|
Polishing the Heart - February 2023
Dear Friends,
I have been to enough dance camps now to appreciate how each one has its own flavor, and things that make it special. Deborah and I are now home from our winter Dance trifecta in Mexico, three Dance camps back to back, and below I will share my observations on each and reasons you might want to join us at one or more of them next year.
After the upcoming Spring Ozark Sufi Camp in Missouri at the end of May, Deborah and I will be heading west on a three-month journey with our first main stop at the Salmon Wild River Dance Camp in Idaho, June 22-26. Our plan is to continue on to Washington, come down through Oregon, and then down the California Coast. We are looking for dance circles to meet up with along the way. Contact me directly if you would like connect.
Our intention is to circle back by August to be part of the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. I know a lot of us are making plans to be there! DUPNA is offering NextGen dancers and Dance Leaders (age 18-40's) scholarships with pre-paid registration ($250), plus lodging, and travel, up to $560. Contact hayatdupna@gmail.com to learn more. Click here to apply. As you can imagine, the excitement is building as we look toward our first Dance Camp here on The Farm since the Pandemic, April 13-16. A huge thanks to Allaudin Ottinger for agreeing to return for his third visit, in a way coming full circle since our first weekend together on The Farm back in 2018. At that time I was still brand new to the Dances, but ready to dive in with my full body and soul. That has now reached a new peak with my recognition as a Certified Dance Leader, which took place in Mexico.
If there is one thing the Dances have taught me, it is to listen to the voice in your heart. Or as Shakespeare said it, "To thine own self be true."
I am so grateful for this path that means so much to me and so many others. Hu! Peace,
Douglas -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The Bi-Lingual Dance Leader Training in Troncones, Mexico
After a morning dance session, Monica Shemaya and I (on either side of Darvesha McDonald, in teal) were recognized as newly certified leaders. When it comes to a beautiful location for a Dance retreat, I cannot imagine anything that can top Troncones, Mexico. The dances took place on a lush green lawn shaded by palm trees (OK mostly shaded). We looked out on the thunderous waves as the sun went down into the Pacific. It made some of the construction noise going on at the property next door that much easier to tolerate.
The first week was a bi-lingual Dance Leader Training, with about 50 people from 7 countries, including Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Canada, and naturally a number from Mexico. I was reunited with a young woman from Norway that I had met on the Turkey Caravan of 2019. Such a fiery spirit that truly added to all of our experience! I really enjoyed the camp's energy and have always been drawn to the mixing of cultures and hanging out with people who are not American, something I believe expands our conscious awareness.
 After a couple day break, the second week of dances began with Dance leaders Sky Roshay, Jen Friedman, and Shivadam. For both weeks, most of the group stayed in one of two hotels, one on the beach where we danced, and another slightly less expensive across the street. People also stayed in other locations close by, within walking distance. This gave the camp a sense of intimacy that you would usually only find when staying at a camp held in a remote location, where everyone is isolated together.
Although there were two shared meals included in the registration fee, almost every evening the majority of the group would drift to one or two restaurants just a minute or two walk away, adding to the sense of camaraderie. One featured live music on several nights, and our unrestrained enthusiasm on the dance floor got the whole restaurant on its feet!
There are basically two roads in Troncones, one coming in and a main drag with the restaurants and small hotels. No major resorts or nightclubs. It still has that feel of a Mexico beach town that has yet to be fully discovered. Yet, there was good internet and food options like Thai and vegan cuisine. The ocean waves were beautiful, but even the surfers traveled a few miles down the beach to calmer waters. If swimming is your thing, then you might want to consider Puerto Morelos. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Morelos Dance Camp, 20 years and counting!
 Dancing on the patio of Alaska House under our new sunshade cloth.
The strength behind this camp is a community that has been coming together to escape winter to this relatively small beach town for over 20 years. Many hail from the western U.S. and the dance community that has been built over those same decades by beloved Dance Leaders Bernie Heideman and Sky Roshay, but its consistency and time of year have made it a draw for folks from all parts of the States and an increasing number of Canadians. We even had a couple from Belize this year.
Early on in the camp's development, Bernie discovered and worked out a rental agreement with the owners of a private home right on the beach. With four upstairs bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large kitchen and spacious walled-in backyard and patio, it has served as the base of operations for countless potlucks and catered meals, workshops, nightly singalongs, and this year, dances.
 Qigong on the beach at sunrise, led by Jessica Noe.
While no longer as quiet and quaint as Troncones, Puerto Morelos is pretty mellow. You can still walk down the middle of the streets at certain hours of the day (although the taxi drivers prefer you stay on the newly rebuilt sidewalks). A plethora of restaurants are all within walking distance. A few years ago a huge supermarket opened right off the square, with just about everything you can think of available. It represents that encroachment of the new that turn off those seeking a quieter scene, but sure does add a lot of convenience.
