My Blog

Hoop Jam Tonight in Carrboro

julahoopflower — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:45:48 GMT

HoopDrum JAM CARRBORO CENTURY CENTER Tonight! 7:30 - 9 pm FREE, Open to all Some drumming, Some Dj'd Tunes, Some Hoops Provided (Bring your favorite if you have one!) All Flow Toys Welcome peace & flow julia & scott

Winter Solstice Fashion Show, Hoop Jam & Craft Fair

julahoopflower — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:29:25 GMT

You are invited to join us for a celebratory event the Carrboro Century Center featuring a fashion show of unique clothing designs & re-cycled garments, live music, craft fair and hoop-spin-dance jam. WHEN: Winter Solstice Sunday, Dec 21 6-9 pm Fashion show @ 6:30 Live music and jam beginning immediately afterwards WHERE: Carrboro Century Center FREE and open to public. Fun for all ages. Whether you want to spend an evening with the community, get your groove on or find some last minute unique local gifts, this should be an awesome time! If you're interested in vending, you may secure a table space for $20. Email Julia: hoopflow@gmail.com. Also, let me know if you may be interested in modeling. Dress funky, bring toys. Spread the word. All spinners welcome=) In joy and peace

Hoop Convergence 2009 ~ Save the date ~ Spread the Word

julahoopflower — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:58:05 GMT

Greetings hoopers~ I am psyched to announce the dates for Hoop Convergence 2009. Thanks for your patience and enthusiasm. Friday, May 8 - Monday, May 11 Chestnut Ridge Retreat Center Efland, & Carrboro, NC The retreat center rests on nearly 400 acres of beautiful NC forest. Price is $395 Your ticket includes: 3 nights, 4 days to deepen your hoop practice meals - organic and mostly local lodging airport shuttle incredible hoop workshops (a few amazing teachers already confirmed!) multiple jams ~ live music! endless inspiration one afternoon in downtown Carrboro - Weaver St Market brunch and Town Commons classes hoop bliss and more hoop bliss Hoop Convergence honors the many paths of hoop dancers. Whether hooping is your personal spiritual practice, livelihood (through teaching or performance), your vehicle for social outreach and community building or ALL of these things (as for many of us), this gathering will inspire and enrich your journey. This years date happens to fall on Mother's Day. I hope that you hoopin' mamas may treat yourself to this magical experience to celebrate and commune with your hoop sisters and brothers. Scott & I will be updating the Hoop Convergence website over the next few weeks. We will post teachers, information and payment procedures as details come together. www.hoopconvergence.com If you are interested in teaching, please send a proposal to hoopconvergence@gmail.com. Video created by Kevin Co & Stefan from interviews during HC 2008 www.vimeo.com/1853860 Happy Thanksgiving! In gratitude and joy, Julia

Kevin Brock passes - his rhythm shall be missed

julahoopflower — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:35:51 GMT

I'm stunned and deeply saddened to write these words. Kevin Brock, musician and friend, passed Sunday night in his sleep. While it seems to be a peaceful passing, it still feels untimely as he is so young and seemingly healthy. Thus far, the reason for his passing is a mystery. He will be missed tremendously in our community. As a teacher and performer, I know he's affected so many in profound ways. In honor of him, I am writing here to express impact he's made in my life. If you've ever met Kevin, you've probably been moved by his incredible rhythmic artistry that combined a soulful lyricism with a fiery passionate percussion. His music ranged from world beat percussion to soundscape stories to gypsy jazz. Kevin was also a regular and primary piece of our local Paperhand Puppet Theatre's band. In addition to being a phenomenal musician, he was humble, genuine and kind - one of the most consistently kind beings I have known. He seemed to speak, live and play from his heart. If you have visited Carrboro for Hoop Convergence or a Hoop Path Retreat, you have been moved by Kevin's beats. His ethereal and funky rhythms have been present at the jams at Beth's during the retreats and the Chestnut Ridge fire dance evening. He was always so grateful to be included in community events that inspired movement. The first time I met Kevin, between 6-7 years ago, he and another local percussionist, Jill Baldwin, delivered me to a place I didn't know existed. As they played, two girlfriends, Kia and Rebecca, and I danced. Although I had danced to drums before, I had never had such a pure and transcendent experience with movement and rhythm. It was at a difficult time in my life. After the ceremony, I felt healed, exorcised -as in cleared of negative energies that were stuck within my body. I almost saw the spiritual passing of these demons as I embodied the pounding beats. I've always been grateful. Every note seemed to be played or not played with such a spiritual understanding. I'm grateful for Kevin for the healing, for influencing my understanding of the healing power of the drum, and igniting the passion for marrying the dance with the drums beat. Obviously, this has greatly influenced my current path with my rhythmic partner. Kevin was also my first drum teacher. We exchanged drum and hoop lessons to explore and experience the magic from the other side. We both felt a little stuck in our comfort zone, he afraid to move, and me afraid to create rhythm or express my voice in sound. I remember him offering me my own advice, to play. I was very comforted by his patience and his encouragement. He was so clearly not there to judge my playing. By the end of our trade, we each spun a hoop while shaking, clacking, stomping with bells and tapping cow bell. Kevin also enriched my love of the drum kit and taught me to read music. I'll forever remember, honor and play - loudly - hearing his words of wisdom. It is a rare gift to be both a talented performer and an incredible teacher. Last night, as Scott & I sad silently between disbelief and despair, I watched my memories of Kevin float by my mind's eye.. Each memory I have seems as powerful as the first. I feel so blessed to have embodied his passionate playing on so many occasions. While our coming together was always centered in music and dance, I also feel blessed to have shared a heartfelt conversation every time. He was so open to hearing the dancers' reflections and desires. If someone knows the power of the dance, she knows the gift of the musician. The last time we shared a song, I bowed at his humble feet. Every experience has been divine---- I am so grateful for his gifts to this world and community. Sending love to all of Kevin's friends, family, Casey. I can't imagine how great is her pain. Dancing in honor of your spirit, Kevin. Julia To hear a bit of Kevin's work... http://kevinbrockdrums.com/home.html

Say No to Sarah Palin

julahoopflower — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:52:13 GMT

This week I've received plenty of emails expressing opposition to Sarah Palin for VP. I figured this is one of the best places to fwd on. Below you'll find an open letter from Eve Ensler, the author of "The Vagina Monologues" and an email sent to me that includes a place where you can send your own comments/ thoughts/outrage to add to a blog, "Women Against Sarah Palin." It only takes a minute and it is helpful to articulate why you may personally be opposed to a candidate for office. Vote. Vote wisely. Vote heartfully. We cannot afford to lose more lives, species, freedoms. We must protect rather than ravage.... Peace, julia Friends, compatriots, fellow-lamenters, We are writing to you because of the fury and dread we have felt since the announcement of Sarah Palin as the Vice-Presidential candidate for the Republican Party. We believe that this terrible decision has surpassed mere partisanship, and that it is a dangerous farce-on the part of a pandering and rudderless Presidential candidate-that has a real possibility of becoming fact. Perhaps like us, as American women, you share the fear of what Ms. Palin and her professed beliefs and proven record could lead to for ourselves and for our present or future daughters. To date, she is against sex education, birth control, the pro-choice platform, environmental protection, alternative energy development, freedom of speech (as mayor she wanted to ban books and attempted to fire the librarian who stood against her), gun control, the separation of church and state, and polar bears. To say nothing of her complete lack of real preparation to become the second-most-powerful person on the planet. We want to clarify that we are not against Sarah Palin as a woman, a mother, or, for that matter, a parent of a pregnant teenager, but solely as a rash, incompetent, and all together devastating choice for Vice President. Ms. Palin's political views are in every way a slap in the face to the accomplishments that our mothers and grandmothers and great-grandmothers so fiercely fought for, and that we've so demonstrably benefited from. First and foremost, Ms. Palin does not represent us. She does not demonstrate or uphold our interests as American women. It is presumed that the inclusion of a woman on the Republican ticket could win over women voters. We want to disagree, publicly. Therefore, we invite you to reply here <mailto:womensaynopalin@gmail.com> with a short, succinct message about why you, as a woman living in this country, do not support this candidate as second-in-command for our nation. Please include your name (last initial is fine), age, and place of residence. We will post your responses on a blog called 'Women Against Sarah Palin,' which we intend to publicize as widely as possible. Please send us your reply at your earliest convenience-the greater the volume of responses we receive, the stronger our message will be. Thank you for your time and action. VIVA! Sincerely, Quinn Latimer and Lyra Kilston New York , NY womensaynopalin@gmail.com "Drill, Drill, Drill I am having Sarah Palin nightmares. I dreamt last night that she was a member of a club where they rode snowmobiles and wore the claws of drowned and starved polar bears around their necks. I have a particular thing for Polar Bears. Maybe it's their snowy whiteness or their bigness or the fact that they live in the arctic or that I have never seen one in person or touched one. Maybe it is the fact that they live so comfortably on ice. Whatever it is, I need the polar bears. I don't like raging at women. I am a Feminist and have spent my life trying to build community, help empower women and stop violence against them. It is hard to write about Sarah Palin. This is why the Sarah Palin choice was all the more insidious and cynical. The people who made this choice count on the goodness and solidarity of Feminists. But everything Sarah Palin believes in and practices is antithetical to Feminism which for me is part of one story -- connected to saving the earth, ending racism, empowering women, giving young girls options, opening our minds, deepening tolerance, and ending violence and war. I believe that the McCain/Palin ticket is one of the most dangerous choices of my lifetime, and should this country chose those candidates the fall-out may be so great, the destruction so vast in so many areas that America may never recover. But what is equally disturbing is the impact that duo would have on the rest of the world. Unfortunately, this is not a joke. In my lifetime I have seen the clownish, the inept, the bizarre be elected to the presidency with regularity. Sarah Palin does not believe in evolution. I take this as a metaphor. In her world and the world of Fundamentalists nothing changes or gets better or evolves. She does not believe in global warming. The melting of the arctic, the storms that are destroying our cities, the pollution and rise of cancers, are all part of God's plan. She is fighting to take the polar bears off the endangered species list. The earth, in Palin's view, is here to be taken and plundered. The wolves and the bears are here to be shot and plundered. The oil is here to be taken and plundered. Iraq is here to be taken and plundered. As she said herself of the Iraqi war, "It was a task from God." Sarah Palin does not believe in abortion. She does not believe women who are raped and incested and ripped open against their will should have a right to determine whether they have their rapist's baby or not. She obviously does not believe in sex education or birth control. I imagine her daughter was practicing abstinence and we know how many babies that makes. Sarah Palin does not much believe in thinking. From what I gather she has tried to ban books from the library, has a tendency to dispense with people who think independently. She cannot tolerate an environment of ambiguity and difference. This is a woman who could and might very well be the next president of the United States . She would govern one of the most diverse populations on the earth. Sarah believes in guns. She has her own custom Austrian hunting rifle. She has been known to kill 40 caribou at a clip. She has shot hundreds of wolves from the air. Sarah believes in God. That is of course her right, her private right. But when God and Guns come together in the public sector, when war is declared in God's name, when the rights of women are denied in his name, that is the end of separation of church and state and the undoing of everything America has ever tried to be. I write to my sisters. I write because I believe we hold this election in our hands. This vote is a vote that will determine the future not just of the U.S. , but of the planet. It will determine whether we create policies to save the earth or make it forever uninhabitable for humans. It will determine whether we move towards dialogue and diplomacy in the world or whether we escalate violence through invasion, undermining and attack. It will determine whether we go for oil, strip mining, coal burning or invest our money in alternatives that will free us from dependency and destruction. It will determine if money gets spent on education and healthcare or whether we build more and more methods of killing. It will determine whether America is a free open tolerant society or a closed place of fear, fundamentalism and aggression. If the Polar Bears don't move you to go and do everything in your power to get Obama elected then consider the chant that filled the hall after Palin spoke at the RNC, "Drill Drill Drill." I think of teeth when I think of drills. I think of rape. I think of destruction. I think of domination. I think of military exercises that force mindless repetition, emptying the brain of analysis, doubt, ambiguity or dissent. I think of pain. Do we want a future of drilling? More holes in the ozone, in the floor of the sea, more holes in our thinking, in the trust between nations and peoples, more holes in the fabric of this precious thing we call life?" Eve Ensler September 5, 2008

