michelle's blog

"Shine your Light" Wu Tao December 2011

2011-12-07T21:14:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Blessings and warm wishes for the forthcoming festive season. Here in Western Australia, the weather is heating up, the ground is drying and already it feels like summer! Its been a busy and special few months for me. I continue to move through the grief of my daughter Belle's recent transition but joy is present as well now, which is a welcome relief. She is happy and very much alive. My spiritual practice has become very important as I work to surrender myself to the place where all is well. Wu Tao is part of my practice.

I spent the best part of October on an Australian Wu Tao tour ending with a powerful instructor training in Mornington Victoria. I have felt so blessed and grateful for the love coming my way over the past months, especially from everyone in the Wu Tao community, that I simply had to make a trip and thank everyone. If you dance Wu Tao at a class with one of our lovely instructors, you will know how gorgeous and amazing they are! Instructors and students alike, the Wu Tao community is full of beautiful, sweet and precious human beings.

Wu Tao Spring Ceremony

The Wu Tao ceremony for Spring was held in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, celebrating new life and dancing the renewed and healed world into being. The energy at all ceremonies was powerful and vibrant.

With a focused intention, we danced together, sending healing ripples into the world and creating positive change. I am reminded of this song: "From little things big things grow" and I firmly believe that good things will flow from the energies we generated. To all those who attended, thank you for your healing presence. It was truly lovely to meet you and dance with you.

The next ceremony will be celebrating Summer and the Element of Fire and the time of transformation and purification.

Click here to find out where and when you can join a ceremony close to you.

Summer Ceremonies

Instructor Enhancement Days

In Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne we also had our annual Instructor Enhancement Days. It is always a joy to be with the amazing beautiful people who teach Wu Tao, dancing and learning together. I am grateful and blessed to be part of such a special community. Thanks to all the wonderful instructors who lovingly support all our students not just in Australia, but also in New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Brazil and Austria! Next year we will also have instructors in the UK, US and South Africa! Yes, the Wu Tao tree is spreading its branches far and wide.

Instructor Training

My trip culminated in the 7 day Instructor Training Intensive which was held at the first purposely built Wu Tao studio, in Mount Martha (close to Mornington Peninsula) and home to Diana Bonwick and her family. What a perfect environment in which to study and learn Wu Tao! We were surrounded by nature, birds, horses and trees, with perfect weather blessing us every day. Congratulations to Lisa, Maria, Bev, Shireen, Lisa and Jane on the successful completion of the course! Thanks to Diana for looking after us so well and organising the delicious Indian food we ate daily.

"What an amazing week! Dancing daily with six of our truly beautiful Wu Tao family, under Michelle's caring guidance, was blissful. It hardly seemed like we were studying and preparing for examination! The intensive was challenging, joyful and healing combined. What a great honour to be able to teach Wu Tao and share its great depth. Thank you Life & Michelle!". (Jane Southwell)

In 2012, we will be holding the first Training intensive in Bali! Start your course in 2012 and complete it on this beautiful tropical island! For information about our Instructor Training Courses for 2012 click here.

Christmas Training Specials

Enrol in any of our training programs in December or January and receive special bonus gifts from us. Click here for details.

Wu Tao Bali Retreats in 2012!

For some time now I have been fantasizing about taking people to Bali for Wu Tao. I have always found Bali to be especially healing and relaxing.
Bali is a deeply spiritual place. For a start, the Balinese people live their faith daily. They live in constant respect and contact with Spirit through their Hindu ceremony and rituals and are very open, warm and friendly. The whole island feels very feminine and heart oriented.

I have been researching on the internet looking to find the perfect place to host Wu Tao retreats. I was referred to one and on my enquiry, an email came back with the address, BelleButterfly! What a synchronicity! I took this to indicate that I was on the right path with my dreaming about Bali.

Things have been moving quickly with us being offered the opportunity to lease a retreat centre in Ubud for a year. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but if all goes well, Steve and I could be in Bali very soon offering Wu Tao Dance training, retreats, music retreats, workshops and classes! It could well be the perfect next step for us and Wu Tao. If we do get to Bali our place will be open to you and we hope you will join us for a relaxing and healing time at our new retreat centre. I will keep posted with updates!

Wu Tao Gifts for Christmas?

Its not too late to order Wu Tao DVD's, music and books for your family and friends for Christmas! If you place an order this week, you should receive your order before Christmas day if you are in Australia, but don't delay! The new Advanced DVD, Wu Tao Wisdom DVD and Wu Tao for Couples DVD are now available. Go to Our Shop page to place your Christmas order today.

Sondra Ray in Perth December 2011
Our dear friends Sondra Ray and Mark Sullivan will be in Perth next week offering their very powerful Loving Relationships Training as well as private sessions. I highly recommend their work to cut through the ego dross and lift yourself to new levels of consciousness.

Click here for all the details or contact either myself 0417989397 or Steve 0429197710 email richsound1@gmail.com

Coming home to Self - The True meaning of Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the Christ energy into the world. What does this mean for you? For most people the true meaning of Christmas has been lost in the consumerism of buying presents and eating alot of food. The spiritual meaning has been reduced to the nativity story of the birth of Jesus. I like to think of Christmas as the time to celebrate the landing of Christ consciousness onto our earth, into this dimension. It has arrived and is held within each of us. We may not all know that we carry it, but it is this sacred spirt that is our True Nature.

Here is a short meditation process (taken from our Course in Transformation) to help you remember your true Self and in doing this, help others awaken to their true nature:

First, find a quiet space for yourself where you can relax without interruption for 1/2 hour.
Get some coloured pencils or textas and paper to draw/write on.
Put on some of your favourite relaxing music.
Sit comfortably and take some deep breaths, letting go of all tension in your body and mind as you exhale.

Now ask yourself these questions:

Who am I?

Draw/write whatever comes to mind

What are the burdens I carry?

Draw/write whatever comes to mind

What is the truth of who I am?

Draw/write whatever comes to your mind

Once you have answered these questions by drawing or writing, do the Wu Tao Fire Dance, brushing off the burdens you have discovered into the Fire.

When you are finished the dance, sit quietly for a few minutes taking your breath into your heart. Feel how much easier it is to feel your Self and how natural it is to radiate love now your Heart is relieved of what it was carrying around.

The Tree

By Miranda Brett
(Wu Tao Instructor Melbourne Australia)

I make no apology for who I AmI simply grow wherever I am planted
Spreading, exploring the Earth
Graciously receiving all that is given
all the elements, nutrients and space that is needed for this vital life
Creating a strong, firm foundation, steadfast, brave and true
Following the natural rise of energy as I find myself moving outwards through the leaves and branches into the Light
Spreading, creating, Giving Fully
I am worthy to be here and I hide nothing
I shine beautifully and without reservation, allowing my magnificence to be witnessed with my ever-changing canopy of leaves, the fragility of new growth, tender buds, flexibility, movement, dancing in the wind, buffeted by storms, lashed by rain.
Some boughs straight and strong, other branches dead and withered
Embracing it all, denying nothing
See me with my perfect imperfections
You and I,
Yin and Yang
We dance, touch, create, merge
Experiencing ourselves Fully
For we are One.

Summer Recipe for You

Watermelon SaladThis recipe is cooling and cleansing. Summer is the ideal time to enjoy fruits such as juicy, sweet watermelon. Rocket lettuce is bitter and stimulates the Liver. Lemon juice will keep your body alkaline.

Ingredients1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/4 cup minced shallots (1 large)
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 cups baby rocket leaves, washed and spun dry
1/8th seedless watermelon, rind removed, and cut in 1-inch cubes
200g good fetta cheese, 1/2-inch diced
1 cup whole fresh mint leaves, julienned

DirectionsWhisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, shallots, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly, to form an emulsion. If not using within an hour, store the vinaigrette covered in the refrigerator.

Place the rocket leaves, watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with enough dressing to coat the greens lightly and toss well. Taste for seasonings and serve immediately.

The picture below is of my beautiful girls and myself last Christmas. Belle's last Christmas in her body. She was the happiest I have ever seen her and had the best day in absolute joy and bliss.

I wish for you a beautiful Christmas with your loved ones. May your spirit shine bright and bring joy and peace to all around you. See you in 2012!

Lots of love

Michelle

Wu Tao Dance

Want more peace, balance and energy in your life?

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My darling Belle has Flown

2011-08-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

Dearest Wu Tao Teachers, Students and Fellow Travellers,

Its exactly 3 weeks today that my darling girl Belle flew away into the skies leaving us behind. At this time 3 weeks ago we were in intensive care at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, sitting by her, singing and reading her favourite stories to her while we waited anxiously for her sister Dakota to fly in from London to say goodbye. What a long 20 hour flight that was for her and us!

Dakota made it in time to help her sister on her way and Belle held on to say good-bye. This day was indeed the saddest day of my life. It was also incredibly gentle and beautiful. Belle left her body surrounded by love and support. Though it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, we were there to let her go with love and gratitude.

Her dad Rafael, her Auntie Simone, my darling man Steve and Dakota's sister Aurora were also there. I write this consumed by grief. How else can it be so, I miss my baby so much! So hard to let her go....

