innerdance
“In total silence, it’s that river that flows from the cosmos and into your heart. It was dancing from the higher self, and I was simply watching it move to the flow of the Universe.”
- Pi Villaraza
The innerdance was first initiated by a man from the Philippines called Pi Villaraza but has proven to be a modality that is continuously evolving through the collective work of its practitioners as it moves around the different parts of the world.
The innerdance is essentially a journey into the Self and into the shared Consciousness of Being. It is a healing and personal growth modality that utilises sound, energy, and bodywork. Existing in the intersection between science and spirituality, innerdance can be described as a process of meditation, conscious trance, awakening, remembering, connection, transformation, sacred movement, trust and release.
Many of our group participants have described innerdance as being similar to a psychedelic plant medicine journey - without taking any medicine or substance.
Through an intentionally created playlist specific brainwaves are induced to take participants on a journey that is akin to a state of wakeful dreaming while generating an expanded or heightened state of consciousness. Conditions are created for the natural Inner Healing Intelligence of the Body, Mind and Spirit to be activated.
The benefits and effects associated with innerdance are wide and varied:
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Activation and balancing of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
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Stimulation of the circadian rhythm of the sleep cycle
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Inducing a wakeful REM state
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Improvement in sleep
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Deep rest and relaxation
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Stimulation of new neural pathways and connections
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Deconstructing thought forms and mental structures
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Break down in psychological and cognitive defences
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Bringing subconscious material into the conscious
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Reconstruction and integration of the Self
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Transforming fear into power
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Emotional processing & release
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Increased self-awareness
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Clearing physical, emotional, mental and energetic blockages
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Increased connection with intuition & spirit
What happens during an innerdance session
An innerdance session usually starts off with mutual introductions, instructions from the facilitator/s, shares and reflections from the participants, as well as some grounding exercises and meditations. This is followed by the actual innerdance journey after which some more group shares and reflections occur before the space is closed. The entire session is usually around 2.5 hours.
For the innerdance journey itself, participants will start off lying on their backs on a mat with a pillow and blanket. Eyes are kept closed throughout the journey to facilitate an inward gaze and healing process. The use of an eye mask is optional.
Facilitators make use of a music playlist, live sound prompts with instruments, voice prompts, scents & smells, as well as intuitive touch - both physical and energetic – to support and align with participants throughout the process. In the moment, it is a largely intuitive process of presence and awareness for both facilitators & participants.
While described as a dance, innerdance is not an actual physical dance. Some bodies remain still and in one position throughout the entire process, while others may experience spontaneous movement arising during the experience. It is also not uncommon for participants to experience physical or energetic sensations, insights and messages, visual images, patterns, colours, shapes, and laughing or crying accompanied by a whole range of emotions. Some participants also report feeling like they have fallen asleep.
Still, there is no one right way to have an innerdance. Each journey is unique to the participants and the group. The only prerequisites are to be present, open, trust and surrender yourself to the journey. Know that what must happen will happen. You will be given a journey experience specifically intended for you.
What to bring to an innerdance session
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Dress in comfortable layered clothing
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Yoga mat or camping mat to lie on
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Light blanket
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Pillow
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Bottle of water
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Journal & pen
- Socks (no shoes policy at venue)
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Eyemask (optional)
Regular innerdance sessions are held by Dr Bridget and her fellow innerdance practitioner and co-facilitator, Jacob Wolmarans.