IEMANJA: Dancing the Great Mother for Embodiment

Today on the Sacred Window Podcast student, postpartum caregiver, and devoted dancer, Alysha Higgins, introduces us to her dance instructor, Vera Passos. Alysha and Vera will guide us through a beautiful movement class on Tuesday, December 14th at 630pm EST so be sure not to miss it! Click HERE to register! Vera Passos is the Associate Artistic Director of Viver Brasil in Los Angeles and the Founder/Artistic Director of Casa de Cultura Do Movimento in Salvador, Bahia. Vera is a choreographer, master teacher, dancer and producer whose profound and indigenous relationship with Afro-Brazilian movement and music richly infuses her teaching and choreography. In her own words, Vera acknowledges the importance and impact that Bahian culture has in shaping the power and expression that she articulates and commands as an artist, “My culture is my inspiration, my feet speak with the earth and bring ancestral messages of joy, resistance and harmony.” Vera joins us in speaking about the orixa, and her personal connection and experience with these mysterious and complex energy forms. She tells stories of orixa Iemanja and the way her powerful energies manifest in the physical world and the embodiment of her fierce, protective, unconditional love. It is understood that we move with intention to embody those qualities. We learn that through movement and dance we can rid ourselves of separation and connect to the creative energy that dissolves all barriers. Vera says when community comes together to dance the space changes from “mine” to “ours”. It becomes a community space with no barriers, it becomes-- what is good for everyone. Topics Covered... What is orixa Who is Iemanja? Stories of Iemanja  Using the inspiration of Iemanja through dance and movement Transformation through movement Connection of the elements to dance to life Who is nana? How community dance lifts us all Learn more and Connect with the Sacred Window Community Learn about the importance of the sacred postpartum window, the tools of care that have been lost in modern culture, and the ways we can bring them back for the benefit of women, birth givers and families. Join our online training and mentoring programs for aspiring and current postpartum professionals as well as our vibrant professional collective. www.sacredwindowstudies.com/learn Bringing back the sacred in postpartum care... together! Thanks for tuning into today’s episode of the Sacred Window Podcast: Nurturing Awareness in Postpartum Care with Christine Eck. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. The show can be found anywhere else you may wish to get your podcasts too! Connect with us! www.sacredwindowstudies.com Instagram: @sacredwindowstudies Twitter: @sacred_window Facebook: Center for Sacred Window Studies Music written and performed by: Sara Emmitt https://saraemmitt.bandcamp.com/