But I do also wish to share the incredible amount of miracles and blessings surrounding our precious Belle's journey. Many of you may know that since Belle first went to hospital in late 2009 that I felt things change and that Belle was preparing to leave then. For no apparent reason other than a trip to hospital of which we had had many in the past, I felt a shift, a change in trajectory and I was overwhelmed with grief for many months. Last year she had 2 severe pneumonias and visits to intensive care. The last trip was especially stressful for me. I had a lot of resistance and fear. I didn't want to be in the hospital and go through this ever again. It was very hard for me and I am sure for Belle too.

One day when meditating on Belle at this time, she came and told me she was done here and was preparing to leave. More grief, more unreality. What to do with this information? Was I making this up?

Since that time we have had the most fabulous time. Almost a year with no illnesses, and heaps of joy, laugher, fun and happiness. Belle enjoyed the best christmas with her family. She went surfing for the first time and started high school with a great teacher and new communication device. We had lots of fun every afternoon with her beautiful carers Amy and Kathrin. They were her best friends and mine too. The past year was truly a gift of joy that we will always remember and celebrate.

I went to India as I have done for the past few years and had a great time and a very special healing from a dear friend Richard. The grief of the past 2 years was taken away with the flow of the divine Mother moving through me. I knew I would be ok through the immense transition that lay ahead.

However, nothing prepared me for this incredible loss. The disbelief and the anguish are real. My mind cannot make sense of it. I know Belle is doing fine and doesn't need me anymore, but my grief stops me being able to feel her as she is. I know she is close by and free and happy somewhere. But where?

What do I do with my empty hands? The hands that loved to feed her? The arms that willingly changed her and attended to her? The mind that tuned into hers and knew what she she needed and how to make her happy? My mother body, my mother identity is struggling with these things.

I know that in God's time I will transition through this period. And I will be better for it. I know that many good things will flow from this experience. I will be free to be of service in other ways. I am so glad I had the job to be Belle's mum. Reflecting on what she brought to so many, I know she was a bringer of much light and love. She lifted the vibration of many people in her orbit simply with her presence. She didn't need to do anything except be. She had me and her dad to take care of her body vehicle.

Belle opened up many people's hearts. She taught compassion, tolerance, patience, joy and love. She opened people up to what lived within them. She was a true healer. I said to many people throughout her life that she was a master teacher. I believe this to be so. I don't think she was here to complete karma, though I do know she specifically came to remind her dad of his true nature. I know I had a contract with her. I would be her mother, and she would hold the space to help me bring in Wu Tao. Her spirit is way bigger than her body looked. She is a tall and incredibly beautiful angelic being.

The perfection, the perfect timing, the impeccable guidance of spirit through all our lives is so clear to see right now. For the first time in 10 years I have time to rest from work and can be fully present to face my grief. That in itself is a miracle! I feel surrounded by love and support from my darling family, friends and people everywhere. On a subtler level, I feel completely taken care of, often bathed in a warm blanket of invisible love and tenderness.

I don't care to hold back my tears with anyone. They are flowing as I write. Then they dry up only to flow again later. Its a time of firsts and lasts. Belle's last meal was coco pops! A special treat.

I haven't got to my first Wu Tao class yet. Next week I will start again. I know Belle will be dancing with me when I do.

Lyndall Parsons has organised a collective Wu Tao dance for Belle on the 7th August. Everyone is welcome. Check out the link on facebook or call your local teacher to find out where you can join in. https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=238413869513423

Belle watching the cricket game at Christmas!

Here is a beautiful link of my girl laughing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLEDub-OCTE

Thank you all for your prayers, love and support through this difficult time. I am very grateful for all the cards, flowers, phone calls and emails that you have sent to us.

Much love,

Michelle

Wu Tao Dance

I found Ken Carey again!

2011-06-21T20:57:00.001-07:00

I am so grateful to have found Ken Carey again! His books have kept me on purpose - being of service to humanity through creativity and love- over many years since I first read them in the 1980's. A wonderful reminder to stay on track and not get caught in the fear as the old world build around 'what we are not', breaks down. We are love, thank God for that! and thank you Ken Carey for reminding me today!
Check him out on his new blog and have a beautiful and inspiring day!
Ken Carey's New Blog

love Michelle

Winter Dreaming - Wu Tao News June 2011

2011-06-08T02:21:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Its been just over a month now since I returned from my annual pilgrimage to Herakhan, the ashram of Mahavatar Babaji. To say it was 'good' or 'fun or even 'awesome' is an understatement. For me, the energy of this place is "Heaven on Earth!" There simply isn't the words to convey the incredible experience of being in the energy of Babaji and the Divine Mother here on earth. I pray that some day I will be able to share this experience with some fellow Wu Tao folks as it is the place of my heart and in many ways the home of Wu Tao. You can read all about my trip below.

We have an abundance of nourishment in this newsletter for your body AND soul! Please enjoy the contributions of our lovely Wu Tao Instructors. If you are lucky enough to be doing a Wu Tao class somewhere I am sure you will be being well supported and cared for by your wonderful teacher.

There is much change going on within us and in the outer reflected world. My guidance has been to 'chop wood, carry water and dance, stay close to the earth and conserve energy and resources. Lets enjoy co-creating a new, happy dream together!

Blessings and much love,

Michelle

Share Wu Tao and Restore balance to the World!

Do you want to be a vehicle for positive change in the world? Small actions can make a big difference. Like a tiny pebble thrown into a lake, the ripples spread out and are felt by the whole. Sharing Wu Tao with your community is a beautiful way to effect powerful inner and outer change.

If you are interested in becoming a Teacher of Wu Tao and a vehicle for powerful change in the world we want to hear from you! please call Michelle 0417 989 397 or email michelle@wutaodance.com.

Click here for Training Information

(Note: Karma yoga is work done for the benefit of all. Teaching Wu Tao is the perfect 'karma yoga'. Action done and shared for the benefit of humanity. It is a beautiful (dancing) way to contribute to the spiritual evolution of the world!)

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the amazing women who recently completed the 7 day Intensive in Perth. We had a wonderful week of learning and sharing all things Wu Tao. You will be hearing more from me about the training next newsletter.

Winter specials

Enrol for the Instructor training course in June and receive the Food as Medicine Course (valued at $600+gst) for free OR $300 off the cost of your training.

Enrol with a friend on any of our courses and You train for Â½ price.

Eg: you and a friend enrol for the Course in Transformation and pay 1 full price $600 and 1 Â½ price $300. (includes Instructor Training).

These Specials are only available for the month of June so don't miss out!

Prelaunch DVD Sale!

I have finally finished the production of the Wu Tao Advanced DVD which contains the Tao Dance, Surrender Dance and all the advanced movements for the 5 element dances!

And the DVD of the 5 element dances, modified for the wiser ones amongst us! "Dance yourself to Health with Wu Tao Wisdom!

And the Wu Tao for Couples DVD with the 5 Dances to do with your partner!

Yay! Its been fun creating all these products and I hope you will enjoy the result!

None of these have not been released to the public yet, but I have a small number of each of them available and I am offering them to you here as a pre-release special.

You will be one of the first people to own one of these special release DVD's if you purchase here.

This link will take you to the purchase page

New DVD Pre-release Sale!

(If you want them order quickly before they run out).

Journey to India

View of Herakhan Ashram from the riverbed

You may have heard this story before, but in case you haven't, I dreamt of Herakhan when I was first starting Wu Tao around 10 years ago. I was dancing with a brown skinned man, a healing delicious dance where the Yin and Yang felt in perfect balance - the real divine marriage. As we were dancing, the windows popped out and the roof flew off and we were in an amazing vista of mountains. When I arrived in Herakhan for the first time 4 years ago and went to the temple, I recognised it instantly! This was the room of my dream! Surrounded by beautiful mountains and the same room! ( Steve and I also danced Wu Tao in the temple then which was another miracle).

Mahavatar Shri Babaji

I don't understand how it all works, but what I do know is that Babaji has been overseeing and guiding Wu Tao and calling me home to this place.

This year the trip was easy, subtle and deep. After a 10 hour bus ride to a small city of 2 million (Haldwani), we took jeeps up the mountain passes to the ashram. A divine journey every time. One where the presence of Spirit becomes very strong. Its like the small voice inside suddenly becomes extra loud!

At the ashram, it was straight into the daily routine of 4am bath in the river, followed by meditation and chandan ( the guru/yogi applies sandalwood paste to your forehead to calm the mind) in the temple, then a quick chai and Aarti (devotional singing) at 6. It feels like I've been up for hours and ITS ONLY 7AM IN THE MORNING!

This year I didn't flinch or hesitate once while doing my morning dip. In previous years I have had quite alot of resistance to the freezing cold water!

Havan Fire Ceremony

The main ceremony of the day is the Havan. As this is the festival to the Divine Mother, Navaratri, each day there is a powerful fire ceremony to a different aspect of the Divine Feminine. (if you want to know more about this follow the link here ). The Havan is amazing. Everyone can bring a coconut and put all their problems into it. It is offered to the Fire who burns everything away. There is a lot of ego burned up at the fire ceremonies!

