Embodiment

They try to say what you are, spiritual or sexual?

They wonder about Solomon and all his wives.

In the body of the world, they say, there is a soul

and you are that.

But we have ways within each other

that will never be said by anyone.

 (Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks)

In this 3-hour long Group Experience, we explore methods or technologies within tantric traditions that are intended to transform body and self, looking at the different levels of practice that we can bring into our lives. Using a combination of methods and techniques, we reconnect our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. We keep one-sided talking, or instruction, to a minimum, allowing maximum time for  interactive exercises using music, breath and movement. The evening finishes with a question and answer session during which we will particularly concentrate on ways to use the life transforming practices developed within tantric traditions.

If you are interested in finding out more about tantra, or body-based healing and transformational practices, this Group Experience is for you. Those who are on a path of exploration and who have some expertise, will be able to enjoy the experience to greater depth. In short, wherever you are a sincere immersion into the practices offered will take you exactly where you need to go!

This Group Experience is the first in a series of 4 evening sessions leading up to the Tantric Touch Session on Friday 16 December 2011. Participants wishing to attend all, or more than one, of the evening sessions will receive a discount.

Dakini Shekina will be assisted by Dakas Don Dreaming Eagle and SynJyn. Together we will create a safe space for your exploration and experience.

Cost: R300 per person (speak to us about discounts offered)

If you feel strongly to attend, but have financial constraints, please talk to us.

Refreshments provided

Contact us on livespirit.synergy@gmail.com; info@shaktigardens.com

Call Shekina on +27741345179

Dare to Be: Group Experiences in December 2011

tantra cannot be understood because tantra is not an intellectual proposition: it is an experience

(Bhagavan Shree Rajneesh)

I looked up from my own journey to find that December is upon us. The teachers, Dakinis and Dakas are either setting off for Cape Town, or are already there, preparing to enjoy a delightful immersion into meeting, sharing, practising, teaching and learning with their peers. Most of them, that is: a few of us remain.

In response to a question: “What about Johannesburg?” we offer a series of evening Group Experiences covering a variety of topics around Tantra, sexuality, relationships and love. Each Group Experience includes a short, informative talk; the opportunity for questions and answers; and an interactive exercise using breath and movement. We can promise that it will be fun, but warn that it may lead to serious inquiry (at best), or catalyse shifts (even better).

Dates:

Saturday 3 December 19:00 – 22:00, R300, Shakti Gardens

Tuesday 6 December 19:30-21:30, R200, Shakti Gardens

Friday 9 December 19:00-22:00, R300, Shakti Gardens

Monday 12 December 19:30-21:30, R200, Shakti Gardens

Friday 16 December 11:00-16:00, R600, Shakti Gardens

Saturday 17 December, Sunday 18 December: An Elemental Journey in the Cradle of Humankind (prices, details on application – attendance of one or more of the evening Group Experiences a requirement)

All Experiences are offered with Universal Love, using the energies of the elements, Tantric teachings and practices.

Email livespirit.synergy@gmail.com for more information, or to book. Also check out http://www.shaktigardens.com/

Dakini Shekina conducts explorations (sessions) for individuals, couples and groups. Currently these are offered at Shakti Gardens in Franklin Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg and at her country retreat in the Cradle of Humankind near Krugersdorp and the Sterkfontein Caves. Shekina also does extended explorations (2-3 days) and retreats.

Business and harmony



Meg380|Dreamstime.com



Listening  to Wayne Dwyer’s discussion of the Tao Te Ching, I receive the reminder  to live without fighting, choosing to cooperate with apparent opposition. In his explanation and discussion of the 68^th verse, Wayne suggests that we apply the principles outlined to all forms of contest, including that with illness. Instead of fighting the illness, he suggests that we speak to the “faulty” cells in our bodies, asking them to move on if they are unable to live with us in harmony and health.

Paraphrasing Mr Dwyer, my partner, SynJyn, offers this in the business context: “If you insist on doing business with me (us), I ask you to do so in harmony, with respect and offering fair and timeous payment; should you not be able to do this, I invite you to take your business elsewhere.”

I am conscious of the many times that I have engaged, in a business context, in situations that are unhealthy. I work long hours, compromising my health and setting aside all other pursuits and interests; incur expenditure in the completion of the projects; and then find that my client is unable, or unwilling, to pay me as agreed. The financial repercussions have been severe and cumulative.

