DANCE—THE SACRED ART: The Joy of Movement as a Spiritual Practice By Cynthia Winton–Henry through SkyLight Paths Publishing
When I left seminary teaching after twenty years I was asked to write a book. I did my best to write down what I learned for anyone interested in healing the split between body and soul by regaining access to the West’s lost sacred art–Dance.
“If you’re thinking ‘But I’m not a dancer’ or ‘I feel awkward,’ I hope to reassure you. You don’t need a special talent to move. You don’t need to be ‘graceful’ or especially coordinated. You don’t need a body that’s ‘in shape.’ Dancing helps us embrace all this humanity. Dancing connects us to the holy of life.” –from the Introduction.
Discover movement as a place of solace and restoration as well as an energizing spiritual force. Tap into the spirit of dancing throughout history and in many world cultures. Get detailed exercises that rebuild trust in the body and interpret its physical and spiritual intentions.
• Celebrate your unique spirituality and get in touch with your own wisdom
• Unify body and mind, and push your personal boundaries.
• Work through trauma or crises and restore spiritual well-being
• Deepen your relationships and strengthen your community
• Find spiritual direction
…and much more!
What people are saying about this guidebook…
A dose of joy, like dancing itself! My toes started tapping and my shoulders kept the beat until I couldn’t sit still for another moment. Thank Goodness it’s here!”-Carolyn North, dance healer, author of Ecstatic Relations, and Voices Out of Stone.
The joy of movement leaps off the page.. Sound theology, personal stories, and clear guidelines for dancing alone or in community…invaluable for all who wish to expand their understanding and experience of spiritual practice. -Rev Jane E. Vennard, author Praying with Body and Soul and Embracing the World: Praying for Justice and Peace.
Beautiful and timely… With affirmation and artistry, Cynthia “lays out the welcome mat,” weaving together simple but profound dance exercises and reflections validated by her own search for healing and joy. My whole being was engaged in her search for peace.
-Carla DeSola, Director, Omega West Dance Company, Instructor, Sacred Dance, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA, author of The Spirit Moves
A wonderful resource for leaders and participants of all beliefs, giving permission and specific activities to use movement as a spiritual practice. -JoAnne Tucker, Ph.D. Founding Director, Avodah Dance Ensemble
Shows us that the pathway to spirit starts deep in our bodies. Cynthia’s gift and her calling is to share playful tools of movement to light our way.” Mark Metz, Executive Director, Conscious Dancer Magazine
My heart danced with joy reading this book! Cynthia opens for us a released and exciting blending of body and spirit.” Flora Wuellner, minister, author of Prayer and our Inner Wounds.
As a professor of dance for 37 years and a minister of the Gospel, I have danced in the spirit with intention… I now have a guide to give to others who need the dance in words. Cynthia has captured the Spirit of the dance and it moves from the pages to the soul.” Rev. Dr. Albirda Rose Eberhardt, Professor of Dance San Francisco State University
My other books include What the Body Wants: an InterPlay Practice book published by Woodlake Press and Chasing the Dance of Life: A Faith Journey, about the incredible rewards and daunting challenges of staying faithful to the mystic path, published by Apocryphile Press.
Purchase these and other resources at http://www.interplay.org