Harbin Hoop Jam, Harbin, CA

julahoopflower — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:44:36 GMT

Hey hoopers! Do y'all know about the Harbin Hoop Jam happening at the end of September? It is being sponsored by Patrick (aka Merlin) of PSI Hoops and the lovely Nayeli, one of the Convergers. I hear Harbin Hot Springs is BEAUTIFUL! It sounds like a great retreat without specific instruction, but a cooperative and open space to jam with other hoopers. It will be a 5 day jam right after the Santa Cruz Hoop Camp. Date: Monday- Friday, September 29 to October 3rd, 2008 Place: Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown, California Website: www.playahoop.com (The following is copied from an invite from Patrick & Nayeli.) The idea is to have a safe and beautiful space where advanced practitioners can come and jam together. We can dig into the physics of the hoop, deepen into our spiral practice, play together, inspire and support each other, form community, invite the emergence of ….the magic of the living hoop….. The conference center at Harbin is an ideal location. 2600 sq ft wooden floor, high cathedral ceilings, a great sound system, 2 large private hot pools (room to soak, play, dance and swim and we have had over 40 people in one of them!), 3 healthy and delicious meals a day, all in a gorgeous setting way out in nature. It's a treat. The facilitators of the jam, Nayeli and Merlin, are not intending to make a financial profit from this. Harbin itself is not cheap and we are charging you a few dollars a day on top of their fee so we can cover expenses for the jam. Merlin is up at Harbin at the moment, emailing you this from there, feeling the vibe and knowing it's the perfect spot. (The following is an excerpt from the website.) Note that the Hoop Jam is limited to 30 participants because we want enough space to be able to hoop freely. As space is limited, we cannot guarantee that there will be a place for you, so its advisable to register as early as possible. This is not said as a promotional ploy. If you are really excited by this jam, we would like to have you there! If you get stoked by this, tell Merlin I sent ya! Peace and hoop bliss to ya! Jewels

Knoxville Area Hoop Dance Workshops & Fire Performance

julahoopflower — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:04:15 GMT

I am excited to be invited to Knoxville, TN to teach hoop dance classes and offer an evening performance. If you are in or around the Knoxville area and want to make a weekend of it, you could come take Sat & Sun workshops (which will progress) and come out Saturday night for live music, belly dancing and fire performances. Workshops: Saturday, May 3rd @ 1:00 and Sunday, May 4th @ 11:00 Both days at The Shed in Maryville, TN $45 per day or $75 for both. Saturday Night at The Shed Belly dance and fire hoop show Featuring Belly Dance by Ananda Lisa Zahiya ("Belly dancer of the Universe" winner) Jen Amann (Asheville, NC) and Jewels (Carrboro, NC) all performing to the music of the Wondering Circus. starts around 6:00 pm To Register for workshops, Contact Jaia: jaiamara@bellsouth.net

The Story Of Stuff

julahoopflower — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:30:18 GMT

Please carve out 20 minutes to watch this video. http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Moving, Afterschool, Haiti, Convergence, Peace & Gratitude

julahoopflower — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:16:44 GMT

This may be the most *all over the place* blog I ever write. But here goes.... MOVING I am moving....AGAIN...Sunday For 7 years I *nested* in a townhouse in Carrboro, but now I am on my fourth move in 3 years. My second move in 3 months! For some reason, the owner of the kickass apartment we moved to selectively dismissed the info we discussed about Scott being a professional drummer and me being a professional dancer - the whole conversation about our lives revolving around and to music. Understandably, none of us would anticipate the enormous 3 car garage underneath our place filled with antique automobiles vibrating so violently and amplifying the sounds of the drumset, as if the drums were being played in a giant bass drum. Basically, the drums can hardly be heard on the other side of the apartment, but sing/pound (depending upon your perspective) through the hood and most disturbingly through the walls of the closest home filled with an anxiety ridden set of twins. Two approx 45-50 year old ladies, twin sisters, moved in next door who seem to hate - well, a lot of things. I was EXTREMELY angry at first when our landlord said "there can be no drums here. PERIOD". But now, I suppose I'm relieved that we don't have to live next door to these two as I'm sure they will find more to complain about. I can make a pretty safe guess that outdoor hip hop on the Ion will NOT go over well. CONVERGENCE This wouldn't be AS BIG of a deal if it weren't for the Convergence in April. I've never spent so much time, energy and thought on one project in my entire life. I've learned so much about planning, interpersonal dynamics, excel, google docs, legalities and organizing - everything going on in my mind. That is HUGE for me! I wish the move didn't have to be before the Convergence, but 'tis what is. So, I continue to ride and try to maintain peace despite the bumpiness. Really, its all wonderful. Everything is coming together beautifully and my "to do" list doesn't feel that crazy. I mean, geez, I'm sitting her writing the first blog entry in forever when I've hardly been able to hang on tribe lately. There are beautiful individuals taking on various pieces of the project and its going to be a blast. I am grateful for the opportunity to get together with everyone and trust it will be an incredibly fun and enlightening time. PANIC I started to "panic" about packing this morning, but then I remembered that "this too shall pass" and went to pick up the new keys with gratitude and excitement. It is a sweet place that has been renovated with someone with GREEN consciousness. It is already efficiently insulated and painted with low VOC paint and has other environmentally and health conscious details. No vaulted ceilings, but a huge yard, a nice porch, ample space, a good view, option to buy and AURAL FREEDOM for jams (including hoop jams for several outdoors!) SURRENDER AFTER-SCHOOL With my re-discovered good attitude and sense of surrender to the flow of the universe, I drove a few minutes from the new home to the afterschool program I visit once per week. My friend Natalie hooked the principal up with a hoop. She fell in love and decided it would be great for the kids there to have a hoop group. Natalie passed on my name and I have been going there since last spring. (Thanks Nat) I have been taking my system out to the school grounds for jam time and just hangin' and hooping. I feel for them b/c they have pretty rigorous days of sitting and studying and then go straight to doing homework. By the time I get there, they often run for the outdoors like a race has begun. It's been interesting to understand my role as a hoop teacher in this context. I am finding that each age group, each individual and developmental stage has a different need for hooping. I teach a group of four & five year olds who are discovering their hips and building coordination with the help of the hoops. I bet they are the most "hip aware" group of youngsters around. You'd think the middle schoolers would be ready for choreographed pieces and basketball game appearances, and it could be that way if maybe I were more demanding. I have taught middle school classes during the school day where they learned a lot of moves, concepts and choreographed pieces. But, in this context, I have found that what they seem to desire the most is the release from structure, a time for embodiment, play and occasionally some good one on one. AUTISM? There is a girl who is - I'm not quite sure, but I think -high functioning autistic. Last Spring and Fall, she seemed so scared and was definitely uncoordinated. One day, early on she hugged and thanked me for spending time with her breaking down a cartwheel. I remember a lot shifting that day for me. Today, i was struck by how different she is now. She is perhaps the best hooper of all the kids. She is lifting the hoop and linking moves and jumping. It's pretty remarkable, especially considering how hesitant she was about any movement just a few months ago. She refused to even try hooping on the core for quite some time. Now, I truly think she's talking more articulately, confidently and expressively. I'm amazed and wish I knew more about her history & her special education to know how much/ if any impact the hoop is having. I have really appreciated the days I've gotten to spend some one on one time with her. I know she doesn't have a lot of friends. She says I'm her favorite teacher. I have found my role at this after school program to be a counselor through movement, which I embrace with openness. For the past two years, in an attempt to supplement the unstable hoop income and deepen my understanding of movement through various stages of development, I have worked at after school programs, designed home school programs, camps etc. This has give me an opportunity to be around kids; lead them through the natural world; teach them various movement arts; learn from their insightful simplicity and astute observations; remember how to play; attempt to communicate more clearly; respond to "situations" or conflicts when they arise; and offer an ear or conversation when needed. I enjoy that when you're "playing" with someone, they are more likely to open up about whatever they need to express/process. There's no pressure, so things just happen naturally and there's an established trust through shared play and movement. Today, while we hooped, my autistic friend/student talked about witches, magic, healing, properties of peppermint, her desire to have a job and her worry about moving away this summer. She expressed being sad b/c she wants to keep hooping with me. She says I'm like a sister and she's sad to not see me anymore. I wanted to cry...want to cry. She lamented how hard it is/will be to make friends. I suppose I must just be grateful that we have touched one another; that the hoop has facilitated a relationship and possibly something therapeutic for her. I will send her off with a hoop and the knowledge to make more. Who knows what doors the hoop will open for her in her new home and social situation. It may be much needed companion, or the unique thing that helps her make new friends. HAITI Not much before that, Kathie - my friend who is the Director of Family Health Ministries, the org who sponsors the orphanage I visited in Haiti - came to pick up her son who was also hooping with us. She told me she has just returned from Haiti and had visited the orphanage in Fondwa. According to her, the kids pulled out the hoops and really impressed her with their skills. They asked her when i would return to dance. I can't wait to go back and visit. GRATITUDE I have such deep gratitude for these experiences, connections and relationships. I have such gratitude for the hoop and the other individuals who helped to facilitate the experiences. So many folks helped me to get to Haiti so I'd like to share that warmth with them as well. The entire community - local businesses, friends, family, local and global hoopers, spinners, hoop pathers - came together to send me and a stack of hoops to Haiti. Many thanks. PEACE OK...I've wandered through this blog for quite a while now. Luckily, I've been told that "all who wander are not lost." Maybe just tired... GOOD NIGHT