What arises for me out of this is an enquiry into my own relationship with money, which in turn arise from the root principles or truths that govern my life. I begin with the acceptance of what is, to me, a simple reality: I have basic needs, in my earthly incarnation, for a place to stay, food, clothing and material goods. In providing for myself, I offer goods and services to others for which I receive a financial exchange. When I ask others for goods and services, I must, in turn, proffer the financial exchange that they request.

So it is, that when I enter into a business relationship, I wish for a transparency and a genuine intent by all parties to keep their agreements. If I am providing the service, I undertake to do this at the highest level possible, with integrity and in truth, asking for what I consider a fair exchange in return. I also ask that the vibration of the relationship is maintained at the highest level possible, with all involved communicating in a clear, cordial and respectful manner. Then, of course, the transaction is concluded once I have delivered the goods and/or services, and I am paid in accordance with our agreements.

I am well aware that there are many reasons why the very last part of the agreement, i.e. timeous payment, is not kept. Sometimes the purchaser may have every good intention of paying, be willing to pay and even be distressed by their inability to pay, but be in a position where the funds are simply not available.  My questions around this are: Did you know that you did not have the money? Did you have the money but spent it on something else? Did you order more than you could pay for? Were you reckless in purchasing something from me, and perhaps from others at the same time, for which you did not have the funds?

I had an experience recently where a client, after receiving the goods and services, told me that he “was not able to get a loan from the bank…” Months have passed and I have resorted to litigation in an attempt to get paid. My client ordered goods and services from me (and several others) knowing that he would not be able to meet his obligations to pay our invoices on completion of the job. Over and above this, he did not know when, or even if, he would be in a position to meet his obligations. So, without my permission, he took my time, expertise and energy. Along with this he took my peace of mind and my connection with bliss.

After a restless night during which my half asleep mind was full of the injustices meted out to me and my business partner, finally waking with dreams of theft and addiction, I rose feeling unhappy and tired. The discord of this particular situation resonates with that of similar past situations that I was not able to resolve satisfactorily – the cumulative effect of which leaves me exactly where I am right now.

What do I do?

I cease to struggle. I cannot compel another to meet their obligations, or even to see the truth of what those are. I can, however, look at those areas in my life where I have incurred financial obligations and ensure that I do my utmost to settle them in a fair and just manner. As my relationship with money becomes healthier I am clear about the terms of exchange, choosing to do business with people who are equally open and transparent in their dealings. As I let go of guilt and shame around asking for and receiving money, it is easy to set a fair price for my goods and services – and then stick to this. Conversely I am careful of how I spend money, examining my motivation for each purchase, and then paying for it with an open and glad heart.

Then, perhaps, the vibration that I create will surround me in such a way that all of my transactions will be harmonious and serving the good of all parties.

As I write this, I feel the peace of the Tao enter my being.

I choose, today, to live in harmony with myself and the Multiverse.

Emerging into spring

Everything has cycles, the seasons change, the elements move through and around us. Experience a healing, clearing and awakening EnergyWork session with Shekina as we move into the season of spring.

The session duration is from 1 to 2 hours at R500 or R1000, at Shakti Gardens in Johannesburg, only for a few days this week. We will use conventional massage techniques, breath, hot stones, sound and tantric touch to remove that which you no longer need, freeing your body, mind and soul. Using the healing and transformative power of universal Qi, we change our vibration and patterns so that we are able to heal, manifest and create the life that we desire.

All of this from one session? Well, perhaps you may decide to come back for more, but this will be a good start!

Call Shekina on 0741345179 to book now!

Heart meditation

You will need 10-15 minutes, preferably at a regular time of the day, and when you can be alone. A good time is on rising, and/or before you go to bed (sunrise and sunset if possible).

You can be indoors or outdoors.

If you can, light a candle and some incense if you are indoors. If you put on any music, make sure that it is gentle and unobtrusive. Music made for meditation, reiki or healing is ok, or something with sounds of nature, water, bells and so on. Otherwise leave it out.

Sit comfortably. Begin by focussing on your breath. Breathe in, following your breath all the way into your belly. Feel your breath going in and out of your body. Focus on this, think of air. Notice the air in your body, keep following your breath. Think “I am air”. Feel your breath, feel the air outside your body, on your skin. Notice the temperature, the quality of the air around you. Breathe deeply but without straining.

Now bring your attention into the body, around your belly and your pelvis. Feel the heat in your belly, the heat that your body generates. Think “I am fire”. Feel the warmth in your body. Look at the flame of your candle, if you have lit one; feel the sun on your skin if you are outdoors. Visualise fire, flames – big ones, destructive ones, warming ones.

