MM-pub-note-snap
Do you ever catch yourself in a ‘verbal tic’? You know, those little sounds or short phrases that people unconsciously make when they’re speaking? You may notice them more easily in someone else’s speech than in your own. Sometimes they can be charming and endearing, other times grating or annoying. You might have one but never know it until you hear a recording of yourself speak or someone else mentions it to you.One of the things I teach people in my small group content creation trainings is to write like you speak instead of the way that you write. After you write something, read it back out loud and see if it sounds like something real, the way you would say it, or something dry and academic, like you learned to write in English class. I’ve been spending a lot more time talking to groups and paying attention to my speech in the recordings and I’ve discovered a little catchphrase that I let slip in far too often, “ya know”? (I used it intentionally in the first paragraph to illustrate my point)

When I put my consciousness on it, it annoys me, because taken literally, it’s an underlying assumption that you already know what I’m talking about. So I’ve been much more mindful when I’m in a conversation or speaking in public to not pepper my paragraphs with that little slip of the tongue.

As a publisher and an editor, the topic of languaging and communication is hugely fascinating to me and central to my work. At Conscious Dancer, we’ve always been careful to avoid outdated language and low-vibration communication. It’s one of the reasons you’ll rarely hear us use the word ‘healing’—all too often it’s used in a context that implies a diagnosis, or a presupposition that something is wrong with you. Far more empowering to start with a baseline of well-being and the assumption that wherever someone is at, it’s exactly right in the moment. There is always the possibility for greater health, happiness and vitality to begin from there.

I’ll finish this mornings note with a little commentary, (or rant if you will) on a current verbal epidemic I’ve noticed that sets my teeth on edge. Since when did “You’re welcome” get replaced with “No problem”? Maybe it’s just a Bay Area thing, but far too often when I say “thank you” or otherwise acknowledge good service for a job well done, the reply I hear is a double whammy of negativity. Why is the great cup of coffee you served me a “problem”? Where does “no” fit in the idea of “yes, it’s been a pleasure to serve you and you are welcome here again”? Taken literally, and in the larger context, it gives me the impression that overall the person’s job and existence is a problem, and I’ve just been fortunate to be the exception.

With words we create our world. Bringing higher consciousness to our language is the key to manifesting a better life!

DANCE FIRST MEMBER SPOTLIGHT :: SOFIAH THOM & DANYASA

Speaking of empowerment, I’m delighted to share with you today one of Dance First’s most dynamic members, the inimitable Sofiah Thom! She’s a leader with a special sauce of inspiration and a track record for creating incredible results in the people she works with.

Modeling so many of the great qualities that we encourage in aspiring leaders, she’s offering another exclusive virtual group training, and a complimentary transformative introductory webinar tonight to acquaint you with her practice.

Well known on the international workshop and festival circuit, with a background in many different somatic practices going back to her early trainings with Anna Halprin, she’s the creator of the Danyasa movement practice and cofounder and of the Danyasa Retreat Center in Costa Rica.

She’s offering a special online course for women called Temple Body Awakening. She will guide you to bring forth six different goddess archetypes and empower you to embody them in your dance and personal life. This online course is a prerequisite for her certification training called Temple Body Expressive Arts.

The course begins on June 20th and runs through August 1st. You can learn more and see an informative video by visiting the Temple Body Awakening website here.

As a special treat, and gift to our community, she is offering a complimentary live ritual webinar tonight, Monday June 13th. This is your opportunity to check out Sofiah’s style and see if you resonate with her work. She will be teaching you about Saraswati, the goddess of insight, sound, and creativity.

Register for tonight’s free webinar here, and heads up, she will be offering a special discount tonight only for her Temple Body Awakening course.

Much love to you Sofiah! It’s always so inspiring to see your work blossom and progress! Thank you for being part of Dance First and working so hard to bring embodied consciousness to the world!