Shri Muniraji, who is the saint who Babaji left in charge facilitates this ceremony with utter dedication and presence. Its hard to describe the love and peace that radiate from this man. He is the epitome of understated power and strength. Quietly doing his duties of service to all who come to Herakhan.

Shri Muniraji at the Havan

The main message I received from Babaji this year was to follow my heart. To listen and walk the way of my heart in all matters.

Mahavatar Babaji's Feet

The teachings of Babaji are very simple. Truth, simplicity and Love.

I would love to be sharing this experience with you, so if you are interested in coming with me next year please let me know. Dates are March 19 - April 4 2012

Winter Health Tips

In the southern hemisphere we are approaching winter, the time of dreaming and resting. Winter is the season to build, replenish and connect with our inner dreams and our heart's desires. Not yet to birth them but to look within, reflect on what we want and nourish body, heart and spirit.

Read Instructor Karen Armstrong's delightful insights on the season changes here!

Winter corresponds to the Water Element and the Kidney and Bladder organs in the body. The Kidneys especially need replenishing during this time. Rest, warming and nourishing food, inner reflection and dreaming all help to support these organs during the season of cold. So will doing the Makko Ho Stretch for Kidneys and Bladder below.

Kidney and Bladder Meridian Stretch

Winter Warmer to Nourish your Kidney Qi!

Winter Broth Recipe

- Bring a large pot of water to boil

- Add 3 stalks of celery with green leaves

- One bunch of parsley

- Add one carrot

- 1 potatoes

- 2 tomatoes

- Big bit of fresh ginger

- 2 cloves of garlic

- Some fennel seeds

- Some brown mustard seeds

- Some cumin seeds

- Some cardomen pods

- Some pepper corns

- Good sea salt

- 2 bay leaves

- Any veg. Peels ( as pumpkin)

- Chicken carcass

Once the water has come to boil and you have added all the incredients, put the pot on the smallest burner and turn it right down.

Now keep it just going for several hours on very very low. This will produce a very deeply nurturing and nourishing broth to help build your stores in winter.

Once the broth is finished pour it through a sieve and use this very rich broth (instead of just water) to make your favourite soup, yummy sauce, paella, risotto, stews Or simply have a cup of it the way it is.

Shared by Diana Bonwick

Wu Tao Instructor Mornington Victoria

Wu Tao Sacred Ceremony

Winter Ceremony
We warmly invite you to join us for the Winter ceremony, "Dance of Dreaming" in June 2011.

Come and vision and dream our lives and the life of this world anew.
Let's ask ourselves: What it is we want to birth in ourselves?
In Humanity? On this Earth?
What is our highest Vision for all beings?

Click here for further details

Poetry Corner

The clean crisp air
draws me within
The walls of my mind
my heart... it does sing
The things I tend to
at this time of year
Nurture my soul
and nourish me whole
Composed and surreal
with courage and strength
I withdraw and prepare
for the coming Spring

The chilling rain
it pounds on my roof
keeping me home
cooking hearty soups
My soul is rested
my spirit is clear
My mind is prepared
for the coming year

Adele Oram
(Wu Tao Instructor Upwey Victoria)
April 10, 2011

Surrender

I resist

I control

I choose pain

I choose suffering

I control

I resist

I am afraid

"Help me God!"

I fall into the darkness

Into silence

I am embraced

I surrender

I let go

I feel light

I am free

I am changed

Full of light

Full of love

Full of hope

Full of peace

I now flow with life

Surrendering to all that is

Faith in life and myself

I flow

I let go

I choose love

I choose peace

I let go

I flow

I AM

Rachel Gard
Wu Tao Instructor New Zealand
April 2011

Poem by Rumi

(Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic jurist, theologian and mystic.)

This being human is a guest-house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Shared by Miranda Brett (Melbourne Instructor)

Your Say

"I love how the Wu Tao Dances leave me feeling so alive and invigorated and full in my body, mind and soul"

Tahnaya, Melbourne

"I love when dancing Wu Tao I step from time into timelessness,

from separation into oneness and

from restlessness into blissful stillness. "

Diana Manuela

"I have completed your online beginners course which was absolutely fantastic and has had a profound effect on me and continues to do so. Wu Tao is a combination of all that I have known and am interested in and resonates with the very fibre of being."
Lisa Monk NSW

"When I first danced Wu Tao I knew I was on a special journey. The last few years for me were a very stressful and emotional period of my life. Thanks to Wu Tao I navigated the path and managed to stay focused and clear headed. From learning the dances, meeting other wonderful Wu Tao Ladies and then embarking on the instructors course, has been just wonderful therapy for my mind and body.

Finding my inner self and dealing with life became a fun journey. All thanks to my wonderful mentors Michelle and Ulla, whom I now look upon as my spirit sisters.

Now my journey has taken another path, back to my wonderful family who I missed so much. Love is all around me now and I look forward to the exciting path of introducing Wu Tao to South Africa!

Girls I will keep you informed of my new endeavours, I miss you all stacks, and think about you all every time I dance. Who knows when our paths will meet again. Thanks to you all wonderful ladies, and let me say, if any of you are thinking of taking the course, don't hesitate! Perfect harmony for your mind and body can be attained!

Happy dancing, Love D x"

Denise Kevan (Wu Tao Instructor South Africa)

Blessings for a flowing and joyful season,

Love Michelle
Wu Tao Dance

Want more peace, balance and energy in your life?
Start the Ultimate Beginner Course
Get the DVD Package
Find a class close to you
Become a Wu Tao Instructor

Transforming the world together

2011-03-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

So much is happening in our world right now! Are you noticing shifts within yourself? So much change and so many opportunities to grow. Our hearts go out to our friends in New Zealand who have experienced first hand the power of Mother Earth in the Christchurch earthquake. Our love and prayers are with all of you.

I see the earth changes as a reflection of what is going on internally for humankind. We are being shaken up to our very core as we move to birth from within, a new, self-realized human being. What an amazing journey we are on together! Never before has it felt so close. Never before has it been so important to reach out to our fellow brothers and sisters and remember that we are all one.

I feel blessed to share Wu Tao as a way to restore balance to body and spirit. It has done a lot for me personally. It has been the one thing that always takes me home to my Self, showing me that I am loved and supported by life and bringing me back to peace.

My prayers most recently have been what else can I offer to assist in our collective transformation? Last year on a pilgrimage to India I received an answer. A series of ceremonies, one to be done each season, to help us return to balance with the earth and life. We start the ceremonies this month. (autumn in the southern hemisphere, spring in the northern). The ceremonies are free for everyone. (Donations welcome to support charity).

wu tao sacred ceremony

These ceremonies are a way for everyone to join in healing for the whole community. We pray not only for ourselves, but for all humanity, for the earth and all she contains. We extend ourselves beyond our own small world into the hearts and minds of others in a way that is beautiful and transformative. With our intention clearly set, we dance our Selves and the new humanity of healed minds into Being.

click here for more information

We would love you to join us to dance and pray!

And if you can't get to a ceremony take a few moments out of your day and do the following process:

If you are in Autumn:

Take a walk in nature and reflect on the things in your life, within yourself and in your world that its time to let go of. Find an object in nature to represent these things. Take it to the top of a hill and release it to the Air as you say " I let go of all that no longer serves my/our highest growth. I/we are free."

If you know Wu Tao, then dance!

If you are in Spring:

Take a walk in nature and find a tree to sit against. Ask the tree to speak to you about your path in life. Write it down, draw it and dance it!

(PS if you like these exercises you will love the Course in Transformation!)

Revitalise your Relationship with Wu Tao for Couples!

Steve and I facilitated a wonderful retreat for couples in Bali in December. You can read all about it here at our blog http://therelationshipretreat.com/blog

We came back full of enthusiasm and amazed at the power of Wu Tao to transform and heal in relationships! It was a truly humbling experience.

We are passionate about creating more love in the world and so we have created a new website just for couples! If you are wanting to experience more love, intimacy and deep connection with your partner then come and visit us at http://therelationshipretreat.com

We had such an awesome time on the retreat we are doing it again in June from 2nd to the 9th. You can find out all about it here. wu tao retreat for couples

Transform the World in 2011

Are you wondering how you can be of service to the world this year? Do you know that service to humanity (also known as karma yoga) is one of the quickest ways to realize your Self?

When you move into serving others from the place of knowing who you are, you are immediately aligned with divine life energy. This brings you unlimited joy, abundance, beauty and love. Why? Because this is who you are and you are sharing from your knowing of this!

If you are looking to create more harmony and balance in your life AND you would like to help others to do the same, consider a part time career teaching Wu Tao. You get the benefits of coming home to your Self as well as improved health and balance on all levels, and you have the immense pleasure of seeing other people find their peace and joy too.

Last year I interviewed Megan Whitelaw from Bunbury who shared how teaching Wu Tao has changed her life. You can listen to her story here. Megan is a wonderful teacher and we had fun doing this first ever interview online!

