Similar souls wander in the similar places! They may not know each other, but often they touch the same winds, they step on the same leaves, their looks are lost in the same horizons!
-Mehmet Murat ildan
Dear Friends,
During a trip last month I found myself whirling within the beauty of the gardens of Castle Hill in Boston. When I stopped, I saw this beautiful soul standing in a corner gazing at me. Then, without speaking, she just walked away. But before long I saw her hesitate and return to me.
“Are you Turkish?” she asked.
I said no, I am Persian.
As soon as I said that, she grasped my hand and burst into tears exclaiming, “Me too!! I have never seen an Iranian woman whirling dervish. You have no idea how long I have searched to find one in person. Today, I had plans to go out to lunch with my friends but they all canceled, so I decided to come for a walk by myself. Not knowing God had other plans for me.”
She is now my new student.
It’s amazing how life imitates art, that our life events appear creatively or divinely inspired. It is no surprise nevertheless that people of all backgrounds, ages, and types love and find dance inspiring. We all admire the art and beauty of dance.
Students from all over the world today who share an appreciation for sacred, classical, and folkloric dance join me to learn online. Look for my special continuing classes in sacred dance, whirling and Persian dance this month in the calendar below. Hope to see you at one of them.
This Sunday join Persian musician Narimann Assadi and I for an afternoon workshop of sacred dance and music. I will teach the essentials of whirling meditation whereas Nariman will illustrate common Sufi drum rhythms for practice with the participants. Following the workshop participants will drum and dance in a Sema lead by both masters. The workshop and Sema will be held online however we invite participants to join us in the studio with a mask.
Please note we are collecting donations and supplies for the Afghani refugees that are arriving or have arrived recently to Bay Area and Sacramento. Tens of thousands of Afghans who helped American forces over the two-decades-long war are now arriving in the U.S. as refugees, following what, for many, has been a harrowing escape from the Taliban-controlled country as it erupts into more violence. The sudden influx means resettlement agencies are rushing to secure housing, schooling, groceries and furniture for the new arrivals. Agencies are on a very tight time crunch to get families set up so they can be self-sustaining and adjust to the new culture as quickly as possible. I have worked with refugees before–they need support and inspiration. Contact me for more information if you would like to donate. We can give you a list of supplies arriving refugees are most in need of and appreciate.
Wishing you safety, love, and health,
Farima
O breeze, my stories quietly share. My heart’s secrets, to whoever you care. Share them with a heart that’s aware.
― Hafez