My Blog

Cheese Is Round Part II

shaktisunfire — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 03:31:07 GMT

There was no way at the time I could really have imagined the bursting bundles of billowing bliss that the weekend ahead would bring. What I did know was that I left Zoe empowered and full of clarity. Where nervousness have previously resided, a seed of light winked and swelled deep within. I didn't know how the costumes would work out, who Spiral was (hooper stage left), what song I'd be dancing to (like it mattered), what our routine would be....I only knew (or decided – don’t you always…know?) that my role out there on stage was to pay tribute. To dance, to laugh, to sing, to cry, to spin, and twirl, and touch. I knew that there was no greater way for me to say THANK YOU. ...Ann Ryand (love her or hate her) said this in “The Fountainhead;” It was one of those rare moments when the humblest person knows suddenly what it means to feel as the center of the Universe, and is made beautiful by the knowledge…and the world – in the eyes of witnesses – looks like a better place for having such a center. Think that. x’s 9,000. I looked down on the crowd, and absorbed my surroundings…the rocks – the ancient, solid and unwavering Red giants. Earthly vessels for sound and vibration. The Navajo ceremony – bless us. Where are we? Who are we? What are we? Transcending time and space… Flowers, and feathers, glitter, jewel and glow. SMILES, LAUGHTER, EXCITEMENT, JOY. This is our collective energy…this must be the place, and we the people. The Cheese Family! On Thursday night I watched little Emma in her fairy wings dance a sacred dance in the spotlight. A dance to a song about her dreams no less. I imagined that yellow washed circle of space come alive and I was comforted and calmed again... ((And the whole world looks like a better place for having such a center.)) Um…TRUE. Thursday. Friday... An infusion of sound, love, and light. Cheese Magic. Saturday was electric. That constant buzz…the undercurrent of adrenaline – I spent the morning bickering with my nerves. Come evening I felt as if I had transformed into something not entirely me. My choice was to stay detached or die! I did neither. I opted, instead, to shape-shift. (so supple). Shakti SunFire! You were meant to be here! Yellow Cosmic Warrior, you ARE them and they you! Now shut up, and get out there! (you should have heard the conversations going on in my head). I was too nervous to be nervous and too determined to admit I was nervous. In pretense, everything canceled everthing else out and I was left with facing myself in my most vulnerable state - which for me then, was also the strongest and most alive I've ever felt. I breathed it all in... all of it. All the years. All the people. All the songs. All the laughter. All the tears. All the travels. All the places. All of it. It ran through my veins . Thickened my blood, clouded my head. Stepping out onto the stage into the light - I was acutely aware of everything and nothing. The band, the sea of faces - all of you! Brad to my right, the crew, the camera in front, the lasers, the hoop, my sister and my performance partners. This was IT! And behind all of this.... Desert Dawn rise up early and lift your song, From the breathe of life that rises from the growing storm. You're the Rock of Ages consumed against your spirits, You're the center of my West dancing on the current, DANCING ON THE WIND!!!! And it's yester frusta shady by a pool The water sings a song beneath the cottonwood. Nighttime in the quadrants, she'll run in the sand, Water from the southeast touched by God's own hand, TOUCHED BY GOD'S OWN HAND!!!! Twilight comes to the beating of the tribal drums, Standing flaming silhouettes before the setting sun. When the nighttime comes you'll lay your blanket on the sand, Reaching up into the skies and touch the star with your own hands. WITH YOUR OWN HANDS!!! Desert Dawn rise up early and lift your song, >From the breathe of life that rises from the growing storm. You're the Rock of Ages consumed against your spirits, You're the center of my West dancing on the current, DANCING ON THE WIND!!!! Life, please connect my dots... Today I decided out of the blue to re-read an old journal I kept the summer I was working in Yellowstone. It was on my way back – driving through a vast expanse of land, that I wrote this: Out here – nowhere, I feel this energy – a wave that nearly takes my breath away. The Sun setting brilliant gold over plains of yucca, cactus, sage – and vast nothing. Land not touched. I am suddenly overcome with fierce emotion. And I want to cry, because I can’t take everything in…I can’t process it. I stare into the vastness and the best way to describe what I am feeling is that I’m yearning or seeking, through a mist of nostalgia, dream, vague memory, a sense of something larger at work here, inside me. My past life experiences…the desert is calling to me. Again I cry because I can’t unravel the puzzle of my experience ..the puzzle of time and life in this quest for enlightenment – my challenge. I want to SCREAM. To break this sacred silence to see the writing on the wall…the living code. It is also in these places that I feel spirits in the wind, with all the answers, teasing my hair – staying just close enough to be out of reach. I reach my hand out of the window, close my eyes, and breathe deeply. Joy soon replaces anxiety and I smile. It’s all love. It’s all here. We are written on a matrix of energy, love and light that whispers down plateaus, breathes in the landscape and DANCES ON THE WIND... It was as I wrote. Out there looking up spiraling vortexes of energy – sending out my vibrations, my love, my thoughts...joy did replace anxiety. I felt as if the last little piece of shell that has been cocooning my metamorphosis falls away into the magic of that place and I was made new. I died, but not in the terminal sense. And in the end, the only thought I had left was for you...

