For five years Anahata, with Prema’s assistance, has facilitated a training of leaders in the Dances of Universal Peace. Students and teachers made a commitment to meet once a year for a week long retreat for five years. It was with great joy that this commitment was fulfilled this year. It is also with great joy that Anahata dedicated herself to ongoing yearly training camps, accepting new students and promising to continue to keep the Dance circles turning throughout the country.
Dances of Universal Peace Training
Sao Paulo, Brazil - Year 5
The retreat center, Centro Paulus, is a place of great beauty. Nature is welcome to express herself in exuberant ways.
This path leads from the dining and residential areas to the teaching room. The forest on the left is abundant.
An older establishment, the center is based on Anthroposophic principles.
The rooms are lavish with large windows, the curved lintels a feature of Steiner design.
We were greeted by old friends. Arara was not at his best having suffered a bit of a wing accident.
He was feisty as ever though and we were grateful that his injuries kept him closer to the perch. Last year he chased us around, snapping at toes.
We were greeted by other natural friends as well.
The howler monkeys are very shy, it was a blessing to be able to photograph this pair.
Tulio, the director of the center, was such a kind and attentive host.
One of his passions is collecting folk art. Everything starts here in his home and then migrates into the center buildings creating a very homey atmosphere.
It was a great privilege to have Pir Shabda Kahn as our guest facilitator this year.
Anahata was the mystress of ceremonies, guiding every process, happy to have brought this dynamic group of friends this far.
Prema was ever available on the drum.
Patricia Tolentino was the relentless director, keeping the group on purpose all five years. It was a phenomenal accomplishment. She facilitated Oneness support for many.
One of the special treats of this year was the presence of five young aspiring dance leaders from Bahia. Dancers around the world and Oneness raised the money so they could attend..
Gilnei is an excellent drummer, thrilling to the nuances of leading for the Dances of Universal Peace.
They were lavished with gifts. Oneness sent a manual full of CDs and booklets. Jorge Mello donated his precious guitar, Amadeus, Jack gave them a Dance Manual.
Anahata had worked tirelessly for this moment with the young leaders. Rhavina (center with white scarf) is Anahata’s mentee. Her community, Terra Mirrim, sponsored several visits with us.
On Full Moon we joined with native peoples across the earth sounding our drums and praying for peace.
It was with great joy that we celebrated several certifications. Rhavina from Bahia.
Patricia congratulates her friend Paulina on her Certification.
Janete from Porto Alegre was delighted to receive her Certification.
Jorge Mello, our wonderful translator, announced his ordination as a Zen Monk at his Certification Circle.
Shabda blessed Prema with the formality of Certification.
MyriDakini was happy to receive her certification.
Marge, Jorge’s delightful partner, received her Certification. They often teach together.
Full Moon night Tulio constructed these hearts with all of our names in the center.
He had the staff build a huge bonfire.
Anahata initiated her first set of Mureeds in the Sufi tradition.
Tulia arranged for this mandala cake to celebrate Prema’s 60th birthday year.
One evening the young Bahia group offered to show us a demonstration of Capoeira, the martial art of Brazil.
Gilnei demonstrated some amazing moves.
We had several wonderful guests from the mainland USA attending this year. Jack and Lena were delightful new friends. Jack is Anahata’s mentee in the dances.
Sophia, a Mureed of Shabdha’s, traveled from Ecuador where she is teaching English.
Ann Wilder flew in from Texas. She and Sophia shared a room in Tulio’s house. Outside the door, a riot of shapes and colors.
Ann was happy to meet Fabio, Patricia’s wonderful, musical brother.
And of course since it is our songbird orchestrating the week there was music, music, music.
Marge, William and Fabio
Jorge, saying good bye to Amadeus.
Maria, we are sure, has some inner secret to share.
Ana Lucia and Angela break out the Tars.
Recording a Shiva piece for the network.
Ana Lucia leads the Mary processional.
Everyone enjoyed getting to know the youngsters from Bahia.
Camilla on the left, Silvia on the right, enjoy some of Shabda’s photos.
Anahata and Camilla
At Myri’s Certification Circle Silvia led a dance.
Rhavina, Aradna and Ana Lucia
Isabel and Angela, our charming hostesses of Saua.
Best friends, Gisele and Anahata
Delly from Curitiba kept poor, confined Arara company.
Marge
Arjuna practiced his Tai Chi every day
Maria fully enjoyed the week.
Anahata, mystress of ceremonies, magical musician, Sufi Initiator, Dance Mentor, friend.....take a bow. Five years, a precious accomplishment.