Hoopie Award Nominations: Gratitude

julahoopflower — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:22:10 GMT

PIcture from Weaver St Market, 2004 I just found out about these nominations and feel honored to have been nominated for Fire Hooper of the Year. Also, "Hoops for Haiti" was nominated for "Event that introduced hooping to the largest audience". I am honored that an evening of playful filming with Scott on drums "Friday night date" was the video that introduced me as a fire hooper to the youtube & hooping.org community. AND that an event that was very significant for me, the local community and a group of Haitian orphans (who had never seen hooping before) was recognized as well. Thanks for the nominations. Since I never posted this fire hoop video on tribe and have found a recent fire video from a holiday performance, I thought I'd post them. Fire Hoop Drum (this is the very simply revised video from the original that was linked to hooping.org.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQDjn9p-FRM Dec. 1 performance with A Full Circle~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrB8uRfggDA In gratitude & revolving joy

New Moon Distress...Direction...Gratitude....Belief...

julahoopflower — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:39:26 GMT

"Look out for the New Moon on December 9, since it's one that is highly likely to stir up restless feelings or produce surprises. Wild and crazy Uranus forms a tense 90-degree square to this Sun-Moon conjunction to produce shockwaves in your life." (Jeff Jawer) This is a line from a horoscope I read yesterday that helped to put Sunday in perspective. I totally flipped on Sunday, the day of a new moon in Sagitarrius, and could not seem to get a handle on the emotions. Now, I take *full* responsibility for the bubbles I drank on my birthday - Friday night. I deeply enjoyed the birthday party at my friend Able's as it was a delight to be surrounded by lovely, loving, creative individuals, especially in heavy times. And Saturday night, we had to drive back a hella late from Wilmington, so I got little sleep b/c i wanted to be able to support Scott's late night driving. So, admittedly, I was exhausted. But the intensity was overwhelming. Unfortunately, when its that bad - luckily its not too often - I neglect to hoop b/c I have too much mental shit to *focus on* and *figure out.* (AS IF...It's all just a ride anyways so let go or strap in and breathe, right...) I have been feeling intense emotions over a slew of things in the past months. My personal life is, in general & even sometimes guilt-fully, good, though busy. (Especially hectic when compared to the year before when I lived between the woods in Saxapahaw and Pickards mountain - hooping, drumming, walking, being in love with Scott, nature and the hoop while being without a computer in my home to really reach out to create "work opportunities" or spend x # of hours a day absorbing ridiculous amounts of computer energy.) I've been blessed to experience a lot of wonderful things things this year and been pushed to new dimensions in my spiraling hoop life. But I have also lost friends -seemingly because of hoop related issues - which feels strange, complicated and sad. On top of those two opposing emotions - of loss and gain, sadness and excitement- I have also been watching a lot of films, mostly documentaries, which leave me confronted with intense social/political/economic issues. I feel like a lot of the other aspects of my life - both good and bad - are put in perspective by some horrifying global realities. This all culminated in pretty intense anger, sadness and frustration on Sunday. I woke up crying, feeling like I had to change some MAJOR things in "my" world.. A few days earlier, while pondering questions of "how/where to focus my energy," a soap stone carving from haiti fell off the wall and hit me on the upper back...What the f**k? Surely coulda killed me if it got me in the cranium! The carving, a woman's head whose crown is beautified with a spiral, my favorite piece of artwork I've brought back from Haiti, represents both a goddess of hoopdance and my memories of and relationships with the Haitian people. "What does THAT mean?" I wondered amidst a heavy holiday hoop crafting session...A friend simply suggested to "pay attention" because there should be some resolution or revelation around the curve. Poor Scott was thrown for a loop when I couldn't shake the "un-rest" possessed by a strong "dis-ease" on this mysteriously maddening morning. We looked for new places to live (and we may be moving from our sweet but TINY cottage really soon), and I continued to process all the reasons why life was total poop. At the time, and still to some degree, I feel totally confused about what's truly important. I am genuinely, deeply grateful for the past year, the individuals I've connected from around the planet along with every breath. Doors to teaching and intriguing hooportunities keep presenting themselves. Amazingly, for the first time in over 6 years, I am supported (though by incredibly meager and varying income) by my passion and years of work in the realm of hooping. The work is continuing and varied, so that's a blessing. I have a hoop class for tiny ones (ages 4-5), an afterschool class at a nearby middle school, adult classes, a struggling mom & me class, hoop sales, workshops and unpredictable performances. They all come together to "get by". How freaking lucky is that? When I was in Haiti, I remember feeling that I should feel grateful for *AnY* work opportunity in the world as most folks wanted, but had no way to make money. The fact that I LIKE my work, is HUGE. A rare gift from the Universe....I bow in gratitude to the guides on this 'one turn' (literal translation of uni-verse I recently read.) Even if it only works for another week, it's been a wonderful learning experience that I am eternally grateful for. So, given this blessing, which way do I steer? what else is important??? After watching a series of documentaries including The Future of Food, Maxed Out, An Inconvenient Truth, Born into Brothels, to name a few, and then a film called Zeitgeist (you gotta see this streaming video at www.zeitgeistmovie.com just to consider the ideas presented), reading news about Iran, some youtube videos from Iraq and reading the hateful comments posted there.....I felt a bit hopeless...A similar feeling fueled my hoop passion in Oct of 2001. As I hooped more and more, i began to realize I had some power to positively affect others through sharing the experience of this movement. I have invested so much time and energy to cultivating a practice and imagining how it will positively affect the world through its healing bliss for individuals and its profound power for communion with others in divine joy. It seems clear that I have a distance yet to go on this hoop journey, but I'm wondering how to fine tune my focus a bit so I'm investing sustainable energy in the "right" direction that will make my heart sing, while aligning all my actions with my thoughts and beliefs. "What does that mean?" you may ask...Well, I'm not exactly sure yet, but the questions are out there and I have some beliefs to guide me... *I believe the Hoop Convergence is a great step for continued learning, sharing, community building and envisioning a r-evolved world where love of the simple but profoundly beautiful joy simultaneously decreases the desire for excess & acceptance of waste AND increases empathetic understanding and peace through blessed feeling of oneness. I believe this is a very worthwhile project that will require a lot of attention. *I believe the seeds planted for collaborative projects with Ali & Caroleeena as "A Full Circle" and Scott as "HoopDrum" should be nurtured as we are exponentially stronger in community. We are able to learn, share, laugh, and support one another. I love the increased energy and inspiration of collaboration and friendship. *I believe the middle school I work with has offered a great opportunity to connect with a lot of kids in a group and one on one that, I think, needed a moment or guidance in the hoop. I believe this work is important and desire to facilitate more experiences like this- hoping to inspire creativity, movement, confidence, playfulness and respect for one another through various play and potentially school assemblies. *I believe sharing films and information and increasing dialogue is a good place to start so that feel responsible, able to respond, to the calls of people and creatures around the world who need attention. *I believe my Haiti vision is going to be put off until after Hoop Convergence, but is still on the horizon. This feels right. We'll see if the Haitian Goddess smacks me in the head... I believe working with adult women is challenging and inspiring me to learn more about the bodymind, various forms of movement, sacred dance and women's history that I would like to continue. *I believe I need to keep up my practice, especially in times of distress, to retain sanity. *I believe that it is possible to have joy and be a revolutionary. the picture was posted by a friend here on tribe, Athanatos. He posted this pic on a day when I was feeling pretty upset this past summer. she seemed to express my distress and it turned out that the name of the pic was "julia". Crazy, heh?? http://people.tribe.net/9141b651-e5d7-4fb1-b1f8-8c0adc338d9b