Megan's journey with Wu Tao

If you are ready to start a new life in 2011, click here for details on our Instructor Training Course or call me directly on 0417 989 397.Michelle@wutaodance.com

New Section!

We have the most amazing group of people (mainly women!) teaching Wu Tao. They are of the highest calibre and bring to their classes a wealth of information, support, understanding and compassion. To honour our wonderful teachers, I will be profiling one of our many beautiful Wu Tao Instructors each month. If you know of an Instructor who has helped you, let me know.

Karen Armstrong Tasmania

Karen started her journey with Wu Tao back in 2005. Karen is one of the most positive and inspiring people I know! She exudes joy and gratitude continuously! Not many people can do this. She gives unconditionally to everyone and is also an astute business woman.

She has recently moved from Brisbane to Tasmania, and will be our first teacher there. Here's a few words from Karen also and a beautiful photo of her dancing in Tassie!

From Brisbane to Launceston

Late October 2010, my husband Robert and I moved from my native state of Queensland to pursue a new journey together in beautiful Tasmania ! We just knew that there was an urgent need to be here and all the paths were cleared for us - making this an easy road to travel.

I finished teaching my Wu Tao class at Sunnybank in late September and beautiful Wu Tao Teacher Melissa Bell took over the class and she is enjoying her time with this lovely group.

The natural state of Tasmania is an exquisite, peaceful place filled with the most amazing people. Robert and I have settled in very well here and now I feel it is time to introduce Wu Tao to the awaiting public of Launceston and surrounding areas.

Classes at the moment, will commence at the following venues

Carrick

Carrick Community Hall - Tuesdays 9.00am - starting from 26^th April 2011

Bracknell

Bracknell Community Hall - Wednesdays 11.00am - starting from 27^th April 2011

Autumn - It is a wonderful time of year to start Wu Tao in a new state - how appropriate !

I look forward to dancing the first element of Air with my new students.

If you have any questions, please do hesitate to contact me. Phone ( 03 ) 6397 3301

or leave a message on my mobile service 0412 472795 and I will phone you back.

Karen Armstrong

This is all the Wu Tao news for this month. On a personal note, I have been going through the Letting Go process with my eldest daughter Dakota moving to London AGAIN! The Air dance really helps me to let go of the grief and open to the wonderful possibilities of skype communication and travel!
Blessings for a flowing and joyful season,
Love Michelle
Wu Tao Dance

Want more peace, balance and energy in your life?
Start the Ultimate Beginner Course
Get the DVD Package
Find a class close to you
Become a Wu Tao Instructor

Finding Balance in 2011

2011-01-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hi there ,

2011 has arrived and what a year it is already! In Australia, the east coast is severely flooded. On the west coast we have intense heat and fires. In other parts of the world there are tornadoes, snow, earthquakes and hurricanes. Mother nature is speaking and she is loud right now!

I feel for all those who are bearing the brunt of her force. It cannot be easy dealing with the impact of these severe weather conditions.

Over the years there has been much talk of changing weather patterns and global warming. It seems to be here! We are living through extremely challenging times which I believe hold the potential for complete transformation of our planet and humanity. Can we rise to the challenge?

When I first created Wu Tao, I had many visions and messages. One of them was that the world would need many human lights to shine through the turbulent days ahead. To be a light, we would need to be clear of limiting thoughts and patterns held in our minds and bodies.

When we are clear of what we are not and remember who we are, we can rest in that knowing and be WHO WE ARE.

Wu Tao would help us to remember. It has been doing that now for 10 years. Helping to bring us home to our true Self, the radiant divine aspect of our being that is at One with Life and always in peace and love.

We have been offered many tools and ways to remember. Now it is time to BE IT. To be the Light of your True self and shine the way so others remember. To rest in your Self and hold that space of peace and love within the turbulence of the world around you. This is our time to show what we are! To walk the talk!

View your experience as an opportunity to evolve and know yourself as a powerful co-creator with Life. Take responsibility, be your Self and do what ever is needed to restore balance and peace for yourself and others.

This is the gift of the Earth element in Wu Tao. Gratitude and appreciation for everything that life brings you. Being receptive and open to whatever comes your way. It is no use resisting what is in front of you.

My thought right now is that Life is presenting us with significant and powerful opportunities for transformation. Earthquakes, floods, relationship breakdowns whatever. We want to return home. To our truth and our Selves. Are we ready to wake up?

Are you awake? If you are, then your purpose now is to shine as brightly as you can and light the way for others to also awaken. It doesn't matter where you are or what is going on around you. This is your job now.

If you are stuck in ways of thinking that are making you feel depressed, angry, anxious or fearful, are you ready to find another way?

I strongly recommend Wu Tao to help you maintain balance and energy and clear your body and mind of limiting emotional and mental patterns through these challenging times.

Start the Ultimate Beginner Course

Get the DVD Package

Find a class close to you or

Become a Wu Tao Instructor

and get to know your True Self!

I want for you to know that you are peace. That you are what the world has been waiting for. That you are a divine, powerful and magnificent being.

Here is my gift to help you remember.

Please click on the link below to access The Tao meditation to help you connect back to Life.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/pag1o3

The music was composed by my beautiful partner Steve Richter. The words I wrote over ten years ago when Wu Tao was being conceived. I hope it takes you home to your Self.

Blessings and much love

Michelle

Wu Tao Dance

Celebrate your Self! - Wu Tao News Dec 2010

2010-11-30T00:12:00.000-08:00

Hi {!firstname},

Today is the 1st December and we are heading into the last month of the year! What a year its been! I hope you have been able to follow the flow of your spirit and all is well in your world. In the southern hemsiphere we are now in Summer which corresponds to the element of Fire in Chinese Medicine.

(If you are reading this from the northern hemisphere, you will be in Winter and in the Water Element! Follow this link to read more about how to Nourish yourself in Winter)

Fire is the transformer and purifier. It can burn away anything that blocks the flow of love. The organ that corresponds to the Fire element is the Heart (of course) and this season is the perfect time to open and share love, (which is what we really are), with others.

Last week I heard a beautiful quote (from a Course In Miracles) that captured this. "My only purpose is to extend love". Beautiful hey? When I reflected on it, I realised that whenever I was not extending love, my heart was closed at some level.

Fear of being judged, prior hurts, anger at others. All these 'burdens' hold me back from resting in my true nature and radiating love.

This season is the perfect opportunity to shed the burdens of our hearts.

A Gift for You

My Christmas gift to you is a short meditation process to help you purify your heart from the things that stop you extending your love to others and yourself. (I've done it myself and it works).

So here it is:

First, find a quiet space for yourself where you can relax without interruption for 1/2 hour.
Get some coloured pencils or textas and paper to draw/write on.
Put on some of your favourite relaxing music.
Sit comfortably and take some deep breaths, letting go of all tension in your body and mind as you exhale.

Now ask yourself these questions:

What burdens am I carrying around in my heart?

Draw/write whatever comes to mind

How does this stop me extending and radiating love?

Draw/write whatever comes to mind

What will happen to me if I release these burdens?

Draw/write whatever comes to your mind

Am I willing to let go of these burdens now?

Draw/write whatever comes to mind

Once you have answered these questions by drawing or writing, do the Wu Tao Fire Dance, brushing off the burdens you have discovered into the Fire.

If you haven't yet learned the Fire Dance, put on some music that makes you feel joyful. Imagine there is a big fire in front of you and spontaneously dance out your burdens, allowing the Fire to transform these for you.

When you are finished the dance, sit quietly for a few minutes taking your breath into your heart. Feel how much easier it is to feel your Self and how natural it is to radiate love now your Heart is relieved of what it was carrying around.

Wu Tao Course Now available on DailyOm!

Recently I created a short Wu Tao course for the website DailyOm. Its now live on their site and I have to say its a very easy and cost effective way to learn Wu Tao. This is a great opportunity to learn the basics if you haven't been able to get to a class yet. Check it out here

http://tinyurl.com/wutaodailyom

Free Class for Perth Peeps!

Another great opportunity for you to experience Wu Tao! I am giving a free class on the Esplanade Park (right opp Esplanade Train Station Perth) as part of the 12 Days of Fitness Challenge (http://www.lululemon.com/perth/perthcity)

on Wednesday December 15th

at 6.00 -7.00pm.

Come along, say hello! I would love to meet you and dance with you! It will be a lovely class learning the Fire Dance and celebrating the beginning of the Christmas season in real Joy! Everyone is welcome!

Are you looking to find a new career in health and wellness? If you are AND you love to dance and work with people, Wu Tao may be the perfect new career for you.

Wu Tao Dance offers people the opportunity to nurture themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually, restoring health on every level. Teaching Wu Tao is an incredibly enjoyable way to support people on their life journey and transform yourself at the same time.

If you want to deepen into your own spiritual dance practice and be of service to the world, you won't want to miss out on our Wu Tao Instructor Training Program. I have personally been given so many gifts from teaching Wu Tao. It has become my spiritual path and the way for me to give back to the world. I can highly recommend it as a career!

