Polishing the Heart, May 2026
This month's highlights:
This month's highlights:
- The April Dances of Universal Peace Weekend and Sanctuary Summit in pictures
- Our next Dance weekend is November 5-8, 2026
- Zikr of the Trees
- The Emerald: A podcast down the spiritual rabbit hole
- Bonus: Baby Turtles on the move
The April Dance Weekend
Dear Paonia friends,
Welcome to my newsletter Polishing the Heart! Many of you may already be receiving this, but for anyone new, I use this newsletter to announce Dance Weekends on The Farm in Tennessee, but also include various items of interest, spiritual perspectives, and reports on my travels to Dances around the world. I hope you find it interesting and informative.
However if you do not want to receive future newsletters, there is an unsubscribe button at the bottom, or you can contact me directly at douglas@villagemedia.com
It was great seeing old friendsd and making new friends! Much love to you all!
Douglas
Dance Weekends are so much fun...and deeply nurturing to our heart and soul.
This was our seventh dance weekend here on The Farm Community, with the largest attendance so far, around 50 people registered, plus staff, drop-ins, and as many as 30 Farm Dancers. We counted 82 on Saturday night. Large enough for powerful circles and small enough to remain intimate, really getting to know each other.
We shared eight meals together, walked in the woods, and toured the community, dancing all along the way.
The Sufis say to achieve a sense of universal oneness, polish the heart. Alhamdulilah!
In these challenging times, our dances are embodied prayers. This fall, join us to reap the Harvest of Gratitude!
Temperatures on The Farm in the fall are perfect!!
Click here to learn more.
Click here to learn more.
Farm Dance Weekend update:
The rental of our dance space has doubled in cost and food prices continue to rise. Still I want to stay sensitive to how everyone's cost of living is increasing. The registration fee for November 2026 is $225, which is still less than my previous retreats over the last several years. Only $150 for anyone 35 and under. Thank you for understanding! Register now
Namaste,
Douglas
Douglas
Zikr of the Trees - Words and Music
My deep and heartfelt thanks to all of you who have connected with me about my Dance, Zikr of the Trees. Here is a link to a YouTube video of the Dance with the words on the screen.
My deep and heartfelt thanks to all of you who have connected with me about my Dance, Zikr of the Trees. Here is a link to a YouTube video of the Dance with the words on the screen.
Here is another link to Zikr of the Trees from my album, Inner Knowing, recorded in a studio setting. I hope you enjoy listening to them!
Down the Spiritual Rabbit Hole - The Emerald Podcast
Listening to The Emerald was a learning experience, a podcast that explores the mystical realms of the world's cultures past and present through their beliefs and folklore, gods and godesses, to reveal how these elements resonate in today's world.
I learned about The Emerald and Joshua Michael Scheri, the man behind the show, when he was a guest on the Sufi Heart podcast by Omid Safi. I figured if Omid Safi likes this guy, maybe I should check it out.
Each episode is a multi-layered blend of narration, music, chanting, and sonic textures, making it facinating ear candy.
We are reminded that the Divine Mother is both the nurturer of nature, and Kali the destoyer with her necklace of skulls. Dragons and serpents, revered or feared in virtually all ancient cultures, are revealed to be more than monsters, but to symbolize the spiraling energies of life itself. Was Eve's serpent the temptation of the Devil or a purveyor of knowledege, whose true meaning has been distorted for power and even political gain?
I listen on Apple podcasts. Check out the website here.
Sanctuary Summit 2026 Report
The Sanctuary Summit last month on The Farm was pure bliss. On Thursday, we watched the energy build as our fields filled up with campers and it was facinating to see license plates from states coast to coast.
This event is becoming known for the quality of its musical performers, which of course includes the phenomenal Rising Appalachia. Sisters Leah and Chloe performed again on Sunday morning with an acoustic set that featured five outstanding women’s voices in harmony.
Sanctuary Summit is a family friendly event. The kids put our playground equipment to good use.
The food was spectacular, including the Farm based Skye Thai food truck and Bestival Roots, a homegrown food service.
And we had a great Dance Circle on Saturday afternoon! Sorry, no good pictures this time.
Check out this video from lead organizer Biko Casini, announcing plans for 2027. Music blogger Planetary Music produced 45 minute video of Sanctuary Summit, giving you a more in-depth look at all the great happenings!
Turtles are on the move, including the baby hatchlings.
When on walks, it’s helpful to keep an eye out for these little creatures and move them along to a safer place.
Let me know if you are interested in receiving my other newsletter, Farm Fresh, which I use to spread the word about community-based alternatives and the spiritual path.
Thank you for your time and attention! Come visit us!
Douglas Stevenson
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.douglasstevenson.com
www.villagemedia.com
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.douglasstevenson.com
www.villagemedia.com