Cheese Is Round, Part I

shaktisunfire — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:31:55 GMT

This morning, lying in shavasana I read on a prayer flag above me these words: "See with your heart and feel the fullness of what is meant to be experienced." Re-reading them now, they evoke the same reaction; a smile. Because here I am...or I-AM, rather, after 6+ years of following my favorite band around the country...no - world, with my family and my hoops and even if I tried I couldn't separate my heart from sight or memory and in retrospect FULLNESS is all I feel and is truly all I take from the experiences of the past 6 years of my life. Pure blissful, contented and grateful, overflowing fullness. The last night at Camp Zoe I had a cosmic experience...an AHA! moment (thank you Peak)...and it's like, something you hear people say all the time - a common statement in our society - that it's better to give than to receive. And I think we all know that - it makes sense to all of us on an intrinsic level. And in my moment; lost to time and space I stepped into the currents of the cool, clear mineral water, on a sharp, yet supportive bed of earth...geodes, crystals, opals, a myriad of color and shape and size. And as the water rose washing my skin of sweat and dust my mind moved back through time and I thought of all the receiving I have done (which implies all the giving others have done). I saw myself standing open and receptive show after show, city after city - feeling on a universal level the vibrations of sound...BLISS. I thought of all the beautiful people that have touched me and contributed to my growth and I theirs...this incredibly and otherworldly community. How blessed are we Friends of Cheese? The opportunity that Kaivalya had at Zoe was to merge with the experience and become contributors. What makes us a powerful community is that we all do that...we all contribute - but for me at Zoe it was the conscious acceptance of our role there and the acknowledgement from the organizers (SCI, Madison House and of course, Peak Experience) that flipped the switch. DING DING DING DING! As I watched Brie and Stephani step into the light with their hoops, weaving circles, spiraling energy, serenaded by the sweet sounds of Little Hands I sang in my head through my tears: SEE HOW FAR WE'VE COME! And in that river, during my moment I knew that something had changed in me forever. That I UNDERSTOOD what it means to give yourself completely - to relinquish the individual - and become one with a collective of like-minded humans for the sake of raising consciousness. I left Zoe empowered and full of clarity. Where nervousness have previously resided, a seed of light winked and swelled deep within. Rewind 5 years: The sunset was unreal – a wash of reds, pinks, and golds that gave way to a magnificent lighting storm – Under African Skies. You know those moments where everything truly does seem to be part of some unfathomably monumental master plan – those times when you put something out there – a thought, a worry, a smile, and you receive exactly what you need in return? It didn’t rain, but did sprinkle. I lifted my hands up to the sky and for the first real time in my life I felt connected to that source – like I was part of it. It was then that I knew I was in the right place, doing the right thing, with the right people. You can’t even imagine the kind of comfort that provided me.

I can see you SMILE

shaktisunfire — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:51:22 GMT

Wow. One thing after another. I received a phone call yesterday confirming Kaivalya's participation at the String Cheese Incident final show at Red Rocks. Peak Experience is throwing down a spectacle (sorry can't give out the details) but again I'm full of gratitude and light! I can't wait to perform for a group of musicians who have given me so much over the years, and for a community of friends that holds a VERY special place in my heart. Namaste friends! You know who you are!

