Long Dance

What is the LongDance? In simplest terms, the LongDance is a moving prayer, a moving meditation, an experience of drawing aside the veils that, in our minds and in our culture, would separate us from the Source of all light, love, and compassion. As has been said before, we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but rather we are spiritual beings having a human experience. The LongDance reminds us of this and gives us a deep, rich, and often powerful experience of it. The main difference between the LongDance gatherings and the Sacred Circle Dance gatherings is that of intent. When we come together for Sacred Circle Dance, we may experience a wide range of dances and moods, and our intent is to connect with each other, the earth, the changing of the seasons, with other cultures, and with our own deep heritage. In the LongDance it is possible to have all of that experience within a greater context of an intent to create and weave together a spiritual, reflective, and meditative experience. We utilize a number of tools that are helpful in manifesting this intention: we begin with a ritual of smudging each other with the smoke of sacred sage, in the native american tradition, which helps us to slow down, get grounded, and recall our sacred nature into our consciousness. We sit in quiet meditation for a short while, slowing the body and becoming aware of the breath. Then we join the Dance! We spiral around a center of flowers and candles, a focus for our energy and an inspiration for our spirits. We dance within a circle of candles, a reminder that the light of Spirit is always surrounding and infusing us. As the evening progresses, the lights are dimmed, until just the light of the candles combined with the Light sparking from our eyes, hearts, and hands fills the room. We gradually slow to stillness and the music fades. We breathe, smile, glow. We are at peace. We are home. That being said, it is difficult to relate the nature of this experience using the symbols of words and sentences. If this calls to you, then please come join a LongDance gathering and experience it for yourself. *heartfire* July, 2003 The Subject Tonight is Love The subject tonight is love And for tomorrow night as well. As a matter of fact, I know of no better topic For us to discuss Until we all Die! - Hafiz