So, this month (it is Christmas after all!) is the LAST chance to get the specials that I offered back in October. You can receive the Food as Medicine Ecourse for free ($600 value) OR get $300 off the the Full Instructor Course training.

Click here for more details and email or call me if you want to take advantage of this offer.

http://www.wutaodance.com/dance-teacher-training

I would love to be sharing this healing path with you!

Teacher Profile

The pictures below are of one of our lovely Wu Tao Instructors in Melbourne Miranda Brett. Miranda teaches in Cheltenham. You can find all the details about Miranda's classes and workshops on her website http://www.path-to-stillness.com or call her on 0405 780 498.

Here, Miranda is doing the Makko Ho Stretches for the Fire Element and its corresponding meridian channels.

Why not commit yourself to doing them everyday for a few weeks and feel the benefits for your Self?

Heart and Small Intestine

Heart Constrictor and Triple Heater

Have a fantastically joyful Christmas with your family and friends and I look forward to sharing more Wu Tao with you in 2011!

Blessings and much love from all at Wu Tao

Michelle Locke

Wu Tao Dance

Wu Tao Specials Extended!

2010-10-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I have just got home from teaching Wu Tao in Melbourne to a new group of Instructors AND spending time teaching the new Surrender Dance to a gorgeous group of teachers. It was a great week and I have come back feeling energised (from a week of dancing every day) and inspired!

I meant to send you a reminder earlier in case you were wanting to take up one of our 'special october offers', but I got caught up in my other job, mothering! Sorry about that!

So I will extend the specials for another week until the 7th November.

Here's the link to the page with details again.

Anniversary offers for you.

Feel free to email me if you need more information.

Oh and if you want to do the Wu Tao Couples retreat in Bali you had better be quick! There is only 1 spot left!

Wu Tao Couples Retreat Bali

Blessings and much love

Michelle

PS. Some of the beautiful messages I got during the week!

"What a great week this has been! Wu Tao has given me so much peace and good health. I can't wait to see where it takes me"

"Thankyou. For creating and supporting such incredible beauty. I have loved this week"

"I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful day yesterday. I truly feel so blessed to have you and Wu Tao in my life. I came away yesterday, knowing in my heart that without Wu Tao and without dance in my life I am not myself.."

Blessings and much love

Michelle

Happy Birthday Wu Tao!

2010-10-16T00:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

This month I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has ever taught, participated, listened, played and most importantly, danced Wu Tao!

This month October 2010 is the 10th anniversary of Wu Tao! I started my first class of Wu Tao in a beautiful hall overlooking the Perth Swan River at 6.00am. How Wu Tao began is a long story but a good one. If you want to hear it let me know and I will find a way to share it with you! (The picture above is of my partner Steve - who composes all the music for Wu Tao - and I, at the Dockers Doig Medal Ball. We had fun!)

I have been very blessed to have been given the purpose of bringing Wu Tao into the world. It has been a gift and a teacher to me. I have experienced firsthand the benefits of the dances and the processes we use in Wu Tao. They are powerful and transformative and have taken me to the depths of my Self and connected me in the deepest way with Life and Spirit. Nothing has brought me so much joy as dancing and sharing Wu Tao.

I really want to thank all the Instructors for their dedication and commitment not only for teaching Wu Tao and building the business, but to their own personal growth and spiritual development. Wu Tao is so much more than a dance program, it's a spiritual pathway and the beautiful people teaching Wu Tao know that more than anyone. All the teachers embody compassion and wisdom in their own unique way and are a wonderful source of guidance and strength.

I speak for myself, but every class, workshop, performance and business event I do for Wu Tao turns into a deep spiritual learning. I have had to grow up, change, heal, expand and develop parts of myself I would rather have overlooked. More than anything I have been challenged to do things in a different way, a way that is more flowing, balanced and Yin. This often goes against the ways of the world and my old ways of doing things, but it has brought me so much joy, energy and inner peace.

Nicky Castle, one of our very first Instructors and trainers shared this with me earlier this week. Nicky is a powerhouse of energy and wisdom. I am so grateful for you Nicky and for what you have given to Wu Tao.

Dear Michelle,

I can only begin to express the incredible gratitude that I have for you and Wu Tao Dance. I am honestly not sure if I would still be here on this earth if I had not found my way to you 8 years ago. I was so filled with grief and manically out of balance - there is no possible way that I could have continued in that way without manifesting some awful physical dis-ease. Wu Tao the Dancing Way gifted me with the remembrance and knowledge of who I truly am and the peace that comes hand in hand with that remembrance.

Life is a continual journey of mountains and valleys and Wu Tao is there with me each and every step of the way, always when I need it the most to gently remind me .....I am loved, I am supported, I am connected to all of Life.

Blessings,

Nicky Castle

To Wu Tao instructors everywhere, I love and appreciate you so much. Thank you for sharing the journey. You are the ones that make Wu Tao what it is today.

Anniversary Gifts for You!

To mark this special occasion of our 10th anniversary, I have some extra special offers that I hope you will take advantage of, if you deeply desire to create more beauty, balance and harmony in your life.

Instructor Training Course Special

Enrol for the Instructor Training Course in October and receive theFood as Medicine Ecourse for free ($600 value) OR if you prefer, get $300 off the full Instructor Course cost. (You choose your special offer) The Food as Medicine home study course is one of our most popular courses. It gives you a thorough grounding in Chinese Medicine and nutrition and will give you the skills to treat yourself, your family and clients with healing foods and dietary advice. Click here for detailed information.

PS. If you love to dance and help others, and you want to be fit, healthy and balanced inside and out, this course is for you!

Not quite ready to embark on a new career but want to delve deeply into Wu Tao? Begin your study of Wu Tao and related programs at home!

Special!

Start any of our stand alone Home Study courses (some of which can be accredited towards the Instructor Training and get a massive 30% of the cost of the course! Yep, that means that a course that usually costs $600 you can get for $420 in October. (gst excluded).

The home study courses we are currently offering are:

Course in Transformation (This course WILL definitely change your Life)

Food as Medicine (Build your nutritional expertise and become a great cook at the same time)

Foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (All the basics to help you understand and integrate this ancient and powerful healing system into your daily life)

Stretch and Relax Certificate Course (Do the course and you can teach this simple class to anyone who needs it)

Click here to purchase at these special prices

If you are just starting out on your Wu Tao journey and want to begin experiencing the maximum benefits of Wu Tao for yourself, here is my lastspecial gift.

Purchase the Ultimate DVD package and I will send you the 'Living your Divine Purpose' seminar that I held on-line earlier this week for free. (That's if you didn't get to join in then). Next month it will cost $27 to download.

Make sure you follow this link to get the specials.

All these specials are my gift to you, but they are only available until the end of October, so don't delay in getting started. Next month the anniversary is over and it will be back to business as usual.

Living your Sacred Purpose Webinar was a great success thanks to you!

Thanks to all those people who attended my first webinar event "Living your Sacred Purpose! I really appreciated you all showing up! Thanks for your encouraging feedback and comments as well. I had fun and I hope you enjoyed it too. I look forward to sharing more with you in the very near future. Here's one of the many beautiful emails I received. (Thanks Barb!)

Hi Michelle,

I just finished listening to and working through the replay of the webinar and wanted to let you know that I loved it! On a personal level, the topics you covered remain so meaningful for me and bring fresh insight every time I hear you speak of them. I've been struggling a bit lately, and know that your words of wisdom will help me find some focus.

I think the webinar was a wonderful way to bring attention to the emotional and spiritual aspects of Wu Tao - the aspects that are so powerful and make Wu Tao so unique - not just another fitness program.

For you, I once again applaud your courage in finding ways to reach out and share your inner thoughts, passion and wisdom...I hope you will plan more webinars in the future.

Barb (WA)

(PS If you missed the webinar and would like to listen to it, the podcast will be available in the very near future. Stay Tuned!)

Special Events!

Wu Tao Couples Retreat Bali 3-9 December 2010

We still have a couple of places left in the Couples Retreat in Bali! Are you sureyou don't need a week with your beloved, away from the children, enjoying each other, connecting deeply and getting yourselves fit and balanced at the same time?

I know its December and things are starting to get busy, but you know what? Your relationship with your partner is precious gold and deserves to be nourished!

Steve and I are so looking forward to this retreat! We get to hang out with each other, dance, play and have fun with other gorgeous couples! It doesnt get any better than this for us.

Click this link to join us!

Sondra Ray in Perth 25-29 November

Liberation Breathing Training.

Sondra Ray and her husband Mark Sullivan are back in Australia for another amazing week of breathwork training. We have been going to India with this couple for the past 3 years and they are of the highest calibre and truly inspiring teachers. If you want to change the limited thought patterns that run your life, I can highly recommend working with Sondra. Click here for more details.

Tomorrow I am off to teach a new group of trainee instructors in Melbourne at a 7 day training intensive. I am so looking forward to feeling the bliss that comes from dancing everyday. I hope you get to enjoy dancing this month too!

Have a fantastic month.

Michelle Locke

Wu Tao Dance x x

Are you Ready to Start Living your Sacred Purpose?