Black Elk on “Circles”:

shaktisunfire — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:58:19 GMT

You have noticed that everything an Indian does in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round. In the old days all our power came to us from the sacred hoop of the nation and so long as the hoop was unbroken the people flourished. The flowering tree was the living center of the hoop, and the circle of the four quarters nourished it. The east gave peace and light, the south gave warmth, the west gave rain and the north with its cold and mighty wind gave strength and endurance. This knowledge came to us from the outer world with our religion. Everything the power of the world does is done in a circle. The sky is round and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nests in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours. The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle. The moon does the same and both are round. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves. Our teepees were round like the nests of birds, and these were always set in a circle, the nation's hoop, a nest of many nests, where the Great Spirit meant for us to hatch our children. Black Elk Oglala Sioux 1863-1950

Feel the Fullness.

shaktisunfire — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:56:37 GMT

Kaivalya ("isolation"): the state of absolute freedom from conditioned existence, as explained in ashta-anga-yoga; in the nondualistic (advaita) traditions of India, this is usually called moksha or mukti (meaning "release" from the fetters of ignorance, or avidya) Om Bolo Sat Guru Bhagavan Ki Jai Victory to God, the only real teacher. Photo of Lady Spin - A Jivamukti, aerial and hoop dance rock star!

Power of Postive Intention

shaktisunfire — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:21:09 GMT

What a blissful year it has been! I was reminded this past weekend, 7-7-07, surrounded by friends new and old, of the power of positive intention. 1 year ago I was a different person, which is true for us all. The first time I picked up a hoop I became more complete, more aware, more focused - more determined to interact. Each day that passed contained an outpouring of desire not of the earthly kind. Desire for growth and for renewal. Desire to be a better person - to contribute. Those that know me well often joke about my 'obsession' with hooping - but it goes much deeper than that. This is no obsession. I sit here now in a moment of self reflection, looking into the near future, the end of my career as a copywriter (at least in the corporate sense) and I see endless possibility. HUGE potential. I can hardly sit still. Excitement doesn't begin to describe it. All that to say, I KNOW thinking positive thoughts is cliché. We hear it a lot, no doubt, but it is TRUTH. I am sitting pretty, in the middle of my circle, connected to the universal and content, surrounded by the manifestation of many of my dreams. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to those that have touched my life and contributed my personal growth - not to mention our growth as a society of like-minded freaks. I am thinking of you all today....and smiling. :)

World Hoop Day 2007

shaktisunfire — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:17:44 GMT

Beautiful People- A quick reminder/invitation for those that have experienced bliss through hooping. The first ever annual World Hoop Day 2007 will take place this coming Saturday - July 7th, 2007. The Kaivalya Hoop Dancers, in association with performers of the front range and Donna Bella Dance will be hosting a hoopla to celebrate this day - to show our unity and spread love and kindness, physical and mental well-being to all. The National Institute of Health says that Type 2 diabetes, formerly only a disease found in older adults, is now commonplace in children. In perhaps the most sobering warning, The New England Journal of Medicine states that this younger generation could be the first one with a lower life expectancy than their parents. Depression in this country is near epidemic. Through our experiences we've found hooping to be restorative, healing - a conscious reconfiguration of popular thought. No matter your size or shape, everyone can hoop, and the low impact exercise can be a phenomenal conditioning program. It is an all-inclusive activity that doesn't require that you be tall, or fast, or strong, or agile. Just that you be you! On World Hoop Day on 7-7-07 will be promoting these healthy life styles in adults and children alike by setting an example and playing the day away! So come join us, and if you can't, pick a hoop for 7 minutes, wherever you are. SMILE at people you meet. GLOW with kindness and health. We ARE a community that can change the world! Date: Saturday, 7-7-07 Time: 4 - 8pm Where: Cheesman Park, Denver - just look for the hoops! Details: Adult practice hoops will be provided. Bring your favorite toy - poi, flags, juggling balls - whatever! We're hoping to secure a grill in the park, but if we can't, we'll have coolers of refreshments, blankets, snacks etc. Call beforehand if you're interested in grilling. Much love to all (virtual hugs)- Laura 'SunFire' www.worldhoopday.com www.kaivalyahoops.com -- "As waves upon my head the circling curl, So the sacred dance weave ye and whirl. Dance then, O heart, a whirling circle be. -Rumi "