Vlog: Contact Juggling and hooping at Concert for Peace, Durango, CO

julahoopflower — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:47:26 GMT

One gorgeous sunny afternoon in Colorado, I picked a practice spot on the lawn of the campus by the amphitheater. All of the sudden, to my surprise, a band set up for a concert to promote peace. It was a fun afternoon with a local college band, The Shoes. Here's one relaxed video clip of me from that day. You'll see Mark spinning poi too. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dBMhxCmrB8 So, after I hooped for a while, I looked over and this guy, Mark, was rockin' a sphere. I was totally mesmerized by his flow. Here are two video clips of him contact juggling. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGRKgrgNx9E www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBAcUSVlIk0

Returning home: Durango, Hooping, Haiti & Global Healing (long post, as usual)

julahoopflower — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 02:13:31 GMT

My stay in Colorado was enriching and energizing despite the complications getting there. As I recently wrote, I had to shift everything around and arrived in Albuquerque super late Monday night. My host arranged for a rental car and I checked in for about 4 hours of rest at a motel. The next morning I set out for a four hour drive through beautiful land. I watched the sunrise over the ruggedly sculpted landscape; drove through an Indian reservation; practiced my presentation aloud (since there was little on the radio); and discovered an oasis like coffee shop in Aztec, CO where I was able to enjoy my first nourishing ‘meal’ in two days. From Aztec, the drive was even more gorgeous as I followed the crystal blue Animas River through the mountains to Durango. I flew standby the following Friday as I couldn’t bring myself to rush home without soaking in a little of the town. My dear friend, Ali, hooked me up with a buddy pass so I was gifted two more days in Durango to walk through the town and trails, make connections with people, explore thrift shops, lay in a crystal bed and deepen friendships with my hosts. Again, I spent an entire day in the Airport as I was flying standby, this time in Salt Lake City. I flew in between the full moon and the sunrise over the snow peaked mountains of Utah. I’ve begun to find my time in the airports a bit comforting except for the ungodly amounts of water wasted between the automatic flushing and hand washing stations. As our part of the country is in a dire drought, I thought I’d lose it every time I witnessed that much drinking water going down the tubes…(BTW, if ever in the SLC Airport, I enjoyed the best airport meal to date at Squatter’s Brewing Co, one of the only privately locally owned businesses I’ve encountered in an airport ;-) Oh, and I decided to leave the hoops that hadn’t found homes in Durango. We felt pretty sure they’d find homes eventually and if not by purchase, by donation. My host, Marcy, a professor at Fort Lewis College and wellness activist throughout Durango, was an angel through my entire stay. Not only had she created this opportunity for me to teach here in CO because of her sincere enjoyment of hooping at the National Wellness Conference. She and her partner opened their beautiful dome to me and fed me for my entire stay. She and her partner, Barbara – also a kind and gentle, animal loving person- were beautifully hospitable, conscious, inspiring and insightful. I am forever grateful of this time and my new friends. I have so much gratitude for Marcy for believing in me, the hoop and her instincts that my coming would be significant for the both of us. I arrived in Durango with about an hour to spare before the presentation (on four hours of sleep!) Getting a bit nervous, I set up my laptop for a slide show, ipod, and video camera (as public speaking has been the greatest challenge of this life for me, I decided to employ this ‘record & revise’ technique for improvement as I now do with hooping. For so long, I was so shy and nearly devastated by watching myself on video in any capacity; then was without the archiving tool; and now consider it such a vehicle for learning. I probably stunted my own development as a hooper early on because of my shyness in watching video with practice mates in those early stages. Of course, I’ve yet to watch the video, except for my dance performance which looks OK, but since I had so much floor to utilize, I’m going in and out of the camera lens the whole time; - ) The luncheon was set up for interested faculty and staff to hear about this movement practice and how I believe it contributes to personal wellness and potential for global healing. I told a brief story about my journey as an individual with no particular faith- in fact resentment towards organized religion- through a religious studies program that introduced me to the mystics of a variety of traditions and liberation theology. My studies lead me to explore altered states of consciousness attained through ritualized dance, meditation, prayer and intoxication and the revelations and sensations of empathy and oneness experienced in those states. I left college wanting to experience these mystical insights without a rigid structure, typical ascetic requirements or drug dependence while positively impacting the world in whatever ways possible. However, I always thought those two pursuits would be separate – until the hoop took me! Then I began developing a mystically moving meditation practice that inspired a spiritual belief system that incorporates wisdom from a variety of religious traditions, bodymind philosophies and, of course, revelations from dancing with the hoop. I offered some stories of my history of outreach – working with kids locally & abroad; volunteering to assist individuals living with HIV, participating in construction crews providing homes in Mexico and Haiti, and more specifically the work and play in Haiti involving spreading joy through hoops– in addition to reflections of my personal healing through hoop dance. After the story, I danced and lead them through a brief hoop participation segment so that they could feel the magic for themselves. All in all, I believe it was a successful presentation. If I could do anything differently, I would have danced at the beginning so they wouldn’t have been trying to marry their preconceived notions of ‘hula hooping’ with the spiritual practice and outreach I spoke of. I think, as soon as I demonstrated, there was a room wide – a ha moment – that increased understanding. As I mentioned in the earlier blog, I believe I was invited because of the combination of being a long time hoop devote and my vision of taking hooping to Haiti to promote joy and human connection. Fort Lewis College had chosen Tracy Kidder’s book “Mountains Beyond Mountains,” a biography of Dr. Paul Farmer who has dedicated the greater part of his life to providing health care in Haiti, for their campus wide book reading this semester. As Dr Farmer introduced me to Haiti through a book describing social, historical, political and medical histories in Haiti, I was honored to have this opportunity to relate my story to his and relieved to get some extra time in my travels to read this biography (perhaps the reason why my travel didn’t go as smoothly as desired.) Dr. Farmer’s work in Haiti (and the US) deserves more than a brief mention in this blog, but I promise to dedicate another to him, his work and his beliefs about the savage inequalities in the world. He is certainly an inspiring role model for me. After the workshop, I went on to a radio interview. The college radio station is currently featuring guests in conjunction with the book, “Mountains beyond Mountains.” I felt honored to be a guest on this program as the previous two shows broadcasted a two part interview with the author of the book, Tracy Kidder. The radio station manager, Nancy, was intelligent, humorous and insightful (and very hoop enthused.) Her questions (before, during and after the official interview) really challenged me in a good way. When I receive the radio show on disc (as I haven’t heard it yet) maybe I can post the recording somehow. As I stated in the last installment, I did my best to remain calm about the shift in travels with a curiosity about ‘why’ this delay was happening. Sitting and reading this book and my old journals gave me a little perspective. Life had been moving so fast since I first decided to return to Haiti. After the decision to go, there was a fund-raiser, then the trip, summer camps, Wellness Conference, workshops and tax deadlines, blah blah blah… Re-reading my journals, I realized that I was at the point of returning to live in Haiti at the end of both visits but hadn’t really had enough time to soak all the feelings in. Returning to my life here and the positive movement and momentum of things, have somewhat distanced me from the passionate connection I cultivated with the Haitian people I have met. But it’s so difficult to just let life go and re-locate to a country like Haiti – especially when you’re in love, feeling creatively inspired and finally being on the cusp of gaining some sort of financial stability – (something that I haven’t really had since I began dedicating so much time and energy to hooping.) As beautiful as it is there, I think I should take things slowly and see if there are other ways I can participate with the community there. I am still cultivating relationships through emails and letters and know I will continue to nurture them as time moves on. So I suppose its time to envision the next visit. Of course I have the work I enjoy and feel compelled to do here and may support taking the love abroad. My hope is to travel with others and decide what talents & strengths we have between us that could be helpful in Fondwa and/or neighboring villages. I feel strong, experienced, connected and aware enough to get a group into Port au Prince, to a guest house where the food and water can be trusted, then out to the rural area where I am familiar with a variety of people and projects. The re-forestation project is fascinating and miraculous. There is a plan for a garden space in the orphanage. There is a desire for some type of water/sewer management at the orphanage (a latrine or composting toilet)…Garden work at the Guest House…Potential work at the School… Dance and music demonstrations/playdates at school and orphanage…So I believe this is the next step – to organize a unique “mission” trip with the intention of spreading joy and offering labor to create sustainable systems in this region of Haiti that has nothing to do with a specific religion, but instead human compassion. The nun at the guest house encouraged me to bring a group. She believes that music and dance are important for the kids and they definitely can’t afford teachers. (I also know that Wyclef Jean spends a lot of energy there with city cleanup and arts projects, as it is his homeland. He sometimes offers free concerts on the beach. It would be awesome to look into his next performance there.) If you’re interested in going to Haiti, let me know. In gratitude, Jewels (aka Julia, Julah) PS..If you’re ever in Durango, CO, places of interest include: The Steaming Bean (coffee) Places of note Animas (Great store with socially conscious products, Buddhaful clothing, misc.) Reruns (Thrift shop) Carpe Denim (Vintage shop) Durango Natural Foods Fort Lewis College (including amphitheatre and indoor theatre) Pathways in Bayfield (Offering various healing modalities, books, oils, crystal bed)