You share the beach with a good number of Mexican nationals, mostly families on weekends. The water is warm and gentle, which the swimmers in our group love. Snorkeling is excellent right from the beach and for $20 you can take a boat out to the reef less than half a mile off-shore. I have found it to be a fantastic array of fish and sea life, as good as you will find just about anywhere. There are also a large number of cenotes, underground caves and collapsed sinkholes filled with crystal clear water for an eye-opening freshwater swimming experience, perfect for an afternoon day trip.
 Dancing with lights at night, and under a full moon A big part of the attraction is that Cancun is a major tourist attraction all over the world, which means roundtrip airfare can be had for as little as $300. Prices for rooms are quite affordable, especially if you are willing to stay in someplace not right on the water.
For many years now our group has almost completely occupied a 2-star hotel right next door to our homebase, with rooms at $60 a night, two beds per room. Definitely nothing fancy, but there is a fridge and a private bathroom. However, we sort of lost our foothold during the pandemic and were only able to secure 10 or so rooms there this year. Rumor is the owner plans to build a new 4-star hotel on the same lot closer to the beach in the not too distant future, so that could change things.
A few miles further away in the "Colonia," there are AirBnBs as low as $16, averaging around $50 a night for private space with a pool. This had led a number in the group to stay for a month or more before and after the camp, getting together for fun times on the beach and eating together in restaurants. Puerto Morelos is a town in transition, with Cancun looming off in the distance and development happening to the point that you are not really sure what it will be like from one year to the next. The Pandemic shut down several nightclubs which had made the nights and sometimes even the days pretty loud. It has been quieter these last two years but when that will change remains to be seen. Still, the power of shared community, fostered by long-term friendships and brand new ones, continues to be the driving force that has allowed this camp to endure through the Pandemic and carry it forward to next year and beyond. I hope to see you there!
 A sand sculptor honors the peace dancers Heartsong Retreat Center - Fire destroys 3 visitor cabins
Heartsong is a spiritual retreat center based on Sufi teachings nestled in the mountains of Arkansas. I had the pleasure of visiting and leading dances there in 2021. Last March fire destroyed the three cabins where visitors stayed and now rebuilding has begun.
 A long-term community supporter has offered a $5,000 challenge grant. Donations can be made by check to the address below, or you can visit their website: http://www.heartsongretreatcenter.com/donate/ to make a donation via PayPal.
Heartsong is a 501-C3 religious non-profit organization so contributions are tax deductible. Receipts and IRS ID# are available. Address: Heartsong Retreat Center c/o Khusrou Keltner HC 33 Box 39 Pettigrew, AR 72752
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
| My Dance Calendar (see more below) | ||
 |
When it comes to locations for a Dance circle, The Farm is different than any other. It goes beyond retreat center, or state park.
You can feel the vibe of 50 years of spiritual intention as soon as you pass through the gate.
You can feel the vibe of 50 years of spiritual intention as soon as you pass through the gate.
Dancing at The Farm Cemetery. Approximately 100 people are buried in this sacred ground.
Inside the community center, where we'll share meals and dances. Weather permitting, my intention is to dance outside as much as possible.
We are so happy to welcome Murshid Allaudin Ottinger, one of America’s best-loved leaders of the Dances of Universal Peace, as our dance leader for the weekend, his third visit to The Farm. A senior teacher in the Sufi Ruhaniat International, Allaudin inspires one and all with his humility, clarity, and inclusive nature, raising the energy to a state of profound joy.
- A Weekend of Dance, Music, and Celebration
- Kirtan
- Guided Nature Walk
- Farm Community Tour
- All Vegetarian Meals Provided
The Farm was founded as a spiritual community in 1971 on the principles of nonviolence and respect for the earth. This gathering brings together two important spiritual movements born from the renaissance in San Francisco and the energy emanating 50 years ago from the Summer of Love.
We are asking those planning to attend to be Covid aware. Please do a rapid test before leaving home and bring a test for yourself or anyone in your group to administer when you arrive. Thanks for understanding!
For more information, contact me: douglas@villagemedia.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, May 26 - Wednesday, May 31 - 41st Annual Spring Ozark Sufi Camp - “Open the Love Window”
With Special Guests Bernie Heideman and Forrest Pierce
Salmon Wild River Camp - Salmon Idaho 609 West 4th Street, Salmon, ID
Next to the largest wilderness area in the 48 states at the base of the continental divide and hosted by my new friends Zareen Connie Delaney and Wayne Talmage.
Next to the largest wilderness area in the 48 states at the base of the continental divide and hosted by my new friends Zareen Connie Delaney and Wayne Talmage.
I won't be there, but there is one more camp I want you to know about:
March 9-12, Joyful Journey, at Joyful Journey Hot Springs in Colorado, hosted by my good friends Bernie Heideman and Sky Roshay
March 9-12, Joyful Journey, at Joyful Journey Hot Springs in Colorado, hosted by my good friends Bernie Heideman and Sky Roshay
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your time and attention!
Peace,
Douglas
