Brave Thinking Institute

August 2023 TranscenDance™ Tribune

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By: Jennifer Joy Jiménez
Updated: August 4, 2023

Welcome to the August 2023 TranscenDance™ Tribune!

The TranscenDance™ Tribune is dedicated to nurturing our conscious dance community and celebrating the healing power of the mind-body-spirit connection. Members of the Brave Thinking Institute Health & Wellbeing Division receive this newsletter on the first Friday of every month, and it will also be accessible online.

Our theme for this month is Body Vitality! We’re kicking off this month’s issue with a “deep dive” into the healing powers of water, and how you can embrace its rejuvenating energy to boost your sense of vitality. We’ll also explore what it means to truly feel alive in the present moment, from one of the visionaries of conscious movement.

Healing past wounds and trauma is an important part of experiencing enhanced body vitality, and in this issue, you’ll also discover the top 3 ways dance helps us heal. You’ll also meet Belle Martin, a Level II TranscenDance™ Facilitator who has shared Aqua TranscenDance™ with survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse, providing them with a healing space to rediscover themselves.

The month of August gives unique opportunities to lay the groundwork for the life you desire, which you’ll learn more about in our monthly numerology section! And brand-new this month is our TranscenDance™ Directory, so you can find a class and move in freedom, while reconnecting with the joy of dance!

Water You Doing?
Exploring the Healing Powers of Water

In the fast-paced world we inhabit, seeking moments of peace and healing has become essential for maintaining overall well-being. One of nature’s most potent elixirs, water, holds remarkable healing powers that we can effortlessly incorporate into our everyday lives. From physical rejuvenation to emotional solace, the therapeutic benefits of water are boundless, urging us to pause and ponder: What are you doing to incorporate the healing powers of water in your everyday life?

1. Hydration and Mindful Sipping: The simplest and most accessible way to harness water’s healing properties is through mindful hydration. Ensuring you drink an ample amount of water throughout the day keeps your body hydrated, aiding in digestion, supporting organ function, and maintaining skin health. Pause between tasks to take slow, intentional sips of water, allowing its life-giving essence to rejuvenate your cells and renew your energy.

2. Nature’s Embrace: If possible, find solace in nature’s aquatic wonders. Spend time near serene bodies of water, whether it’s a tranquil lake, a babbling brook, or the vastness of the ocean. Allow the rhythmic sounds of water to soothe your mind, washing away stress and anxiety. Immerse yourself in the healing ambiance of these natural havens, and you’ll discover a sense of calmness washing over you.

3. Therapeutic Baths: Transform your ordinary bath routine into a therapeutic ritual. Add Epsom salts, essential oils, or flower petals to your bathwater to enhance relaxation. As you soak, visualize any negativity or tension dissolving, leaving you revitalized and ready to face the world anew.

4. Water Meditations: Integrate water meditations into your spiritual practice. Find a quiet spot near a water source or use a recording of soothing water sounds. Close your eyes, focus on your breath, and allow the imagery of water to cleanse your mind, purifying your thoughts and promoting mindfulness.

5. Swimming and Aquatic Exercises: Incorporate swimming or aquatic exercises into your routine for a holistic workout that also nurtures your spirit. The gentle resistance of water provides an excellent low-impact exercise, easing stress on joints while invigorating your body and enhancing mental clarity. Examples include water aerobics, Aqua Zumba and Aqua TranscenDance™️!

6. Water Journaling: Take a moment each day to reflect on your emotions, experiences, and aspirations through water journaling. Write or draw near a water source, letting the rhythmic flow inspire your creativity and introspection. Expressing your thoughts while connecting with water’s essence can be profoundly healing.

7. Aqua Massage: Also known as water massage or hydro massage, aqua massage is a therapeutic technique that combines the benefits of massage therapy with the soothing properties of warm water. During an aqua massage session, the individual lies on a waterproof cushioned table or bed while jets of warm water gently massage the body. The water pressure, speed, and direction can be customized to target specific areas of tension and discomfort.

8. Thermal Baths or Mineral Baths in Nature: Thermal baths, also known as mineral baths, offer a unique and rejuvenating experience, harnessing the healing properties of natural geothermal waters. Found in various locations (like the ones Level II TranscenDance™ facilitators experienced in Costa Rica) around the world, these mineral-rich springs provide a blissful opportunity to immerse oneself in the warm embrace of nature. The minerals present in the water, such as sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, are believed to have therapeutic benefits for the skin and body.