Hoop's Too big???

julahoopflower — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:24:35 GMT

Shewww!!! What a morning!! I am on my way to Durango, CO to teach a couple of hoop workshops and give a talk on "hooping and global healing." Fort Lewis College is focusing on Dr. Paul Farmer's work in Haiti this semester and thus my experiences hooping in Haiti were fortunately of special interest to them. Since I've never had trouble traveling with a stack of hoops, I decided to wrap up two bundles with 15 hoops each in some fun fabric for the trip and carry on all my personal baggage. As these workshops are for beginners, the hoops are pushing 3.5 ft, but again, this isn't that new and has never before presented issue. Well - until today! My flight from RDU to Charlotte happens to be on a super small plane with an extra small (2.5 ft) cargo door. IKES!!! George, the US Airways Rep who assisted me this morning tried so diligently and creatively to get me on a plane with an accommodating baggage entry. He was immediately intrigued by the oversized hoops, my somewhat unusual attire (not unusual to me, but several airline employees have looked at my long blue furry vest with question and surprise) and the nature of my travels in general. Despite his genuine efforts, there was no way the hoops can get to Durango on a plane before my workshop tomorrow. Deep sigh. Inhale. Exhale. Brainstorm. Problem Solve? Surrender. Just in case you are ever considering emergency fed ex-ing hoops on the fly (haha) --- It's $690 for 3 day express AND it's $1200 for this size package overnight! Plan C?? BUS or Rent A Car? At the last moment, I figured a mid-west road trip was my last option. Luckily, I can get into Alberquerque, NM tonight at 11 pm. That means a few hours of rest and a 3 hour car drive in the a.m. WITH HOOPS for the workshop at noon tomorrow! After 1/5 hours of internet research, this was a glorious solution to my un-fed and somewhat weary bodymind. I had begun to consider driving from Phoenix - more treacherous 9 hour trek that may be snow covered in parts. Relieved, I sit in the RDU airport waiting for my flight that doesn't leave for FOUR + hours! (Of course the first thing that came to my mind was that movie the terminal ;-) and then the wish of having my personal hoops with me to enliven this wide open gate hall.) But I've lined up water, odwalla and a soy latte to wash down my protein bar while I finish my power point presentation here on the sunlit floor of the airport hallway. As fate would have it, there are no troubles for my travels home with hoops. I still hope I'll be able to find good homes for them in Durango. Lessons? Hmmm... 1 - Call the airline ahead of time to see what type of plane I'm traveling in to make sure the cargo door is suitable for an average groove hoop. Note that there are really small planes with really big cargo doors. 2 - Search out the local hoopers in final destination. When I went to the Wellness Conference in WI, there were no hoopers there, so I had to get the hoops there. Durango may not be a hoop hot spot, but Colorado has to be full of hoopers! It would have been more fun to rent a stash of play hoops and pass on hoop sales to a local, than to drag two arm loads of hoops across the country anyways. Plus, I would've gotten to connect with other hoopers! 3 - If no hoopers there, go a day or two early with tape, find a lowes and craft hoops in town. 4 - Keep breathing~ My body physically expresses the sensation of panic and stress. I've been trying to surrender to the flow of the universe and breathe more to offset distressing moments. Being 'in the flow' is more than a hoop state. It is a way of being - leading this dance of life the best you can but yielding to the unexpected shifts in momentum as they inevitably arise. When I freak, I can't think clearly to problem solve anyways. That response has gone pretty well today. Today's occurrence could be a blessing even if I never fully realize why. Besides - it would be laughable to get too worked up about getting a stack of sparkly adult toys on a plane. I mean, this world is a tough place that's sooo full of tragedy and despair. I'm going to Durango to speak about Haiti, a place that puts all my woes in perspective. So now I return to my power point to finish the slide show presentation. Grateful, humble, excited, and a little hungry for my daily poached eggs in the face of a day in airports...

International Day of Peace

julahoopflower — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:28:19 GMT

"Every war and every conflict between human beings has happened because of some disagreement about names. It's such an unnecessary foolishness, because just beyond the arguing there's a long table of companionship, set and waiting for us to sit down..." -Rumi This Friday - tomorrow - is the United Nations International Day of Peace. In 2001 the United Nations General Assembly set this day for people of all places and spiritual practices to observe one day of nonviolence. "This global 24-hour spiritual observation for peace is meant to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual practices in promoting peace and preventing violent conflict" (www.idpvigil.com.) There are events happening throughout the world with the intention of creating a deeper sense of peace upon the planet. Please take time tomorrow or throughout the weekend to envision a peaceful world, manifest a higher energy, resolve inner or relational conflicts in whatever ways you can. PEACE opposite of war relationship characterized by respect, justice & goodwill absence of hostility mental or spiritual condition marked by freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions calmness of mind and heart serenity of spirit eternal repose state of harmony For more visit www.internationaldayofpeace.org

SAVE CARRBORO GREENSPACE

julahoopflower — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:46:10 GMT

Spreading the word for my friend, Tracey and for the entire community we live in... Come this Saturday-August 4 and bring hoops! Dear friends of the Carrboro Greenspace, The property at 116 Old Pittsboro Rd is one of the only green spaces left in downtown Carrboro. In addition to its ecological diversity & geographic importance to the region (research shows green spaces are absolutely crucial to breathable, livable cities), the land houses important community projects that are vital to ensuring a sustainable and livable future in Carrboro and beyond. This land is a treasure that we simply cannot afford to lose! Currently these 10.5 acres are under great threat! The residents of what has come to be known as the Carrboro Greenspace: Center for Community and Sustainability, have been given notice to leave, as the owners attempt to sell the land to the highest bidder. Once sold these 10.5 acres could be developed, built upon and closed off to the pubic. This means we would lose the wildlife, watershed, hardwoods and the possibilities for community that the space currently houses, forever. Moreover, at risk are the creative, educational community events, projects, and exhibits that the Greenspace has come to be known for. ----------------------------------------------------- [2] AUGUST 4th EVENT CALL_OUT 5:30 p.m. Bring a local ingredient food dish to share in a potluck. 7:30pm Be a part of the carnival parade. We will be having a parade/ carnival to downtown Carrboro starting at 7:30 p.m. on August 4th to pied piper the rest of the community to the Carrboro Greenspace and raise awareness of this last magical greenspace in the heart of Carrboro. So far we have the goats, the chickens and a person dressed as a tree as part of the procession. We encourage anyone to come with a costume for the parade/carnival preferably with a theme of community, greenspace, habitat, art, global warming, peak oil, animals, sustainable energy, bicycles, sustainable transportation, local food, community gardening, local energy, local retail, local anything, permaculture, social justice, or whatever else you see fit. Music is also needed! Exhibit space available. The house will have some walls available for exhibiting. If you have art related to public space, greenspace, species survival, community, then please let us know to see if we can fit it in. If you have anything you would like to exhibit not necessarily related to these themes, please contact us to see if we can accommodate it. Volunteers needed We will need help with organizing on Friday August 3rd and on August 4th. If you will be available to help in any way please let us know ASAP so we can organize efficiently. --------------------------------------------------- [3] ONGOING CARRBORO GREENSPACE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED CANVASS We are currently canvassing in Carrboro to invite the community to what may be one of the last events at the Carrboro Greenspace on August 4th, to raise awareness of the status of the Carrboro Greenspace, and to solicit support for the Carrboro Greenspace. If you would like to help us Canvass please contact: (If before Sunday August 29 contact Jagmeet Mac 260-5500) After Sunday call 951-5200. FLYER We will need help with flyering all of Carrboro and Chapel Hill for the August 4th event, this Sunday early afternoon. If you can help us, please rsvp at 951-5200 (you can leave a msg, with your name and phone number). We will be meeting at 11 p.m. at 116 Old Pittsboro Rd. (Carrboro) to do this. Bring a staple gun or tape if you have either. ------------------------------------------------------ [4] FURTHER ACTIONS TO SUPPORT/SAVE THE CARRBORO GREENSPACE 1) Sign our petition. We have recently put our petition online. Sign on to our petition demanding that 116 Old Pittsboro Rd. remain a publicly accessible, green, community space that is a hub for sustainability and community projects. www.ipetitions.com/petition...eenspace/ or through the link at carrborogreenspace.org/ 2) Join our events/action listserve. Any potential buyer will most likely have to go through public hearings to obtain special-use permits. If enough community members make their opposition visible, we could make a strong impact, so make your voices heard publicly! (Sign on to our email list so we can update you when there are actions where your voice and presence could make the difference!). Send request to carrborogreenways@riseup.net in subject line write: add to events listserve. 3) Help raise funds for property acquisition The Carrboro Greenspace Collective (a state non-profit umbrelled under SURGE a 501-c3 non-profit) needs to raise 1 million dollars to purchase the land and turn it into a conservation easement. We need your support, or your help finding people who might be interested in donating to an incredibly worthy cause! a. By finding an equity/debt partner(s): Do you know someone who has enough money available to benefit from a tax write off associated with a conservation easement donation worth 1 million or capital gains tax? Please contact us at carrborogreenways@riseup.net or (919) 951-5200 b. By tax-deductible donations Send to (In memo line write: Carrboro Greenspace): SURGE P.O. Box 1188 Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514 4) Two Last Events to Experience the Carrboro Greenspace a. Come out to what may be our last event "Save the Greenspace Event", Saturday Aug 4th where you can see and feel what the Carrboro Greenspace events are like. We will have food, music, exhibits, Shirts and Skirts a fashion show produced by two Chapel Hillians with small businesses, and performances, and it is very important that we show the town and the public HOW MANY PEOPLE support the space! Tours of the property and Public Space exhibits ongoing. SCHEDULE: 5:30 p.m. Local Foods Potluck. Bring a dish made from local ingredients. Bring your plate and cup. 7:30 p.m. Parade/Carnival through downtown Carrboro to raise awareness about the Carrboro Greenspace 9:00 p.m. "Skirts and Shirts" Fashion Show 11:30 on DJs b. Last movie at the WITT (Walk in Tributary Theatre: Carrboros historic Sparrows Community pool)!? Bring a snack, a blanket, and maybe some mosquito repellent Date: Thursday, August 2 Time: after sunset (8:30ish!) Street Address: 116 Old Pittsboro Rd. (Carrboro) Cost: Free Contact info: 951-5200, carrborogreenways@riseup.net, carrborogreenspace.org La Estrategia Del Caracol A Film by Sergio Cabrera 116 Minutes, Colombia, 1993, Spanish (No Subtitles) Ensemble comedy set in Bogotá, Colombia about tenants who exercise their squatters' rights in a dramatic way. According to Colombian law, buildings that are occupied by squatters, which are not claimed by the original owner after a certain time, become the legal property of the tenants. After many years of quiet living by the squatters, when the former owner of the Olive House tries to reclaim the building, the tenants try everything that they can to prevent eviction, but fail. Even so, one tenant finds a way of salvaging their dignity 5) Spread the word. Check out our website (www.carrborogreenspace.org) for more details, info and updates!!...and SPREAD THE WORD!!! Email: carrborogreenways@riseup.net for more info. [5] CONTACT Check out our website (www.carrborogreenspace.org) for more details, info and updates!!...and SPREAD THE WORD!!! Email: carrborogreenways@riseup.net for more info. Phone: 951-5200

