (emotional healing). At the same time, the movements you dance are creating warmth. Your blood is moving faster, and your lymphatic system is dispensing healing fluids (physical healing). Through chanting and movement, you may be able to connect with the source of your existence (creator, God, higher self, etc.), but none-the-less, you will feel your burdens lighten as you dance(mental and spiritual healing).

"Dance My Pain Away"

These experiences are part of the perfect order of our creation. They bring us lessons and reminders of our humanness. But we do not need to be victims of these encounters with pain and suffer ceaselessly.

Researching and exploring a healthy diet and lifestyle can prevent many unfavorable conditions. We can ask an expert to remove it or numb the sensation of the pain from our body with medicine or surgery. We can rest and see if it will just go away.

Dance feels good, dance brings pleasure. So, in the midst of pain, draw on the wisdom of bellydance....

Dance, when you're broken open.
Dance, if you've torn the bandage off.
Dance, in the middle of the fighting.
Dance, in your blood.
Dance, when you're perfectly free!

(by the poet Jelaluddin Rumi)

Trance - A First Experience

Preparation

Here is a simple, safe, yet powerful way to begin your healing dance practice. Please read all instructions carefully.

First and foremost, create a safe and inviting environment for your dance. It needs to be free of interruptions, and free of clutter and dangerous objects. If possible, have soft lighting and a comfortable room temperature. Mirrors can be distracting, so cover them if you can.

Second, collect some music, a journal or piece of unlined paper, and writing/drawing utensils (pastel chalk and a pen are recommended). A special note: try to make the music seemless and continuous. If it ends before you are finished, be prepared to replay it, or put on more music.

Third, go to your journal/paper, write and set your intention for your healing dance. That is, complete the following sentence:

With my dance, I intend to (better understand, get more clarity, figure out, etc.)...........