Think about the air in your body being carried throughout your body by your blood. Think of the water in your body, in your blood. You are around 68% water. Think “I am water”. Feel your breath, feel the warmth of your blood, feel the flow of water in your body. Think about water, rivers and streams, dams and the sea. If you have any water near you, look at it. Look at the dew on the grass, a puddle of water in the road, water in a glass.

Still breathing, feel how solid your body is. Feel your feet touching the earth, feel as though you are reaching through your feet into the earth. Think “I am earth”. Touch the ground, if you wish. Think about rocks and stones and caves and soil. Look at the floor, or the ground.

Reach down with your breath, reach down through your feet into the earth. Bring a ball of energy from the earth up through your feet. Let it flow up your body, a ball of golden light, all the way up your body and up through the top of your head.

Reach up, now, above your head, and bring a ball of silver energy down through the top of your head, all the way down your body, through your feet. Do this a few times, until you feel that the silver and golden energy are one, and you can no longer distinguish between them.

Now take all of this energy and let it rest in your heart area. Hold your hands over your heart, and feel how it expands to contain this energy. Feel that you are this energy. Think “I am spirit”, then think “I am love”. Allow this energy to expand as much as you can. If you feel any sadness or pain, allow this – simply breathe in the feeling, taking it into your heart; then allow it to pass out of your heart on the outbreath – and do the same with your joy.

Give thanks for the body in which you are experiencing this Earth Walk; give thanks for the difficult experiences that have brought you to this time and space, for they have enriched your being. Envision a world where there is no need to experience pain and suffering in order to learn; where laughter and joy, abundance and love are all that there is (think only positive thoughts here, focussing on that which you desire as if it already exists)

When you are done with this, bring yourself back into your body. Finish by witnessing your breath, witnessing your body, witnessing yourself in time and space.

Namaste

Shekina

The Mountain, the sea and a Sound Journey

Return to the Beloved

I had spent a few weeks in Cape Town working, meeting new friends, forging connections and learning. I was aware of an unusual amount of information streaming in – a downloading – and this was accompanied by intense experiences with others, sea and mountain. I returned with all of these, a jumble of threads and crystals and notes. I sat with a discord and tangle, not knowing where to begin to sort out this precious treasure.

I returned, experiencing a purging of body that mirrored the purging of emotions and spirit that had taken place on the mountain. The physical wrenching, the cleansing of my womb, echoed the struggle witnessed by wind and sea under the watchful eye of the dragon. I found some healing in the space of no-thing where I was shown that which is not and the magick of the formless. In that space there is no pain, no struggle, no gut-aching tearing. There is no need for loss or gain, having or losing, owning or sharing, or even joy and pain.

I live in the material world, where many of these things hold attachment for me, and my sojourn in the void did not solve my problem of the tangled threads and the jumbled crystals that both sparkled and sang. I was presented with a solution: a dear soul-friend, Chris Tokalon, was to lead a Sound Journey and kindly sent me details of the venue and times.

My first live Sound Journey! The garden setting was perfect; our hostess charming; the facilitators – Chris and Frances – skilful and gracious. My request to Great Spirit was for some structure, a melody perhaps, a forming and shaping of this mixed bag of experience, knowing and memory with which I had returned from Cape Town.

My first live Sound Journey was a merging of mind, body and spirit. The music connected me, reconnected me, with every facet of my being. I felt my body expand outward into my emotional body into each layer and outward again, reaching up and out and around. The music wove through me and about, each sound shaking and stirring, weaving and winding, threads reaching out and in and connecting until I existed in a sparkling web – I was the web, I was the jewel in the centre of the web, I was a jewel, I was the thread – and then I simply Was. I heard the name of the Beloved whispered in my ear: Shekina, Shekina, Shekina. I was able to rest there a moment, in that first time of Being the Beloved, I am that... Shekina, that which I am, am becoming, will be. “The answers lie in the spaces, look into the spaces”. I looked, for there they are: the shapes, the patterns in the spaces created by the star-light threads. My jumble of thread and crystal, now woven into the net of my being, hums gently in the night air. If I pluck a note I see the melody as the web scintillates in sound.

So it is, that I return with a star-studded web of light and sound to guide me on the next phase of this life journey. So it is that I return with the name of the Beloved on my lips.

Tantric Exploration for Women

© Anatoly Tiplyashin | Dreamstime.com

It is a popular misconception that tantra is a path confined to heterosexual couples. The way of Tantra seeks inner divine union of the masculine and feminine, which can be explored by individuals and in couples – same-sex, other-sex, heterosexual – or in groups of any combination or all of the aforementioned. While some techniques involving the yoni or lingam specifically can clearly only be performed with the physical presence of either one (or both), many exercises work with the energies of the masculine and feminine. We embody these energies regardless of our physical sex, sexual orientation or sexual preferences.

