kensington unitarians

essex church, 112 palace gardens terrace, london w8 4rt

adult RE: "dark spirits, shadow dancers"

october 2007

Eight of us spent a Saturday here at Essex Church exploring our shadow selves. Through music, movement, art, sound and writing we delved into the aspects of ourselves that usually remain hidden. We expressed some of the richness, creativity and power that lie within us.

Here are some brief written responses to the day:

• I don't know the answers. I will never know the answers.
  There are no answers, There are only more and better questions.
• Tell me a story. I love stories.
• Courage is learning to TRUST that the outcome doesn't matter.
• Not knowing where the brush is going next.
• Moving bodies, drum beat guides us, artists sway, colours swirl.
  Watch this space where shadows are emerging.
• Moving into the depths and back into the light. Sometimes just turning up is all it takes.
• Although I often hide it, I embody a free and creative spirit that loves to come out and play.
• Inner and outer freedom.
• What if it's all allowed?
• Spontaneous laughter out of the darkness.
• I love being able to experience this space.

We really enjoyed reading [a poem, "We Have Come To Be Danced"], written by Jewel Mathieson, a Five Rhythms teacher. Gabrielle Roth created Five Rhythms as a dance and meditation framework through which people could express themselves more fully and deeply. Gabrielle has written a number of fascinating books including Sweat Your Prayers.

Sarah Tinker