Newsletter Winter/Spring 2014

A family of souls gather as the whispers of fading sun turn into an inner light.
As Earthtime recedes into creative rest, so we, echo with the same.
A chorus of restorative energies sing through us
as the soon-to-be buds of inspiration
germinate in the welcoming dark. (From a Winter Solstice Intensive with Emilie Conrad)

In June 1989, I arrived at Mount Madonna for my first dive into the Continuum Movement waters. Little did I know at the time that it would be a life changing event and something that I would be involved in for the rest of my life. Now, almost 25 years later, I continue to learn from, be enriched and inspired by this somatic movement work. Of course, we all know that we can’t learn a musical instrument, nor a new language overnight, yet somehow it is more difficult to commit long term to a process like Continuum where one is tuning into a totally different alternate system in our bodies, minds and souls. I am always amazed when a participant believes they have “done Continuum” after one series of classes! Meditators and Yogis know how much of a commitment, time and patience are needed to grock & then to learn from such a process.

While I was practising Continuum this morning, I realized that while I struggle so much with many “I can’ts” – physical limitations due to the effects of post polio, there is also this beautiful place that I can access which to me is sensual, erotic, life enhancing and pleasurable. So as well as time and patience, it is essential that a practice be pleasurable, something that allows one to ride through the struggles and the sadnesses into the realm of pure sensual pleasure, joy and peace. Then I can enter into the “Yes, I cans” which are there for me to inhabit along with the grieving for the losses that are also relevant and need tending to.

The spirit of Nelson Mandela speaks poignantly to the “Yes I cans,” as who but he could imagine not only forgiving his enemies after all he and the South African people had been through, but becoming partners with them. As he spoke in his inaugural address, “We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. …..and as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.” May his soul’s light continue to inspire us to dwell in what is possible even though at times it is hidden from us. May we find the way to lift the veils, “to be in deep relationship with life, to be truly erotic, engaging the whole body, heart, mind, spirit and flesh, calling the inner life into play, where we are pulled to something stronger and more vital than simply ourselves.” (Terry Tempest Williams)

Following is my schedule for the winter/spring session. Immersion Continuum weekend workshop is in the planning stages, for either May or June, hopefully on the Sunshine Coast. In addition, Cherionna will be returning to Vancouver, March 22/23 for a Continuum weekend workshop, “Fluid Attachment.” Check out her website for details: www.cherionna.com.

With love and blessings for the Winter Solstice & the holiday season! Doris