Healing thoughts for another faraway sister~

julahoopflower — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:12:04 GMT

hoopdancer mandala image by sister Sass~ Dear friends, Yesterday after I posted a blog about Kimowan, another friend of mine, Sass told me of her friend who was going through a similar thing right now in Africa. Today Kimo awoke with no pain which is wonderful! However, her friend, Ineke seems to have taken a turn in a different direction. Today Sass wrote me saddened by the news and is sending this request to others... "ineke is being overtaken by a cancer which has spread through her entire body and is now also in her brain. it caused her to have a stroke from which she has been recovering. now it seems she is getting ready to move toward the divine light. i ask that you please bless her and pray for a smooth journey as she transitions to whatever comes next... she has been a blessing in my life." Yesterday, she made a short and beautiful video with conscious healing vibrations to send to both Kimowan and Ineke. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRLsexJPVoI As you move through the day with your personal dance of life, please send peaceful and healing thoughts toward Ineke.... I also request safe, supportive and peaceful thoughts for Sass as she gets through the next few days until she may journey to visit her friend... in gratitude ~j & s

Kimowan, healing hoop dance & hoopers' journal

julahoopflower — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:09:43 GMT

As a dear friend Kimowan rests in a hospital I wonder if witnessing a hoop flow would relax or heal him in any way. He is recuperating from a surgery and is having a lot of pain and lessened movement in one half of his body. I wonder if watching the soothing flow of a slower heavier hoop or a slow and controlled vertical hoop flow would relieve him even if temporarily. When we moved him over a week ago to a private room I remember recalling and even posting that there was space for a small hoop in the room, but I don't know if anyone's tried. I made him some magical chicken soup loaded with garlic this evening and am waiting for the word that I can take it to him to help boost his immune system. Maybe I'll take my hoop just in case. It seems possible, since he is an experienced and talented hooper, that his body could respond to witnessing hoop movements without his conscious engagement or thought. (For more thoughts or engaging in a conversation on healing hoop dance check out http://tribes.tribe.net/hoopdance.) As its obvious that we can't all crowd up in the room and hoop while Kimo is needing to rest, I wonder if folks might document hoop experiences through journal entries (http://tribes.tribe.net/thehoopersjournal) or even post videos along with reflection there. I'm know he would be super psyched if he awoke to a continuous flow of new entries in the hoopers' journal (even if he can't read or watch them immediately.) It would be especially interesting if folks watched his videos before they practiced to embody some of his creative spirit within the practice. (http://youtube.com/watch?v=FtJX-g5mMoQ and http://youtube.com/watch?v=pjl3ucYcbsw.) I don't have a video camera so maybe I'll post verbally and eventually offer a spiraling serenade to him in person....Any thoughts or participation are great appreciated. in peace, joy and health ~j

National Wellness Conference

julahoopflower — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 03:18:18 GMT

beautiful image ~ hoopdancer by sass on safari (This was the cover page of my handouts at the conference.) I just returned from the wellness conference and am feeling such excitement and gratitude for such a marvelous week of learning, teaching and integration. The Conference was held at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point so I re-visited dorm and campus cafeteria life. While the food was way below my daily standard of nutritional value and sensual pleasure, I totally enjoyed being on the fourth floor of a dorm with lots of incredibly interesting women as suite mates. It was like being in college - with no homework. I walked to the fine arts center to listen to lectures on a variety of topics (some more interesting than others) and see performances in the evenings. After morning sessions where I learned more about Qi Gong, body-mind connections, bio feedback, meditation and relaxation techniques, sacred circles and mandalas, I indulged in NIA practice. Ahhhh! I am so intrigued and hooked on this movement practice developed by Carlos and Debbie Rosas. It is truly a great complement to hooping with so many connections and beautiful imagery to integrate. Debbie also taught a course called 'anatomy art: The core of the body' which lead us through - well obviously the core anatomy -but also a 7 minute series to engage the entire body that ended with a minute of laughing meditation leaving the body feeling effervescent. Everyday I left there feeling taller, invigorated and more aware of my entire body. The NIA classes were one of the three highlights of the entire week. Can't wait to continue with local teachers. I also connected with an amazing woman, Dr. Deborah Kern who teaches a variety of subjects related to womens' health and wellbeing. She lead a workshop entitled "The Exotic Way: Healing Through Awakening the Divine Feminine" which rocked everyone in the room. Luckily, she was also a dorm mate and we got to experience some late night girl time. I feel my walk and attitude shifting in every conscious moment. We are trying to co-manifest some visions together as we were both mutually inspired by the energy and talents of the other. It turns out she was the one who pushed to get my application to teach approved as she's on the committee to decide what classes are offered. Ah such gratitude and excitement for her presence and work with women on many levels. Hooping in this context was absolutely wonderful for me. Sometimes I wonder if folks will get weirded out by too much mystical or energy talk, but they were mostly receptive and enticed (or at least did a good job humoring me.) Twice as many people attended my workshop as I had hoops (it was a bitch to get 30 there! Next time I'll mail ahead or go early to stay with a new friend a craft there.) But I went with the flow and lead partner activities for the first time ever. The adults were like children in their excitement to start hooping. I told them a little hoop story and introduced them to this evolved hoop movement. ~Hoop Dance~ Rhythmic movement & play as therapeutic practice and healing art. I included prose, poetry, lengthy list of benefits and told them a few touching healing stories. I have been so amazed reading and re-reading some very personal stories and insight offered to me a few months back when I posted "hooping as healing art" as a topic in various threads on tribe. I am more moved and in awe of the healing powers of hoop dance every time I hear a new one. Truly magical. Thank you to everyone who has added to a deepening understanding of what is happening in this powerful dance. Hopefully hooping.org will accept an essay from me on the topic (not including names.) While there I also participated in their children's program. I had a class of 17 teens (ages 10 and up.) As usual the ones who I think will get into it the least were enthralled. Two boys from this group got hooked. One told me he had ADD and LOVED the blindfold as it shifted his attention inwards rather than towards all the outside stimuli. After a picnic one night, these two, their younger siblings and I practiced for quite a while. All of them and another adorable 4 year old entered the talent show with me. They revealed some of their new found skilz, then I went out and danced to "breathe" in my favorite elegant purple velvet dress. I received my first standing ovation and I was deeply touched by some very meaningful complements after the performance. I felt like I was truly in the right place at the right time with the right intentions while there. I wasn't sure if this trip would be worth it since I was leading workshops in trade for entry to conference. In fact, I spent money getting there and for accomodations. While some parts of the conference I would change a bit (food should be more nutritious, maybe a little lower'cheese' factor - not the food-, and more movement workshops,) I enjoyed myself, met some great individuals, turned lots of folks on to hooping which will inevitably ripple out in a variety of ways and left inspired and purposeful. On my way home I wrote a couple of pages of notes on exercises/movements to incorporate into my classes at the UNC wellness center where I am teaching regularly. I even had a dream of a movement routine that didn't include a hoop. I feel open, inspired and see a slightly more focused walk ahead of me. Some folks reported that hooping was their favorite part of the conference, so I feel pretty optimistic they'll accept the proposals I'm conceiving to explore this movement even deeper.

coming home ~ return to the center

julahoopflower — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 04:19:12 GMT

