Cliff January 10th, 2007
So I mentioned before that I went to a Dance Meditation winter retreat/monastery/movement workshop. It was a week long, and held at the Margaret Austin Center outside of Chappel Hill, Texas.
I started my journey by traveling to New Orleans, to split up the trip at my friend Kryss’ house. I must say, that I was both shocked by the detestation that New Orleans is still in, and heartened by how much people are working to get things back to normal. Kryss’ apartment is functional, but the houses on both sides of her were still under reconstruction. However, the French Quarter was business-as-usual for the most part, so we did a little shopping while we were there. The city is mostly in desperate need of tourism, so if you get a chance, go to New Orleans soon, while they need it most. I know folks are talking about going to NOLA when things are “back to normal,” but they won’t get that way if folks don’t go back now. (end preaching)
We swung by Baton Rouge to pick up Shamsi, another bellydance instructor and member of our little chosen family, and then headed off to Texas.
Each day started off in silence, with a simple breakfast of oatmeal. The morning session lasted for four hours, and consisted of several exercises (with short nap times in between!). Lunch was another simple vegan meal, with evening session a few hours later (for three hours) and then dinner. It was an easy routine, with quiet in the mornings, socializing in the afternoons & evenings. There was plenty of free time, and I took full advantage of all the opportunities for napping.
Honestly, the first few days I had trouble quieting down, and at one or two points I thought to myself, “Gah! I’m surrounded by hippies! I need a computer! Let me go caress my jump drive!” But on day three I finally settled down and relaxed. A couple of times I got into really deep states of meditation while I was moving, which was awesome. I also had the opportunity to meet some amazing people, with wonderful life stories.I took some photos and video, most of which were done the last day (once I knew folks weren’t going to think I was some creepy voyeur with a camera at a dance workshop).I will be going to New Orleans again to do another Dance Meditation workshop in April. I hope to see a lot of my new friends from this time, and to meet some new friends as well!
Cliff January 9th, 2007
I have a tendency to over-commit myself. I get excited about various projects (with attached deadlines), and of course I want to do everything, so I say “Ok!!!”
I just got a message from the folks in Brazil that they won’t have enough funds to fly me down this year to present at Conferência de Wicca & Espiritualidade da Deusa. My response? “Whew!”
I was looking forward to going down to present, teach, eat, drink, party, and relax (yes, all at the same time). However, I think it might serve everyone (and my nervous system) if I put this presentation off until 2008, and spend at least part of 2007 relaxing.
Without this hanging over my head, I’ll feel much better about focusing on book chapters, courses, library instruction sessions, etc. etc. etc. I’ve already bowed out of teaching hooping this semester for the Student Recreation Center, so with a few more cut-backs, I think I’ll be back to a manageable life!
PS–how lucky am I that I have so many great opportunities that they’re overflowing to the point that I have to say no?!?! My life rocks!!!
Cliff December 26th, 2006
As of tomorrow, I’m headed to Texas for a week-long Dance Meditation workshop. I’ll have a stop over in New Orleans to visit with friends, and then it will be a week of movement, meditation, walking on nature trails, journaling, and eating vegan food. It will be weird to be unplugged for a week–no camera, cell phone, internet, caffeine, etc. When I come back, I’ll only have two days before it’s time to start teaching again.
I really need this break. As much as I love my work, I was getting a little burned out. And yes, I have enjoyed the holidays so far, but they suffer from a frenetic energy this time of the year that people impose upon themselves. It is as if we say, “Ignore the darkness, ignore the cold, ignore the solitude, and party party party till the sun comes up!” I don’t think that is a well-balanced or healthy answer to this season, and so I look forward to this chance to be still and quiet during this part of the year.
I don’t really have any expectations–maybe I’ll come away with some insight, rested and relaxed, ready to face the new year. Maybe I’ll be bored out of my skull. Maybe I won’t be moved at all. But I will know that I tried something new and different, and stepped out of my routine for a little while. Regardless of what happens, I hope to have a great story for y’all when I get back.
Have many Happy Holidays!
Cliff December 26th, 2006
I am officially done training in the Faerie Faith. I am now a High Priest of that Faith.
I traveled up to Auburn for Winter Solstice, and went through the Final Passage, which is analogous to most Wiccans’ Third Degree ritual. I began my training in April of 1999, so after roughly 7 1/2 years of training, I’m done.
I can’t really begin to explain how I feel. However, I do know that this is more of a beginning than an end.
PS–Not to reduce the gravity of the situation, but I was told that I have the title “Lord” now. But considering that I don’t have a fiefdom, I doubt I’ll be able to introduce myself as Lord Cliff with a straight face.