Time to open our hearts and shine.

When I lift and open my heart my spirits lift.

As I explore the wonderful benefits of a deeper yoga practice, I keep reflecting on how much of what I experience is mirrored in Belly Dance.

My arms reach to the sky, my chest lifts in a back-bend, my feet are planted on the earth and my core is strong and engaged.

Belly Dance has been healing women for thousands of years, re patterning our brain and healing disease as well as depression and trauma.

Opening the hips as well as the heart prepares us for the challenges of being a woman. It can unlock a wellspring of emotions as it safely embraces us with a way to release.

While the yogis were developing postures, women were celebrating many of the same benefits in this ancient dance.

Like I said, the secret is out. But is it?

We are living in a time where women are seeking ways to find their true expression out of not so distant times of repression still prevalent in many cultures.

The media flashes sexuality. Pole dance classes and sensual dance classes are taking the country by storm. Yoga studios are prevalent on every corner and packed with women. We are stepping out in a variety of ways.

What is it that we are seeking to find and create for ourselves as women in these times?

I think it's been right in front and inside of us for a long time. 

Those of us who have been belly dancing for years know it like we know the beat of the drum. The power and joy of sensual (I didn't say sexual) expression. We are liberated when we dance. We are stepping in the footsteps of our sisters who have danced freely as well as hidden for over 2,000 years. We are celebrating the joy of being female.

No offense to my beautiful belly dancing brothers out there that know this joy as well.


Whatever our path to joy, it's time to shine!