I regret the delay in my posting something personal or reflective since I have been home from Haiti, but I truly didn’t expect to have such a sudden depletion of energy. The first day I was so thankful to return to my bed, my partner, the warm shower, clean streets, water I can drink confidently, the freedom to prepare and eat my favorite healthy meals, the technology to re-visit friends and business and all the other blessings of the life I was given. Monday morning, I woke full of energy and crashed about the time I re-visited work. I hadn’t spoken to anyone but Scott before that and hadn’t left the comfort of my home (which seems so extravagant to me now, though very modest for American standards.) Going to work yesterday, I felt like I could cry or fall over from the fatigue of carrying the heaviness of my spirit. I had less patience with the kids, less comfort with the abundance and was deeply disturbed by the inequalities of the world. Having been to Haiti before and seen other impoverished communities, I thought I would return ready to re-engage even more thankful of what I have than before. By Tuesday in Haiti, I was so grateful for having work at all, especially work that is often fun. (I heard a figure that only 20% of Haitians are employed.) But the ‘culture shock’ hit me and I wasn’t able to focus on the gratitude I had meditated on so frequently in Haiti. I am struggling to remain centered while processing the range of emotions that are deeply affecting me. Surprisingly, a week there allowed time for creating new and re-newing old relationships in this mountain community in Fondwa. Haitians are generally relational, friendly and talkative. The hoops also worked their magic in allowing me to communicate with folks of all ages and languages during my trip. Though sad at moments, I am trying to lovingly remember the folks I connected with- the smiles, songs, silence, dances and conversations shared - and feel gratitude and joy. As for my original goal, I feel pleased and successful. We brightened up the orphanage with a new coat of paint the first day. The next day I returned with 20 hoops which proved to be a delight for all ages (orphanage housed 48 kids aged 3 – 20). My next visit, I carried another arm-load for kids to decorate. When I arrived, they were already hooping, spinning and playing. Full of smiles, they sent love and thanks to our community. I sincerely appreciate everyone believing in this mission, the personal efforts to assist my traveling to Haiti with as many hoops as their space could handle and helping me to raise needed money for feeding the orphanage. I hope to re-visit that community again and again to deepen my relationships with individuals there and understand more about this complex and interesting culture. By Wednesday of last week, I was set on returning home to convince Scott to move there with me for a year or two. Oh the flight of a feathered heart. Now, I feel conflicted about the right way to make a difference and live my life. I fell in love with the kids, the landscape, the mountain walks and being in tune with the natural rhythms there. I truly want to offer more to the orphanage and the community, but there are various ways to do so. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and learn from a tribe that IS the maidan – a group of mostly female orphans who take care of one another. They are all mothers and sisters to one another. Witnessing how much some of them truly want a Mother - to perhaps fulfill an idea of a special guardian who will take care of them and give them hope of something greater – makes me sad. I hope they will be able to comfort and assist one another in the coming years as a strong tribal community. As I hope we will. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful community here to return to. Hooping with friends tonight was so helpful for my spirit... As you can imagine, I will continue to post bits and pieces, reflections, pictures and hopefully even video clips from the trip. I learned so much, met wonderful people and had many beautiful experiences that I would love to share.

Reflections on birds, trees and the crown from MMW performance

julahoopflower — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 06:36:08 GMT

Last night, I was at a Medeski martin & wood show and I had some MAJOR hoop - less revelations about hooping. I've always loved to dance, especially to live music which seems to take you away, while carrying you deeply inside. Since I started hooping, my dance style has totally (re)evolved to include the constantly circling movements created by moving with a hoop. That motion does really soak into your muscles and spine. I did get to hoop for a while last night, but had a tremendously terrific time just playing with that energetic circle around my body, moving it with my hands (isolation style) and following it with my head and roots. I had such wonderful revelations about isolations, two trees and two birds being able to incorporate/focus on those movements without the hoop. I don't think my dance style would necessarily make someone think I'm hooping without a hoop, but I know it's there in a subtle energetic way...well, maybe some of you would see it too after all the talk of imaginary hooping. I had such a beautiful experience with the hoop path's tree concept. I began seeing root and branch systems as my body became this stable but lightly rooted being. My legs really came alive with these images in my mind. Growing, branching out and swaying while my hands finally became the birds taking flight from the tips of the branches. In class, we often play with weight transfer, and moving our legs and feet in our practice of one vs. two trees. But last night, with Medeski's entrancing organ playing, I started visualizing this root system that's intricate, articulate, intertwined, knotting and moving. One whose roots create paths, curves, peaks & valleys as they search for quenching nutrients deep in the earth. While they don't sway like the tree trunks or tops with the wind, they have their own beautiful way of mingling and moving with one another over time as they grow. For some reason, this really moved me while dancing and helped me to lift and accentuate my legs’ movement more freely and rhythmically. As the shift occurred from two to one tree hooping, the opposite foot took on a root or limb like quality as it reached up and out sometimes spinning around and with the planted trunk. Then, I had this wonderful time with my head feeling so free as it followed the movement of the birds’ flight. It has been one of the hardest parts of my body to free over my years of hooping. As I imagined the energetic chakra system while dancing, it seemed fitting that one would need to become stable and rooted, then literally 'move' up through the core to the crown opening at each spiraling energetic center as she goes. Along with spinning, there are a couple of moves I've been practicing lately that were nearly impossible until I figured out the foot movement that I needed to feel stable AND free. After working with the feet, other parts of my body became more liberated. My head is often the last to come alive, but it such a joy when it does. Since the head includes two chakras (third eye & crown) and is connected to the spine at another chakra (throat), I’m pondering a name for the head's movement, especially amidst this language of the tree. Any liberation that has occurred for me has come with a letting go of sight and letting my inner vision take over. Interestingly, the eagle is a symbol of the mythologies associated with the chakra. I thought that was beatifully fitting. It didn't seem appropriate for it to be just any another bird, but maybe one as grand and majestic as the eagle. The crown, or top of the head, has the main function of liberation. Its symbol is a circle (also fitting). According to Caroline Shola Arewa, the crown chakra has physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional correspondences that follow: Gland: Pituitary Nerve Plexus: central nervous system Body Parts: Transcends the physical body and controls the esoteric anatomy Expression: Satchitananda: Truth, knowledge, BLISS Disturbance: Ignorance of one's spiritual nature Statement: 'I am (Divine)' {I found somewhere else the expression 'i believe'} Emotions when balanced: Peak Experience, PEACE, oneness Developmental Stage: Wholeness, Individuation Quality: fulfillment Meaning: Infinity Element: pure spirit Colors: Gold, violet or white Seed sound: silence Planet: Sun, Uranus Rite of Passage: Acceptance as an Elder Mythology: Creation and cosmological myths While I think these chakra correspondences are so enlightening in a meditation on this region of the body, I somehow dislike calling the moving head the crown. The crown sounds so royally heavy and limiting for a freeing dance movement. Perhaps, I just need to shift my visual for this concept. Maybe the halo is a more appropriate visual as a crown of light that is expansive, radiant, connecting and moving. I think the eagle concept could actually help to free the head by tuning into an alternate, internal vision or insight which may, in turn, offer some of the ‘infinite peak experience’ of liberation, light, bliss and pure spirit. Ahhh, the bliss of live music...

Random Acts of Kindness Week

julahoopflower — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:11:23 GMT

Greeting friends, According to my Celtic calendar, this week is random acts of kindness week. It's only Tuesday, so there's plenty of time to smile at strangers, give away hoops, give big hugs to friends, plant a tree or commit any inspired kind act. If anyone does follow through or even has an inspiration in thought, feel free to share. This summer, my partner & I are leading a 'random acts' camp at the carolina friends school here in chapel hill. We truly believe it can be fun & satisfying while broadening one's social horizons. We have a few fun ideas already planned, but I'm open to hearing about local organizations that might be fun for kids to visit and be involved with for an afternoon. We may make dog biscuits and take them to the shelter; make hoops and take them to the hospital or ronald mcdonald house; offer a playful performance for the elderly; plant some trees; give out flowers to strangers. If you know any kids who would appreciate such a thing, please refer them to carolina friends school summer programs. (I'll also be leading two sessions of hoop camp!) Have a beautiful day! Virtual hugs 00000 Julah

storytelling and hooping at pre-school

julahoopflower — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 02:55:37 GMT

Today, I had the cutest teaching experience at a local pre-school. Over the years, I have done a few of these demos for 3-4 year olds though most of them haven’t quite gotten core hooping down yet. They are still doing the chaotic waist wiggle, if they’re lucky enough to find their hips at all. Mostly they’re working the enthusiastic hand/arm gyration. But there always a couple who GET IT and ROCK IT at this age and its fabulous. We all know some of those (like our local circus extraordinaire, Erika, was early on.) Anyways, today was particularly special because I decided to, for the first time use the maidan story with the kids. At the circle up, I introduced myself as Julah, a descendent from this tribe, the maidan. I told, what I thought was, a respectable adaptation for the immature audience about the tribe and the sisterhood. I elaborated on the way the Maidan made their dulahs from the special tree, but took a few liberties to embellish the process and incorporate other elements like the sun and water. I tried to emphasize the values the Maidan held along with what I know thus far about their social structure. (They seemed to really understand the necessity of all the moms raising all the children. One girl, Hannah, remarked that she was so small that other people had to do a lot of things for her.) I also, sadly, told them about the destruction of this tribe, but reassured them that the tribe of lost sisters is being rebuilt all over the world. Then, before I hooped, I explained the sacredness of their dance. I may have taken a few liberties here by combining my own relationship with the dance, as well as, Native American hoop dance and its focus on the natural world. But I think, having known Baxter and heard pieces of the story for so long, that my rendition would be accurate and approved by him. I have never had a group of young kids quite so attentive for the circle up. The story went over beautifully, and I think they may have gained a little inspiration and understanding. One of the cutest moments of all was after I finished the demo and was headed outside for the participation segment. A mom, who had been pretty captivated by the story, came up to me and remarked that she had no idea of the tribal roots of the dance. She was in full belief and knew that her daughter (who turned out to be THE badass of the group) was to be a sister in the tribe. That’s when I told a few of the adults about Baxter’s creation/channeling of the story. I felt honored to have the opportunity to pass it on and fortunate to have Baxter’s creative passion in our midst. I hope you feel as honored to have others telling the story, Bax. I would really love to continue to incorporate it when possible because kids are especially receptive and influenced by stories. This felt like a great practice for Haiti because I think I will have an interpreter and will be able to pass the story on further. I can’t wait to hear more next weekend at the workshop. And I wouldn’t be surprised if we have 2 new sisters from the experience, Riley and her mother. I put a couple more pics up on my page if you wanna check out Riley chi-ing the hoop in her adorable velvet stretch top...