2010-10-06T01:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

To prepare yourself for the webinar, it would be wonderful if you could take a few minutes to ask yourself the following question and jot down the answer:

Q. What am I absolutely passionate about?

EVENT: Living your Sacred Purpose Webinar
Time : Monday 11th October 6pm Perth Time Australia

Listening Method : Attend via Phone or Webcast -- it's your choice).

To attend, visit :
http://AttendThisEvent.com/?eventid=15156066

For all other time zones please use the time zone converter at
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

(You can listen in for 48 hours after the call via this link above, if you can't make it live at 6pm!)

I've learnt a few more things that will make it easy for you to join the call. If you want to call in on the phone, the easiest way is to purchase an international phone card. It costs a couple of dollars for an hour.

Phone number to dial from Australia:
0011 1 918 8770147
Then enter conference no: 978814#

When you register you will get access to the webinar for 48 hours so you can listen to it again. This will make it easy to take notes after the event and put into practice what you have learned.

If you have questions you would like answered at the webinar write them down prior to it starting.

I am really looking forward to meeting you in cyberspace!

Blessings!

Michelle Locke
Wu Tao Dance

PS. If the link doesn't work for you, try cutting and pasting the link into your web browser. That should do it!

Challenge your Self in Spring

2010-10-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Michelle here. Spring has arrived in Australia and this means it's TIME to put into action the plans and dreams we made through winter!

A lot of people talk about getting on purpose and living their dreams, but how many people do something about that?

Are you one of those people who keep putting it off and never feel satisfied with your life?

Many people ask me how I manage to run my Wu Tao company, take care of my special needs daughter and stay happy and focused. Well, I have a process I follow and it's been working extremely well for me for the past 15 years. I have created a life that reflects my deepest soul purpose and it's a real joy to be living an authentic, creative and fulfilling life.

Do you feel on purpose in your life?

Are you ready to put your thoughts into action, stop procrastinating and find out exactly what YOUR sacred purpose is?

Here's a Spring Challenge!

Put your dreams into action and make your sacred purpose real. No more excuses! Being on purpose makes everything else in your life, so much more effortless. So, if you are tired of waiting, I want to support you in getting there.

This is my gift to you, as part of Wu Tao's 10th Anniversary Celebrations.

Please join me in my very first free WEBINAR course "Living your Sacred Purpose" to be held on 11th October 2010 where you will learn exactly what YOUR sacred life purpose is AND how to live it in your life now. Mark it in your calendar now.

In this webinar, you will:
Find out exactly what you are meant to be doing in your life NOW.
Learn how to access your Qi energy so you can use it to create what you want.
Discover what your deepest soul purpose is for this lifetime.
Learn a simple formula that will help you to restore balance quickly and easily

I will be in touch again soon with more details of how to register. Remember, this is a free gift as part of our anniversary celebrations, and there are only limited places. After that, the course will still be available, but at our regular price of $27.00. So make sure you look out for the next email, and register early!

I hope to be meeting you in cyberspace soon!

Warmest regards

Michelle Locke
Wu Tao Dance

PS. When you are on purpose, doors of opportunity open everywhere. What you learn at this seminar will benefit you for years to come.

PPS. If this is your first webinar, let me say from my own experience its easy to sign on and lots of fun to participate! All you have to do is follow the instructions and you will end up at in the right place. I promise!

Follow your Inner Dancer - Quote of the Day!

2010-09-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

Three Ways to stay Inspired and on Purpose

2010-08-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to write this after a number of my students wrote in or called me to share their gratitude for what they were receiving from Wu Tao. I will share their expressions with you later, but it made me think about what it takes for me to stay inspired and on track in my life. Its easy to get discouraged when things don’t seem to be going my way, or at least the way I think they should be going! I definitely need to stay inspired to keep on track with my work. So after sitting with this question I came up with these 3 ways that I find useful in keeping me focused and inspired!

Spend time in nature. Make time as often as possible (I try to sit in the garden every day) to be in nature. That might mean your garden, a park or the beach. Make a conscious intention to open and receive. Maybe you want to sit with your eyes closed, or perhaps walking and breathing works better for you. Whatever way, be open and allow nature to speak to you. No effort is required, in fact, no effort is the way! It really is a matter of simply being open, appreciating the beauty of nature and receiving her blessings. I often receive great inspiration from sitting in the garden. I even ask questions and the answers come, sometimes as words, sometimes in the message of a creature or a plant. The tree below is one I visit whenever I need her inspiration!

Appreciate people. Take a good look at all the amazing people you have in your life. Reflect on what they bring to your world. Then expand your view further and look into the world to see how many incredible people are out there doing great things! I am inspired daily by other people! Close to home, my daughters are my greatest inspiration. My youngest Isabelle who has Rett Syndrome is the perfect example of how to live even with great adversity. She embodies patience, joy, tolerance and peace. My oldest Dakota, shows me just how perfect life can evolve when given space to grow. She is graceful, compassionate, strong and knows the meaning of service. She gives generously of her time and energy to her sister and all who need her. This past week Isabelle has been in hospital with severe pneumonia. Dakota has spent all her free time with her, bringing home made food, doing her hair and in total service to her sister. What teachers these girls are for me!

Nurture yourself with good nutrition and exercise. Our physical condition affects our emotional and mental state. If your body is not healthy and energised, you will be more prone to imbalances in all areas, so make sure you are looking after yourself with good food and pure water. What works for me are fresh vegetables from the garden, prepared with love and creative flair! If you can’t grow your own, choose organic when you can. And of course we need to move the body to keep it strong and flexible and the energy moving. Wu Tao is my answer for the perfect way to exercise (you already know that!), but whatever feels right for YOU is the best way to exercise.

So that’s my three ways. Here are a couple of the emails I received last week. Thanks to the women who sent them to me. Very inspiring!

Have a great month,

Michelle

PS. If you haven't yet incorporated Wu Tao into your life but are ready for some serious inspiration and focus, get started with our Ultimate Beginners Course, check out our home study packages or find a teacher close to you

Dear Michelle,
Today I was pleasantly surprised to find myself happy. I’m not normally happy and calm at work but today I was laughing and taking time out to joke with colleagues. And I attribute much of the cause to be Wu Tao. On Tuesday I applied for a new job. My mind started racing, trying to guess how it will turn out and analysing all of the possible scenarios. I learn more about the position and then have to decide if I really want to go for it or not. They want an immediate start which I don’t want to do as it is unfair to my current employer and besides, I had unfinished work. So I struggle wondering if I have done the right thing applying for the job at all but my usual support friends and family are unavailable so I have to work it out myself. I have a little cry, feeling sorry for myself then decide I have to be responsible for myself and how my life turns out. And then I turn to Wu Tao. With the inspiration of your story Michelle, and that of other students and teachers, I decided to trust Wu Tao. I danced every day for the next 3 days, sometimes twice a day and in amidst of my stress and uncertainty, I feel happy. I feel like I’m in a calm centre with chaos ensuing all around. What a miracle! Thank you Michelle for Wu Tao.  
Erica Fletcher (Melbourne Victoria)

Hi Michelle,

My name is Toni Madigan and I purchased a kit of Book CD and Dance DVD. I have had it now for about 4 weeks and I love the feelings I get from each dance.
I love feeling the music within me and the light peaceful place of joyful balance when I am finished. I give thanks every time to you and all involved in bringing this beautiful form of cleansing, grounding and revitalisiing to our entire beings. Thankyou!

I read your book (or parts of) most days....do the stretches every morning as part of my daily routine and find the whole thing just fits perfectly with where I am now and my continued plan of spiritual growth.

I would love to become a teacher at some stage in the future so I can share this with others. I look forward to every newsletter that sheds a little more light on the different aspects of Wu Tao.

On Tuesday when I did the dance video it came to me that I should visualise the brushing away of all that no longer serves me when brushing down the arms. It felt very natural and the obvious thing to do and here you are telling us that’s what it is intended to be....amazing how things work out isnt it?

Thankyou again for sharing your creative gifts

Toni Madigan (Western Australia)

Wu Tao Nourishes Body and Soul in Winter!

2010-07-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Today I am in awe as I watch a new world flowering! I can feel it and I can see it all around me. In the people I meet and especially through the internet which has become a point of connection and community for so many. It is like a flower blossoming. There are still a few parts of the pod that need to fall away, so the bud can fully open, but what is amazing is that nothing can stop this process because this is LIFE! And Life is upgrading us to a new level of being. How wonderful to be on planet Earth at this time. What a gift! I am humbled to be here to witness and grateful for the opportunity to serve Life.

So, on one hand I am totally involved in my ‘little’ life. Doing what I do in the way that I do it. And on the other hand, I am the observer, watching our awakening world. It is happening to me and I am also the witness. It really is quite beautiful.

The life I choose to live is in answer to the question: How can I best serve Life right now? I realise its not just about what I do or create in my work with Wu Tao, family, lifestyle etc. Its about how I choose to be when I do my life. What I think, exude and say. When I move with the energy of Life, I am an expression of love, gratitude, appreciation and compassion. Being anything else is to deny reality. This is where Life is at! She is moving so powerfully now, taking us with her. It is so much easier to go with her flow than hold on to the old ways. To resist is futile. We are so blessed. We are transforming into the divine beings we have always been. We are remembering the truth of who we are and the limitations and illusions we have placed on the world are falling away.