A tantric exploration for women begins with an invitation for her to discover her own inner sexual landscape, to rediscover how her energies move in her body and to reconnect. In sacred space, she is free to look at what is, rather than that which she has been told should be. It is safe to probe old wounding, gently nudging blocks and obstacles out of the way. This way is one of experiencing, of feeling into the body.

To you, the reader, this may sound strange . You may believe that you are in touch with what you feel and know what is going on in your body. This may be true, but I invite you to try this: close your eyes and breathe deeply; with each breath travel deeper into your body; see if you can “feel” into your belly, your womb, your feet, your heart; note any contractions, closed spaces, or body parts that you cannot bring your awareness to. Give this exercise at least 5 minutes. When you are done, answer these questions: Is there a body part that I cannot “feel”? Where do I feel contracted, tight? Do I feel pain somewhere? Can I feel my breath into and out of my body? Truthfully, now, did I feel anything – or did my mind tell me what is going on?

Many of us live with the story in our head, telling us how we feel. This story is often not our own story, and it keeps us from what is really going on in our being. We have ideas about how things are supposed to be, years of conditioning, expectation and repression and these modify our responses. What if you could be in a space where you could simply BE, just as you are? A space where there are no rights and no wrongs, no expectations and absolutely no judgements? A space where you can explore your energy and sexuality freely? What if, in this space, you could experience unconditional love and honouring of the goddess within?

This is what I offer: safe, sacred space; guiding you to those inner territories through massage, touch, sound, aromatherapy and more; catalyzing shifts; and working with your own energies. I am available to women, regardless of their sexual orientation or preferences, who prefer to explore tantric massage and EnergyWork with a female. You may be looking for healing, increasing your orgasmic ability, raising your consciousness, or exploring your sexuality and sexual energies – or all of these – whatever it is that brings you before me, know that all is in divine and perfect order. There are no coincidences.

Dakini Shekina conducts explorations (sessions) for individuals, couples and groups. Currently these are offered at Shakti Gardens in Franklin Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg and at her country retreat in the Cradle of Humankind near Krugersdorp and the Sterkfontein Caves. Shekina also does extended explorations (2-3 days) and retreats.

Connect, Discover, Awaken – A Tantric Experience

Experience a private session with Shekina to awaken your slumbering self. Discover your capacity for love, tap into your awareness, connect with your inner power for transformation. Whether you wish to work with intent, explore a path, or simply embrace the sensation of being, Shekina is available to facilitate and empower your process. The hands-on Energy Work comprises a combination of traditional massage strokes, aromatherapy, sound therapy and other techniques. Shekina uses this to connect your physical, emotional and etheric bodies leaving you feeling more balanced and at ease. Tantric exercises and teachings are offered at a level to suit the Seeker after discussion and agreement.

Advanced tantric practices cannot be discussed or “booked” telephonically. What is meant by this? In many instances those unfamiliar with the principles and practices of Tantra mistakenly think that it is about acquiring technical expertise around the act of sex. It is true that mastery of some techniques can greatly enhance the act of sex, but this is not the purpose of Tantra. Our way is to facilitate your experience of your sexual energies in the fullest way possible, starting with your ability to feel into your body and being. So we work with sexual energies and sexuality through and awakening of the senses.

Request contact number through the blog.

Dakini Shekina conducts explorations (sessions) for individuals, couples and groups. Currently these are offered at Shakti Gardens in Franklin Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg and at her country retreat in the Cradle of Humankind near Krugersdorp and the Sterkfontein Caves. Shekina also does extended explorations (2-3 days) and retreats.

A Tantric Exploration of the Divine Masculine and Feminine with Dakini Shekina

Tantra is a path which seeks to expand the mind-body using the union of the male and female and leading to the ultimate experience of freedom – or connection with the Divine. Dakshina Marga Tantra, or the right-hand path, refers to the circulation of sexual energy within an individual. Vama Marga Tantra is the circulation of conscious sexual energies between two people. Both paths view sacred union between the feminine principle (Shakti) and the masculine (Shiva) as the means by which one goes within in order to expand, or burst outwards (Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson give a detailed explanation of the Sanskrit origins of the word “tantra”, offering a fascinating discussion in the title “The Essence of Tantric Sexuality”, 2006).