Hoops to Haiti and National Wellness Conference

julahoopflower — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 13:40:40 GMT

I wanted to echo a sentiment expressed by Bax a couple of weeks ago. He mentioned that he has been focusing on putting a peaceful energy out and feeling the return. After my post reflecting on the New Year and some of my intentions with the hoop, I too have found several beautiful opportunities have come my way that seem to respond to some of those intentions. The first I mentioned in class, I will be presenting a hoop seminar at the National Wellness Conference this summer. I think this will be a great context to explore the healing benefits of this revolutionary movement. Not only will I be able to lead hoop workshops nearly every day of the five day conference, I will also be able to take other creative workshops in the healing arts. The second opportunity is a chance to return to Haiti to visit orphanages in Port au prince. As I mentioned in another post, I have imagined specifically going to orphanages to take magical instruments of joy for many years now, but it hasn’t quite manifested before now. Two years ago, I went to a school in a rural mountain town in Haiti to visit and learn about a re-forestation project. During that visit, the hoops were featured in a school assembly with drumming and singing. These children are the only folks I’ve met who had never seen a “hula” hoop before. They were thrilled. So much so that the minister’s mother was a little disturbed by how moved and joyous everyone was. That much excitement is usually reserved for the divine spirit. Now that huge portions of Haiti are Christian, there is only one god who should be moving folks in such a charismatic way. However, the minister himself was endlessly thankful for the gift of the hoops for the smiles brought to the children and teachers there. In that trip, I had some profound realizations about the world, myself and the power of the hoop to cross countless boundaries. So, I feel blessed, or called. But I definitely feel a little heaviness. While the landscape of Haiti is exquisite with beautiful mountains rolling into the sea, the land does not produce what the people need to sustain themselves. The city is especially depressed and depressing. Port au Prince is kind of scary and an orphanage is a whole new realm in reality. I haven’t even been to an orphanage here in the states. I’ve read books about orphanages in Haiti and Africa and how children are left there because their parents are too sick with HIV to care for them or have passed. But despite the memories that overloaded the senses, I will return. Sometimes I wonder why my path takes me to Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, instead of a grand city where I might find great thrift stores and bumpin’ music. But I suppose I must keep walking the path? As I understand it, this trip is otherwise focused on providing health care. I am still researching the ins and outs of the organization, but I promise we are not going to ‘convert’ anyone (well except to hooping maybe.) I don’t have much to offer in the ways of medicine or restructuring of a collapsed society, but I have accepted that my gifts have come in the form of spreading joy, bliss, smiles. This hoop movement is healing for many in a variety of ways. For an American woman, the hoop may increase self esteem, provide therapy for a stiffened body or even heal sexual blockage or wounds. But for a young child who lives in a dangerous and unsettling environment and has been separated from the family, the hoop may bring relief, brief joy, or a temporary lightness of being. The hoop’s magic is multi-layered and real. My intention is to return to Haiti to offer a gift of laughter and love for kids that may not experience so much of that. And I may learn that I am wrong in my assumptions. Kids are incredibly resilient and amazing. This is the life they have and they generally remain playful despite our expectations. Perhaps the orphans have it the best in this society because they are living in a place where they are certain to be fed and educated. I will certainly be taking at least 100ft of tubing and supplies for hoops and would be open to transporting other fun or helpful things that folks might desire to offer. I will contact the health mission to see what could be useful if anyone feels compelled to donate. In my dreams, Julah arrived to the orphanages with a trunk filled with magic, a mind full of stories and a heart full of warmth. Fun fabric accents, pixie dust, other circus toys, LOTS of HOOPS, hope & stories of sisterhood. Peace & love

Long reflection on the MLK class, the new year, idealism, and hoop names

julahoopflower — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:46:55 GMT

Greetings from the late night tribe For over a week now, I have been thinking about last Monday’s class commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The time spent under the blindfold reflecting on Baxter’s words was deeply affecting, not only in class but for days to follow. Interestingly, I composed this before class Monday but some of the thoughts are beautifully parallel with Baxter’s expression in our most recent class. Now that the ‘chief’ has spoken, I will join… Unless I am breaking a move down, hooping, for me, is a time for little or no conscious thought. That internal chatter is not always easily muted, but I am often striving for a stillness of mind, rather than linguistic reflection during my hoop meditation. The words seem to trip me or even pop me in the lip if I get attached to hearing them. However, if there is enough mental space cleared, there is room for divine hoop revelations that may manifest in the form of language, image, feeling or movement. I welcome all of the revelations gifted while in the flow… I say all this because I didn’t realize how much Monday’s class had affected me until days afterwards. I appreciated all of Baxter’s words at the time and considered them as I blindfolded myself. But I think I repeated them in my mind once and sent them up as a prayer as the song, and thus my dance, began. Questions such as “who am I”, “who am I becoming”, “how do I desire to affect the community(with or without the hoop)”, “in what ways will I be selfless” are not the types of questions you answer over the course of a song. They are the types of questions you constantly revisit over the course each day, year and lifetime. And they aren’t the kinds of things I can consciously thinking about or answering during my hoop experience even if my subconscious is processing or working through them. For the days following class, I felt fairly heavy. And for the time, I am going to have to attribute that heaviness to the emotional or subconscious response to those questions and my conscious effort to find answers. I have reflected on my work with the hoop over the past five years, my years of work with kids and my current work with organic gardening to try to come to an understanding and direction for this next revolution around the sun. And Julah keeps running through my mind as she ran over the earth to escape the pain of Ashua’s death. (If you are now lost, request chapters from the epic tale of the mayden from Baxter.) Five years ago, when we still hooped with five foot hoops, didn’t have tribe.net or hooping.org, or any real idea of national or global hoop community, Baxter was conceiving a story of a hoop tribe. Long nights of late night, and sometimes beer enhanced hooping, would inspire conversations of this woman, Julah (presumably because I had begun crafting and selling hoops called ‘jula hoops’) and her tribe of women. Baxter took me, through his eloquence and imagery, to this other world. And this character became my alter/altar ego. We differed at times at what her goals would be (I wanted her to run up on Monsanto and possibly the US gov’t to ‘convert’ a few lost souls with some hoop-gnotizing) but we both felt the profound beauty in this woman’s attempt to re-unite a tribe of displaced orphans. This character not only influenced my imaginal world, but transformed who I was, who I desired to become, and what I intended do with my life and work with the hoop. This story fueled passion to go abroad and hoop with children in Mexico and Haiti. It inspired me to promote hooping as a fun and healing practice with children and adults. For thousands of years, stories have created who we are, how we live, how we think, how we understand the world and how we envision community. Baxter’s story did certainly take a hold of my spirit and direct me on a path. (Leave it to the son of a preacher man.) I let go of this name, Julah, after some time away from Bax and countless experiences when I would introduce myself as julah after a performance and folks would respond “huh?” But I didn’t let go of the ideal of reaching as many folks, especially children and women, with the hoop as possible. While I haven’t been as active in this cyber world over the past 2 years, I have been working to mentor in schools, after school programs and such to continue this dream. But Baxter’s class on Monday has sort of inspired me to re-adopt the name Julah with pride and re-commit myself to a broadened and focused vision. I’ve played with many hoop names in an attempt to find something more meaningful for myself, but I realize that my truest hoop identity comes from that imaginal world where Julah was born. It was these moments when I could imagine who I would be and what I would do if I were a superhero/warrior of some sort. I could create my own mystical magical powers, battles, struggles, & tribal definitions. And from the meditation on this “fantasy” world, I became what I believe to be a better human. Some folks dis idealists for being unrealistic. However, I truly believe if we don’t strive for a world that exists only in our richest dreams, we may never evolve at all. Perhaps I’ll never be able to change the methods of “conventional” farming by running up on Monsanto as I imagined Julah doing (as if genetically modified crops and mega chemicals are the conventional way of farming?) But every step towards understanding how to grow organically and support such efforts is walking in that direction. Perhaps I won’t be able to comfort every lost soul, but I can affect many by spreading joy (with and without the hoop.) If MLK Jr had never expressed a dream, where would we be now? I don’t think we’ve necessarily manifested his dream, but I believe we are closer than we would have been without that glimpse into another potential reality. We are creating new realities of tribal connectedness through our practice, exchange and respect. Every moment we are able to yield to listen to the hoop’s rhythm, we are letting go to open ourselves to something potentially unimaginable. Let the pe*a*ce serve as a model for achieving harmony outside of the hoop as well. Love and peace, julah