Winter Dreaming - Wu Tao News June 2011

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 ½ price.

Eg: you and a friend enrol for the Course in Transformation and pay 1 full price $600 and 1 ½ price $300. (includes Instructor Training).

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

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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).

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Surrender

I

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

I

Rachel Gard
Wu Tao Instructor New Zealand
April 2011

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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)

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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

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

 from separation into oneness and

 from restlessness into blissful stillness. "   

Diana Manuela

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"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

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"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)

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Blessings for a flowing and joyful season, 

Love Michelle 
Wu Tao Dance


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The Highest Vibe on the Planet - Herakhan Ashram India

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