Winter has begun, the days are shorter and the mornings are colder. The energies at play encourage us to look within, to go underground and seek the shadow. I was drawn to illuminate the masculine and feminine in exploration with a Seeker, both within and as visible as the external “other”. As part of the “Universe Within” explorations, the “Coming Out, Going In” takes you on a tantric journey of discovery of masculine and feminine energies. Using breath, bodywork, movement and touch, the sessions can be conducted for individuals or couples (heterosexual or same-sex) at R1200 for 130 minutes. Book before 6 May 2011 and receive R100 off your session. Couples (you need not be lovers) pay only R1800 for a 140 minute session.

Dakini Shekina conducts explorations (sessions) for individuals, couples and groups. Currently these are offered at Shakti Gardens in Franklin Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg and at her country retreat in the Cradle of Humankind near Krugersdorp and the Sterkfontein Caves. Shekina also does extended explorations (2-3 days) and retreats.

Unconditional love and Tantra

I began this work, this way of walking the path of Tantra, with an overwhelming urge to express unconditional love to those who have forgotten what it is – to those who have not experienced it, those who do not allow it into their lives.

In thinking of this, my need to express this love and to offer it to others, I wondered if it ran contrary to some of the teachings of Tantra. In particular the teachings of the school with which I am associated, the Advait School of Tantra, views the Dakini as she who “throws stones”. Swami Rahasya teaches in stories and riddle which provocatively lead the listener into awareness by constantly, consistently, challenging the foundations of one’s beliefs. This is what the Dakini does in her work: she challenges the seeker to confront his shadow, to shake down into the depths of his being and drag up that which hides there, to awaken that which sleeps, to open that which is sealed, to collect, to connect, to gather the soul-bones and breathe life into them.

Before agreeing to show the Seeker the way to soul through sacred sexuality, some Dakinis may, at first, “throw stones”. When she does this she is asking: “How badly do you want this?” She may appear capricious, wilful, wayward and obstinate – she can be many things, and all things – she represents that from which the Seeker is running. She mirrors your shadow-self in the ways in which she offends, repels or chases away. The Seeker comes back for more, his thirst for soul leading him through those experiences which he perceives as dirty, dry and difficult. Then the Dakini can begin the work of showing, opening, connecting body, mind, emotions and spirit...

How does unconditional love fit into this, I wondered? Perhaps in this way: the unconditional love that I express has its tenderness and warmth, but, as everything in this existence, it has its polarities. It is a love offered completely and relentlessly, with an intensity that many a Seeker finds uncomfortable, sometimes impossible, to face. It is uncompromising, accepting nothing less than complete surrender to truth. In the absence of a game, the Seeker is forced to give up his game plan; a space is created where there are no rules or requirements; strategy and manoeuvring are obsolete. This love has an implacable availability which forces confrontation with perceived desire by offering no resistance. In the blazing light of this love, the landscape is bleak: the rocks of denial are thrown into sharp relief in a desert dotted with excuses; cacti of conscience, watered by piety and pity, drop their thorns to prick the soles of the feet; and everywhere lie the bones of regret, the skeletons of betrayal, the remnants of what might have been.

This, then, is part of what I do. In the offering of this unconditional love, I ask the Seeker to drop all pretence, to receive in his truth and naked soul-beauty, to release the story and dance with me in the wildish ways of the stars.

Universe Within

I have been walking a path with tantra for a while now, making myself available as dakini.

I begin to experience myself in a different way and wonder if I can lead others to this delicious feeling...

Today I feel as though I am experiencing Me - fully, deeply, lovingly, with wonder.

Here I am, a being incarnate as a white woman in Africa. Here I am, with my entire lifetime on this earth-walk contained in this fluid body. Here I am, some parts of my being already vibrating to tomorrow's songs. Here I am, with all of my yesterdays and the days not yet lived; between death and birth and living and resurrection; witness to pain and joy and dance and paralysis.

Here I am, expanding into this moment, and this moment... and then this moment... I feel sound in my body, hear scents and taste colour. You resonate still throughout my physical body and all the layers of me: a rich symphony of life and love.

Universe speaks to me, sings and laughs into the depths of my soul. Am I big enough, I wonder, to contain all of me? Am I brave enough, to see into the heart of me? Do I have the capacity to be the fullness of me, now?

As I move through these spaces I ask for the clarity, energy, words and teachings to open doors for others. As I discover the universe within, I expand outwards. Every exchange blends into a symphony that lingers in my being: a loving caress, a loud laugh, a breath in my hair, hearts opening...

I am grateful for the wondrous ability to be available in this way: with universal love pulsing from my being into the universe. I am in love, I am love, I love, I am...