An invitation to a dancing prayer in the spirit of the Dervish
Dance guidance by Veetrag with live music by Monty Cash
"A secret turning in us makes the universe turn. Head unaware of feet, and feet of head.
Neither cares. They keep turning." - Rumi
Entry is by donation - 25$ is suggested
We will start around 6:30pm with guidance and ritual instruction by Veetrag to go on to whirl for approximately 1 hour with live music by Monty Cash - join us for a cup of liquorice chai afterward.
Sema is a very old word which means 'sky' or 'to listen' and is symbolic of a dancing prayer which mimics the motion of the earth - a continuous flowing sine wave in endless revelation and realisation of the universe. A relevant core tenet in all Sufi orders whether they be from Turkey or India is the belief in using various artforms whether they be poetry, dance, art or music as pathways for direct union and communion with the divine.
General information on the practice for new-comers:
Wear some socks to slide easy on the wooden floor. All are welcome - we will hold a silent space during the Sema (only music) so please only bring little ones who can keep reasonably quiet during the practice. This is to ensure there are no distractions to the trance which is your journey with the self in an intimate space.
To be very clear - you will be dancing - this is not a performance like is done in Istanbul for tourists. Please wear loose clothing. You are welcome to also sit on the side as a spectator but understand that in doing so you are also a participant - the whirling being internal. Some people wish to come and enjoy the sincere atmosphere in the beautiful aesthetics of the practice and listen to the music. There is also no obligation to whirl for the entire period.
People from all walks can participate - this is a non expressive and non athletic dance that requires consistency more than speed. Like a constantly repeating mantra - any changes, shifts in what is done demands attention. Within the repetition of a consistent practice we loose ourselves and when our conscious awareness is sufficiently absorbed have opportunity to feel outside sense perception and memory.
Some people whirl at a very slow pace and are consistent- this is much better than to go very fast then 'crash' as it were. The vertigo of spinning can be allayed by maintaining consistency in speed and keeping the head on a level. Once this is achieved, vertigo can be reasonably be abated until you decide to stop in which you just need to take it easy. You do indeed get more used to it after more consistent practice.
Only eat light if you must before coming. This will make a more comfortable experience.
The therapeutic benefits of this practice is felt in long-term consistent practice. Like with other traditional or unconventional practices many come to a Sema expecting something to happen; to change them somehow. We insist that you remove expectations before you come and come with an open heart.
In combination with traditional musics and a solid intention - Sema has power to heal, open doorways, and remove blockages.
We however, place the healing power in your hands. Your decision to make it mean something and the practice of it in a group - helps that process. In this, Sema becomes yet another tool - a tool that some find attractive and useful for their process here.
We look forward to helping you explore this possibility! Join us on Saturday evening July 13th.
More about the hosts:
Veetrag brings with her the experience of Whirling from extended time spent in India. She will be wearing Dervish attire and lead us in the dance to provide authenticity to the meditation. She will explain the ritual involved in the whirling. Veetrag has direct experience of the physical and mental therapeutic benefits of the 'turn' as she maintained practice in India weekly and at times daily.
Monty Cash creates holistic focused music using a range of styles influenced from over 7 years travel as a street musician in the span from Turkey to Ireland. It is his philosophy that by returning to the fundamental building blocks of rhythm and tone we can use music to find our way back to the foundation of source, creating new pathways for the mind to navigate trauma and repressed emotion to move onwards to potentials yet unknown.