Hoop Class at Donnabella

shaktisunfire — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:09:35 GMT

We Are teachers who are motivated by those that indirectly whisper in our ears, telling us that we can become a better person. And we know they are right! What is HoopDance? Even if you know what a hula hoop is, you most likely have not seen one since you were a child, and have NEVER thought of one as a dance prop. At DonnaBellaDance, we have redefined time spent in the hoop. Much more than a workout, our hoop dance classes encourage a total mind/body transformation, a reconfiguration of popular thought. It's hooping with purpose - to let go of perceived ineptitudes, and negative energy. It’s a spiraling, whirling, luminosity that surfaces out of total peace of mind and presence in the now! Don’t think you can’t hoop, even if you couldn’t as a child. We use large, adult-sized weighted hoops that flow around your body with little movement. This class will build core strength, encourage agility and increase libido…YES, libido. Your instructors, Stephaniti and SunFire, will share these spiraling sensations with you, taking you through the ins and outs of beginning hoop dance. This is your space, your time to feel good, so let’s get inside the hoop to discover the bliss of enthusiastic exercise! Benefits include: Improved Coordination, Balance and Posture, Toner and Stronger Abdomen, Thighs, Buttocks and Arms, Enhanced Flexibility, Supported Core Strength, Chi, Stress Relief, Increased blood flow, Gently massaged organs, Energizing Cardio Workout. In time, we wish to expand our hoop dance fitness classes throughout the front range. Please contact us if you’re interested in a weekend workshop or having us come teach at your studio! For more information go to www.donnabelladance.com

JIVA DIVA in Denver!!!

shaktisunfire — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:44:02 GMT

Alanna Kaivalya (yes, the namesake for my hoop troop and my inspiration..(((((((((gushing)))))))))))) will be here in Denver teaching at Samadhi Center for Yoga on Tuesday nights from 5:30-7pm. Alanna IS AMAZING! She is the voice on the podcasts for those of you who have practiced with me. Just a short blurb - Alanna's Jivamukti class was one of the first classes I took at Samadhi during my 2-week trial. It happened to be her last class at the studio as she was leaving for Hawaii with Yoga Journal. But that's all it took. One class with her and my life was changed - sounds cheesy but it's TRUE! I quit my gym and bought an unlimited package at Samadhi. Since then, her student, Angelique (also awesome) has been my mentor both spiritually and physically for the past 5 months. Low-down on Jivamukti: it was founded by 2 musicians/artists in New York in the 60's. It is a type of yoga that returned to the spiritual foundation of the practice (yoga not as exercise but as a spiritual exploration). Jivamukti means "liberated soul." In each Jivamukti class you will experience the following things: - Chanting in sanskrit - A chakra lesson - Diety story from the yoga sutras - ** Each chakra has a corresponding sound or sounds in the sanskrit alphabet that when hear or said, vibrate that chakra - it's a call for purification and energy travel throughout the body. That is why instructors say the yoga poses in sanskrit and English - because your chakra system will pick up on the vibration and will respond accordingly. Each chakra also has a Deity from the Hindu faith (metaphors for qualities that already exist within us). Cool stuff. - Singing (instructor will sing and play the harmonium) - yoga asanas (poses) - Good music throughout! - Meditation Sounds like a lot for an hour and half class, but you'll leave refreshed. It's my therapy for sure. ALL that to say: COME WITH ME! Here is Alanna's Bio: A life-long obsession with sound has guided Alanna in the direction of music and vibration. Through the teachings of yoga, she has found a home for her spirit within the pulsations of the heart. She was born with a hearing impairment, but was taught from an early age that this is neither a setback or a difference, it is a way to thrive and shine, and so she has, becoming a vocalist, a teacher, a musician, a writer, and a lover of music, sound, meditation, inspiration and vibration. Her foremost teachers are Sharon Gannon and David Life, the creators of Jivamukti Yoga, and through their grace, she also found Manorama, a sanskrit teacher who has graced Alanna with a deeper knowledge of how sound profoundly affects us on an energetic and cellular level. Sharon and David's teachings have liberated Alanna and through that freedom, she offers teachings worldwide to students of yoga, exclusively in the Jivamukti tradition. She is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Instructor who infuses her classes with Nada (sound), Bhakti (devotion) and Shraddha (faith). Her classes feature an unyielding spirit for bringing yoga off the mat and into the world. Her face forward, charismatic style are the perfect platform for classes that are masterful, artistic, and always feature an element of mystery. Alanna believes that faith (shraddha) can accomplish anything, and that belief has over and over again allowed her to achieve the seemingly impossible. Her website: www.jivadiva.com Samadhi's website: www.samadhiyoga.net Jivamukti school in NY: www.jivamuktiyoga.com That's it! Pass it along to everyone you think would be interested. L