Don’t believe the doom and gloom you see on the tv. Look deeper, and see what is really going on. People are changing and mobilising themselves for the good of others and their communities. Its powerful and its happening in every walk of life. The littlest positive change can have a large ripple effect. We can do it by changing the words we use daily from negative self talk to positive. Giving encouragement and support to friends and family. Sharing resources with our neighbours. Making time to celebrate, connect and renew relationships. We honour our existence when we are present and flowing with Life as it is.

I wish for all of us that our hearts continue to flower and bless this beautiful earth of ours.

The photo above of people doing the Tao Dance is from Aniko Scarabello, a Wu Tao Instructor who teaches at the Wu Shin Monastery in Tambourine Mountain Queensland. I adore this picture!

Have a lovely winter

Warmest regards

Michelle

Wu Tao rejuvenates body and spirit in Winter!

The Water Dance in Wu Tao builds the energy in your Kidney and Bladder organs. Try these movements from the Water dance to stimulate your Kidney and Bladder Qi. Lie on your back with knees bent. Rock your knees gently to each side and then roll over into the foetal position and back again. You can learn more of the Wu Tao dances at www.wutaotransformation.com, or best of all attending a Wu Tao class! Classes are held across Australia and New Zealand and all our teachers details can be found at the website www.wutaodance.com

Makko Ho Stretches for the Kidney and Bladder

“The Tao does nothing, yet everything gets done”

“The three months of winter are called the period of closing and storing…. People should retire early at night and rise late in the morning and they should wait for the rising of the sun. They should contain their wishes as though they had no internal purpose, as though they had been fulfilled.” (Yellow Emperor’s Classic)

Lets look at what this means for us. Firstly, closing and storing. My interpretation is to close the spaces where we lose energy. Turn the focus within and retain the energy. Ways we can do this include: less talking, less action and less work. Ask the question, Through what gate(ways) am I losing energy? Then, stop doing them for a couple of months. Ie If you lose energy through talking, don’t talk for a while.

‘People should retire early at night and rise late in the morning and they should wait for the for the rising of the sun’. Winter is the time of the deepest Yin, which corresponds to the Kidney and Bladder organs. Kidneys store Qi. The best way to restore Kidney Qi is to rest. So sleeping, specifically in winter time is one of the best ways to build up Kidney Qi.

‘They should contain their wishes as though they had no internal purpose, as though they had been fulfilled.’ Winter is the time to dream and imagine. To be completely free of expectation, yet to feel deeply what you really desire and want for yourself and your life. Imagination is a powerful tool of creation! Let your mind go wild with imagining what you really want! Keep it focussed on these things. (ie dont let it wander around imagining what you don’t want!). Most importantly, keep these imaginings to yourself. If you talk about them you disperse the energy before it is ready. Build the energy in your imagination and contain your wishes until springtime. Then the seeds you have sown (in your mind) will be ready to be birthed.

A recipe to build your Kidney Qi and sustain you over the winter months

Miso and Kidney Beans

4 cups kidney beans / 6 cups water / 1 tspn fresh grated ginger / 3 tbspns rice miso / 1 sweet potato / 3 carrots / 2 onions / 230g tomato paste / sea salt / 3 cloves diced garlic / 1 tspn each of cumin and coriander /dark sesame oil to taste.

Soak beans overnight, drain, add fresh water and cook until tender. Saute garlic, onion and ginger in sesame oil. In a separate bowl mix miso, tomato paste and water to thin. Put all ingredients into a pot and simmer for 45-60 minutes.

Thicken with kuzu if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley and serve over noodles or rice.

(Recipe from the book ‘Take this Pebble from my Hand” by Geoffrey D. Wilson)

Upcoming Events

Wu Tao Couples Retreat Bali

December 3 - 9 2010

If you have a partner and need time out to reconnect then please join us for a very special retreat in beautiful Bali. Numbers are very limited so register now and start dreaming of the blissful time you are going to share with your beloved in December.

We can’t wait to meet you there! Its going to be a divine time!

Click here for details

Express your Self!

2010-05-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Wu Tao Instructor Training Perth

May 2010

Hi there,

Last week I had the privilege of teaching a group of Wu Tao trainee instructors. The training was held at the beautiful Kookaburra Creek Yoga Centre in Perth. It is a sacred space surrounded by images of gurus and saints. We shared, learned, collaborated and created a magical learning experience that will be treasured by all of us. As always I am grateful to be able to share Wu Tao and to witness the powerful effects that it has in bringing people home to themselves. Dancing everyday brings balance and energy to the physical body and peace to the mind. It worked for me! Bliss! Congratulations to all the participants who will now be taking Wu Tao into their communities and sharing the joy of the dance!

Last night my partner said that our reason for being alive was to create. I love this! I am in full agreement with this thought! How would your life look if it was a painting? A work of art? Would you be happy with what you had created? What powerful beings we are that we can create! We are creating our own experience and world with our thoughts, feelings and actions. Our landscape is constantly changing depending on what we are thinking and doing.

Take a moment and reflect on what you are creating in your life. Is it what you want?

The tapestry contains not just the finished products but 'how' you got there. What are the quality of your thoughts and feelings? Your 'creation' can be like a flower or tree, blossoming in waves of energetic beauty. Is it this? Is your 'creation' healthy and alive?

I am thinking that a life lived like this would have a powerful effect on the whole! Just imagine if every person on our planet was consciously creating beauty with everything they thought and did! I know that I am inspired by the simplest acts of kindness and the greatest displays as well. It doesn't matter what it is or who did it, it matters that its happening!

I love it when I make eye contact with a stranger in the street and we connect in a smile about nothing. I love it when I read someone's story online that reminds me of love. I am inspired when I hear of someone's success in business, relationship or overcoming some challenge. I recently read that we - thats all of us humans- are giving each other darshan (spiritual nourishment) via the internet now. I agree! Not only can we connect with each other in person, we can join with via the worldwide web in sharing and growing into our highest expressions.

My latest creation is a new website where everyone can experience the benefits of Wu Tao. I hope it will help you to create a life of beauty and unique expression. The world needs YOU in your fullest manifestation doing what you do best. Check it out here. http://www.wutaotransformation.com

Here's a video from the training showing some of the beautiful women who participated. Enjoy!

Blessings and love

Michelle

The Highest Vibe on the Planet - Herakhan Ashram India

2010-04-01T02:59:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

I have recently returned from another amazing trip to India and Babaji's ashram at Herakhan in the foothills of the Himalayas. My feeling on returning (and often when I was there) was I would like to share this experience with as many people as possible. This place has got the highest vibration I have ever come across on the planet. Its like how I would imagine heaven to be in terms of energy, love and bliss. People come from all over the world and it has a true sense of unity with all humanity. Herakhan feels like home, but what I realised is that the place simply resonates deeply with my inner Self which of course is my true home, the Divine within. It was the ultimate blessing to be able to drink in this energy for 10 whole days. To be fully with my Self and not pulled around by the ramblings of my mind and ego. Divine Presence is so strong at Herakhan that is simply blows away anything unlike itself, and all that is left is truth and love.

I went with my partner Steve for the third year in a row. I also met up with Ardyn Masterman, a Wu Tao Instructor from Qld! What a coincidence! This year the energy was even higher and more intense than before. We were there for Navaratri, which is the Divine Mother festival. Everyday there are many ceremonies (pujas) to her various manifestations including a massive fire ceremony called Havan. The days started at 4am with a morning bathe in the river and ended around 10pm with Aarti (devotional songs) and pranam to Sri Muniraj, the guru who holds Babajis energy like a saint. Every day was filled with happiness, joy, meditation and prayer and the air is literally filled with atoms of high frequency energy.

The place itself is beautiful, with the river bed full of white stones, flowing crystal clear water, mountains, blue skies and nature everywhere.

I love and care about you deeply, and I wish for you the highest expression of You to be manifest in the world. This place is THE PLACE to connect with your deepest truth and SELF. If your desire is for liberation of your soul and self realisation this lifetime AND you want to manifest your fullest potential and be of service to humanity, I sincerely encourage you to make time to journey to Herakhan soon.

This world needs clear, strong people, dedicated to truth and love. Herakhan will give you the strength to fulfill your divine mission and reach your highest potential. Your limited self can drop away in Herakhan. These trips for me have been the most significant spiritual experiences of my life.

The highlight of the trip for me was having my first mundun. Mundun is the ritual of having your head shaved. I have been thinking about it since my first visit 3 years ago, but I have had a lot of resistance to it. As a woman, I have a lot invested in my hair! My identity as a woman and my idea of feminine beauty and attraction, also I have had a strong attachment to what people think of me especially those closest to me ie my family! After much soul searching I made the decision that it would be a good thing to have it done and surrender.