(Costa Rica 2023)

9. Hot Water Thermal Therapy: Hot water thermal therapy has been used for centuries by various cultures for relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation. Hot springs, also known as thermal springs, are natural geothermal sources of hot water rich in minerals that are believed to have therapeutic properties. Soaking in these mineral-rich waters can help relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Many spas and wellness centers offer thermal baths, providing a serene environment to unwind and benefit from the healing properties of the water.

10. Sensory Deprivation Chambers (Float Tanks or Float Pods): Sensory deprivation chambers, also known as float tanks or float pods, are innovative modern tools that offer a unique and immersive experience. These pods or tanks are filled with water and high concentrations of Epsom salt, creating buoyancy and allowing the individual to float effortlessly. The water is kept at skin temperature, making it feel like a seamless connection between the body and the water. With the lid closed, the chamber eliminates external stimuli, creating a sensory-deprived environment. This relaxation technique helps individuals experience profound physical and mental relaxation, reduce stress, and explore a meditative state of mind. The sensory deprivation chambers often come with sound and light options, enhancing the overall experience.

11. Cold Water Plunging:Cold water plunging, also known as cold water immersion or cold therapy, is an ancient practice with numerous health benefits. Immersing oneself in cold water, such as a cold lake or icy pool, can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and boost the immune system. It is believed to reduce inflammation, alleviate muscle soreness, and increase circulation. Cold water plunging is also known to improve mental clarity, increase alertness, and enhance mood by triggering the release of endorphins. Some enthusiasts practice cold water therapy regularly, especially in saunas or contrast baths, where they alternate between hot and cold water for an invigorating effect.

Remember, by embracing the healing powers of water, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and holistic well-being. Whether it’s a mindful sip, a leisurely swim, or a moment of reflection by a riverbank, integrating water’s rejuvenating energy into our lives empowers us to find balance amidst the chaos and revel in the tranquility of nature’s purest gift. So, ask yourself again: “Water” you doing to incorporate the healing powers of water in your everyday life?

5 Ways We Know We Are Alive
By Karen Mireau and Belisa Amaro,
Conscious Dancer Magazine

Rolando Toro, the late visionary behind the Biodanza movement medicine, sought to explore what it truly means to be alive in the present moment. He posed the question “What do you desire from life?” to numerous Chilean university students and Biodanza groups, while conducting extensive research. Through his research, he defined five aspects that provide intense experiences of being alive:

Vitality: Vitality represents the energy available to live fully. In our fragmented civilization, where we often lead hypocritical lives, Biodanza offers exercises that restore our integration, allowing us to reclaim our vitality and experience pure health.

Sensuality: Sensuality is about accessing pleasure and embracing the capacity for enjoyment. We often hide our erotic feelings behind societal norms, leading to inner conflict. Biodanza exercises help awaken our sensuality, enabling us to celebrate and delight in pleasure.

Creativity: Creativity is the expression of our identity through art, communicating with the language of the soul. Movement medicine encourages a deep creativity that transforms our lives, urging us to put our creativity at the service of life, making us the true protagonists of our own journeys.

Affectivity: Affectivity encompasses our capacity for love, extending beyond personal connections to love for all living things—plants, animals, and even the universe. Biodanza invites us to embrace love without fear, nurturing our ability to connect with the essence of life in all its forms.

Transcendence: Transcendence is the ability to see beyond the immediate, to experience our personal relationship with the totality of existence. Acknowledging our sacredness and expanding consciousness are central to this aspect. This can lead to moments of ecstasy and a deep sense of connection to something greater.

The above article originally appeared in the Spring 2010 edition of Conscious Dancer Magazine. Used and condensed with permission.

Dancing Through Trauma:
Top 3 Ways Dance Helps Heal

1. Embodied Expression and Release: Dance serves as a powerful outlet for expressing emotions that may be challenging to articulate verbally. For individuals healing from trauma, words may fall short in capturing the depth of their experiences. Through movement, dance allows a profound connection between the body and the mind, enabling individuals to process and release suppressed feelings. As they sway, spin, or stomp, the physicality of dance becomes a vessel for channeling emotions like pain, fear, anger, and grief. This embodiment of their inner struggles fosters a cathartic release, bringing a sense of emotional liberation and renewal.

