Inner Integration
for Self-Discovery
for Self-Discovery
Awakening The True Self Within
Dance of the Dao
Meditation in Movement
Meditation in Movement
"Be still like a mountain and
flow like a great river."
~Lao Tse
What is Dance of the Dao?
Dance of the Dao is both movement and stillness, doing and being. Meredith Marie developed this unique dance-based therapy with foundations in Oriental Medicine & Philosophy for the purpose of Self-Healing. This expression of dance has allowed her to heal herself and she now uses it as an extension of her holistic practice of teaching Self-Healing and Wellness.
What is the Dao?
The ancient origins of Oriental Medicine are based on Daoism (or Taoism). Dao (or Tao, both pronounced dow) is the natural flow of the universe. It is referred to as the "pathless path" or the path that embraces all paths. It is basically indefinable and must be experienced to know. It is considered to be the Source of all existence and non-existence. Everything in the universe comes from the Dao and ultimately returns to the Dao. Dao is about the harmony of opposites (opposites becoming complementary), flowing through all living and non-living things. Eastern Philosophy teaches that there is no separation and that all aspects of life are part of the One.
The three jewels of Daoism are compassion, simplicity and modesty. Daoist philosophy focuses on wu wei (non-doing or effortless doing), spontaneity, transformation and emptiness. Daoism is about a connection between humans and nature and a direct understanding of the world. Daoists strive to place their personal will in alignment with the natural universe, much like the yielding nature of water.
Daoism sees the human being as a microcosmic expression of the macrocosm, "As above, so below." In this way, by gaining knowledge of yourself, you can understand the way of the universe. The organs of the human body correspond with the 5 elements of nature (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), the 5 directions (North, South, East, West, Center) and the 5 seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and the Ebb/Change between each season). By harmonizing these elements within the body/mind/spirit, wellness is restored.
The shamanic roots of Daoism focus on internal alchemy. This practice is for transmuting energies and substances of the body, restoring balance and elevating spiritual vitality. The Dance of the Dao is based on these shamanic practices.
The three jewels of Daoism are compassion, simplicity and modesty. Daoist philosophy focuses on wu wei (non-doing or effortless doing), spontaneity, transformation and emptiness. Daoism is about a connection between humans and nature and a direct understanding of the world. Daoists strive to place their personal will in alignment with the natural universe, much like the yielding nature of water.
Daoism sees the human being as a microcosmic expression of the macrocosm, "As above, so below." In this way, by gaining knowledge of yourself, you can understand the way of the universe. The organs of the human body correspond with the 5 elements of nature (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), the 5 directions (North, South, East, West, Center) and the 5 seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and the Ebb/Change between each season). By harmonizing these elements within the body/mind/spirit, wellness is restored.
The shamanic roots of Daoism focus on internal alchemy. This practice is for transmuting energies and substances of the body, restoring balance and elevating spiritual vitality. The Dance of the Dao is based on these shamanic practices.
Benefits of Dance of the Dao
- De-stress & calm your mind
- Experience a state of Oneness
- Increase health & energy levels
- Open the physical & energetic pathways of your body
- Empower a life transformation by connecting with your essence
- Increase flexibility, muscle tone, strength and comfort in your physical body
- Connect with the inner healing wisdom flowing through every molecule of your being
- Harmonize the flow of life-force energy through your body, mind and spirit
- Use your body as a vehicle for the free expression of your spirit
- Connect to your inner bliss
Dance of the Dao
An introductory meditation in movement class
The class begins with an opening mediation for you to see where you are at in terms of your physical, mental and emotional balance. Stretching and warm up will follow and then movements will be taught to open and harmonize specific areas of the body/mind. Meredith Marie will then guide you into a session of spontaneous movement during which you are free to express the nature of your being. The class will end with a sitting or lying meditation to integrate the transformations initiated through the dance and to notice the shifts that have occurred within your being.