When the time came to sit in front of the 95 year old barber on the bank of the beautiful Ganga river, my mind finally found peace. As soon as he started cutting away my long hair, I felt peaceful. The group around me sang Om Namah Shivai and my beautiful Steve stayed close by supporting me. It was a very blissful experience and after I truly felt liberated from my past and closer to God.

I plan to keep it for 9 months and use the regular shaving as my spiritual practice to remind me to continue surrendering daily to what is important; the divine presence and love within me.

Now more than ever, we need to align ourselves with the fantastic energy available to us on the planet. Wu Tao will help you to reconnect with this energy and is the perfect way to integrate spirit and body and dance ourselves back into balance, joy and full aliveness! It makes it easy then to get on with what you here to do, your purpose and divine mission.

My philosophy is that Life gives you all the opportunities and challenges you need to grow and evolve and in return we are meant to offer something back to the whole. You have a unique gift for the world and it is meant to be shared. So come and join us for a class soon and we will help you clear the way so you can share your Self fully.

Since returning to Australia my daughter Belle has been in hospital with pneumonia so my Wu Tao work has been on hold. She made an amazing recovery and I am now back at my desk and dancing again. I am so glad to have Wu Tao in my life and so happy to be able to serve you with this work. I hope to dance with you soon.

Blessings and love

Michelle x x

Summer Holidays were good!

2010-01-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

I am back at my desk now after 3 weeks of very pleasant holiday time off. Holidays as far as I am concerned are a necessity and a priority to be balanced and stress free through the year. Doing needs to be balanced with Being, and summer is the ideal time to do this. Summer relates to the element of Fire, which in Chinese Medicine is about connecting, sharing from the heart, opening to joy, and and emanating your True Self to the world. Not surprising that holiday time with family especially celebrations like Christmas can bring up unresolved issues for many of us. It often means re-aquainting ourselves with who we truly are, shedding some of the masks we wear and returning to our natural state of being, clear of issues and judgements.

I live in Perth Western Australia where the weather has been very hot. A week at Rottnest Island with my extended family was heavenly. I had both my daughters with me for this one. My youngest Belle had an absolute ball, getting to the beach in a beach wheelchair. It looked like something out of Alice in Wonderland after she'd eaten the mushroom! Enormous! It took 2 guys a lot of muscle and sweat to get her through the sand to Pinkies Beach everyday but it was well worth the effort to see the absolute pleasure on her face. My oldest daughter Dakota, back from London was a joy to be with again. We have a very close and loving family and it was truly wonderful to be all together.

A short burst back in Perth's heat for New Years and then my partner Steve and I took a break down south at the beautiful Wychinicup National Park near Albany and camped. It was divine to be in nature, surrounded by ocean, sky and trees. We swam, fished, slept in, cooked up a storm and enjoyed being with each other without having to do anything else.

We came back to find our garden sunburnt but we managed to harvest a lot of pumpkins!

I am now back at my desk, energised, inspired and ready to share more Wu Tao with you! We have classes all over Australia, and many programs that can help you to bring more balance and peace into your life! If you can't start a class this month, why not purchase a DVD package and practice at home or start one of the home study courses we offer that will assist you in creating a life of beauty, energy, peace and flow. You can find all our details at our website at www.wutaodance.com

I look forward to dancing with you soon!

love Michelle x x

Creator of Wu Tao Dance

A beautiful Wu Tao Instructor - Nicola Nihill

2009-12-17T04:17:00.000-08:00

On the 30th of November our beautiful Nicola, a Wu Tao Instructor in Adelaide transitioned to a new life. Nicola brought life, laughter and joy to all who met her, especially the women she trained with in 2007.

Nicola darling, you will be missed by your fellow dancers in Wu Tao. We will never forget your spirited woops in the fire dance!

Thank you for what you brought to this world, to Wu Tao and your students.

May you dance through the skies forever and ever.

We love you. We miss you.

Blessings from all of us x x x

Wu Tao for Two retreat Cougal NSW

2009-12-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

What a great way to end the Wu Tao year for me! 3 days hanging out with my darling man teaching Wu Tao for Two! We had a fantastic weekend with some gorgeous couples. It was inspiring and magical to see people coming together in love through the dance. Wu Tao really is a divine way to rekindle the magic in relationships! Steve and I cooked as well as taught, which kept us busy. We love to cook so it was a real pleasure to share this with the group. Sine Cera is a beautiful retreat and we were very well looked after by managers Irma and Tony. For myself, sharing Wu Tao with my partner is a dream come true. Its a real joy to share intimate space and time in a way that is fun and energising. Wu Tao takes out the need to process everything through the intellect. Instead you dance it all out and the transformation happens physically as well as mentally and emotionally. Alot of healing happened in 2 days and we all left feeling more connected, open and loving. I am reminded of the song, 'What the world needs now, is love, sweet love'. We all desire to have a loving beautiful and juicy connection with our partner! Its a fundamental human need. Wu Tao for Two helps this to come about. I am really looking forward to doing more Wu Tao for Two in the future! It nourished my soul to the core. Thanks to everyone who shared and danced this weekend with us. It was a real pleasure to spend time and get to know you. Blessings! Michelle and Steve x

Instructor Training Melbourne 2009

2009-12-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

In November, we held the Instructor 7 day Intensive in Melbourne. A wonderful group of women from all over did the training, including Rachel from New Zealand and Jutta from America! It was a very high energy training, with everyone delving deep into the dance practice. It was a hot week, and we all sweated it out in the beautiful Kwan Yin room at Prana House in Thornbury. Every day brought us more clarity, flow and energy. Congratulations to these beautiful new Wu Tao Instructors! I am sure they will be offering a wonderful healing experience to their students in the very near future!

Enhancement Day in Melbourne!

2009-12-09T00:30:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful enhancement day for Instructors was held in Melbourne in November. This was the biggest group of Wu Tao Instructors dancing together yet! 18 gorgeous women came and learned lots of new dance material including the Surrender Dance, Wisdom Dance and how to implement Wu Tao into the aged care sector, an area which is showing wonderful results with the introduction of Wu Tao. A number of Aged care facilities in Perth now have regular Wu Tao classes for their residents and Alzheimers WA and QLD are now introducing Wu Tao into the therapy programs for people with dementia and their carers. We are very happy to be of service to this wise group of people who really benefit from movement and music.
All the Instructors enjoyed learning the new Surrender Dance and are looking forward to sharing it with their students in 2010. It was great to hang out together, share, learn and enjoy each others company once again. Thanks everyone for a great day!

2009-12-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

here are some of the pics from the wonderful Instructors retreat in October at Sine Cera in Cougal. A magical place, we all had a magical time hanging out together and learning lots of new Wu Tao moves. Wisdom dance for older people, the beautiful new dance Surrender and much more.

a week of highs and lows

2009-10-10T03:27:00.000-07:00

Its been a big couple of weeks for me. The most difficult part was leaving my daughter Isabelle in hospital while I traipsed across the country to teach a Wu Tao teachers retreat. I did leave her in the very capable hands of her dad and my extended family, however it tugged at my heart strings and the plane trip over was a teary one. Isabelle has Rett syndrome and she caught a very nasty virus. No, not swine flu. It affected her lungs and she spent the best part of 2 weeks on LOTS of oxygen. She is a brave and courageous soul my daughter and handled it all so gracefully. She really is an inspiration to me and all who meet her.

The highlight of the week was the retreat. Held at a delightful centre in Northern NSW, Sine Cera is a natural wilderness of peace and tranquillity. Combine this with 12 extraordinary and beautiful Wu Tao instructors, 2 babies and 4 gentle men, and you have bliss. We did have bliss too. The focus of the weekend was learning the new dance, Surrender. We all shared, danced, cried and laughed our way through the 2 days, soaking up the wondrous vibes of gratitude and peace that Wu Tao brings to all.

Will post pics later so stay tuned! much love Michelle

Welcome to my first blog

2009-09-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hi there and welcome to my first ever blog!

A good way I hope, to keep you up to date on what is happening in Wu Tao Land! I spend most of my days doing Wu Tao in some form. Its what I do! And its my way of serving humanity and our planet. I like it best when I am creating or teaching. I especially love teaching a class where I get to drop into the dance and into the beautiful stillness within. This is where I really get to remember why I do what I do, simply because it works to bring me home to my centre.

My partner Steve and I recently finished teaching a 10 week course of Wu Tao for Two. What a joy it was! We had such fun! Again, I do it primarily for my own benefit. I love to dance and dancing with Steve is like heaven. There is such a pleasure in moving together, feeling skin and body touching in a different way. I love it! My favourite move is what we call 'the wrap' where the man is behind the woman with his arms wrapped around hers, and making flowing circles together. It is a lovely feeling to allow Steve to move my body. It's a good thing for us women, so used to 'doing stuff' to be able to relax into your man's arms and trust them to lead the movement.

We had a large class with 6-8 couples coming regularly over the weeks. It was great to see the intense concentration on everyones faces while they learnt the dances and the looks of satisfaction and joy when it all flowed. Beautiful to witness the sharing and love of couples who really enjoy hanging out together.

I think thats all for now. Hope your day is flow.

love Michelle