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myth, ritual, and sacred image, woman's belly is a goddess. She is the power of
life to reach beyond death. Although
contemporary culture shames woman's belly and makes it a target of assault, native
cultures around the world have recognized the body's center as our connection
to the Power of Being, the source of life itself. The
names describing this sourcepoint include Sea of Vitality, Energy Garden,
Throne of the Creator, and Gate of the Mysterious Female. During
this three-day workshop we'll learn how to energize our bellies with power-centering
moves and dynamic breathing patterns drawn from yoga and other healing arts. Enacting
these moves, our bodies shape ancient symbols of the Sacred Feminine; our gestures
become a ritual that reconsecrates our womanhood and invokes the presence of the
Sacred Feminine. Through
movement and breath, we'll enliven the source energy concentrated in our bellies.
With several of the playful yet provocative inquiries for deepening awareness
presented in The Woman's Belly Book, we'll
use dialogue, reflection, journal-writing and art-making to bring forth the deep
wisdom and pro-creative power concentrated within our body's center. With
laughter, ritual, and creative expression, this program enables women to experience,
learn, and take home a life-long practice of celebrating the goddess in our midst.
Suggestions
for preparation: - Read
The Woman's Belly Book
- Record
your thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations related to your belly for at least
a week
- Notice
the use of the words "guts" and "gutsy" in the media and in the conversations
surrounding you
Supplies to
bring from home: - Journal
-
Pens or pencils
- Colored
markers or crayons
- About
50 sheets of blank white paper
- A
pair of cotton underpants in your favorite color
- Fabric
paints and brushes, if you have them
- Smooth
round river rock, 5 or 6 inches in diameter
- Mat
or blanket for floor stretches
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