2. Rewiring the Nervous System: Traumatic experiences can leave a lasting impact on the nervous system, leading to heightened stress responses, anxiety, and hyper-vigilance. Engaging in dance, particularly rhythmic and repetitive movements, has the potential to rewire the brain and promote healing. The focused, structured nature of dance can stimulate the release of endorphins and dopamine, which aid in reducing anxiety and elevating mood. Over time, regular dance practice can help individuals regain a sense of control over their bodies and emotions, rewiring their nervous system to respond to triggers with increased resilience and calmness.

3. Cultivating Empowerment and Agency: Trauma can leave individuals feeling powerless and disconnected from their bodies. In contrast, dance empowers individuals by fostering a profound reconnection with their physical selves. As they learn and perfect choreography or engage in freestyle movement, survivors experience a renewed sense of agency over their bodies. The act of reclaiming their movements and embracing their bodies’ capabilities instills a newfound sense of strength and self-confidence. Through dance, survivors begin to perceive their bodies not as vessels of pain, but as vessels of resilience, beauty, and self-expression, nurturing a positive self-image and supporting the healing journey.

Through embodied expression, nervous system rewiring, and the cultivation of empowerment, dance becomes a beacon of light, guiding all people with trauma towards a path of recovery and renewal.
Feel invited to share this quote and tag @TranscenDanceGlobal!

The Facilitator Spotlight
Shine Your Light

This month we are shining a light on Level II TranscenDance™ Facilitator Belle Martin!

Belle Martin’s journey in the world of dance has been nothing short of extraordinary! With decades of experience performing and coaching Afro-Latin, Argentine Tango, and Swing at the highest professional levels, her passion for conscious dance shines through in every step.

Guided by a deep love for movement, Belle finds joy in helping others rediscover their innate soulfulness and unique style of dance, bringing a sense of bliss to both body and spirit. For her, dance is not merely a physical activity; it is a healing, expressive, and celebratory journey that reveals the essence of who we truly are.

“TranscenDance™ allows a way for people to move and connect to their inner landscape in a gentle loving way , feeling safe and held,” Belle told us. And her approach to sharing dance is enthusiastic, joyful, and fun, encouraging everyone to fully embrace the present moment.

Through dance, she believes we unveil an oasis within our inner landscapes, a place of connection and self-expression. Nurturing the inner garden of the soul and cultivating joy through movement are her deepest passions, as she firmly believes that every individual is born a dancer, destined to express their unique and beautiful dance.

Belle’s expertise spans a wide range of dance forms, and she holds numerous certifications in various disciplines, including TranscenDance Level II, Laughter Yoga Leader, Groove DanceFloor Experience (Advanced Facilitator and Groove Ambassador), and more. From Zumba and Aqua Zumba to Trauma-informed Healing Dance Movement and Yoga Nidra, Belle’s dedication to expanding her knowledge and skill set is evident.

Beyond her technical and professional expertise, Belle’s heart lies in sharing the joy of dance with others. From Afro-Latin cultural dances to Argentine Tango, Salsa, and Swing, she has explored the beauty and diversity of movement across different genres. Her flair for choreography and interpretive dance allows her to weave stories through movement, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience her artistry.

With boundless energy and a zest for life, Belle continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals on their dance journeys. Her vibrant spirit and commitment to spreading the magic of dance make her an invaluable asset to the world of conscious movement.

Photo by Belle Martin of one of her Aqua TranscenDance™ Classes

Belle Martin’s dedication to teaching movement medicine extends beyond dance forms. As a Level II TranscenDance™ facilitator, she has passionately shared Aqua TranscenDance™ with survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse, providing them with a healing space to rediscover themselves.

“The soothing wash specifically in Aqua TranscenDance™ has really allowed survivors to anoint themselves with love and kindness and heal in a deeper way,” she told us. Through weekly sessions, Belle has witnessed subtle yet profound transformations in survivors’ lives, where the water element in Aqua TranscenDance™ offers a safe and nurturing environment for healing. Anointing themselves with water becomes a sacred act of self-care and restoration.

Belle’s influence reaches far beyond her in-person sessions, as she offers online classes for anyone seeking the transformative power of dance. Her reputation as a facilitator has led her to be invited to numerous retreats, where her healing practice continues to touch lives.

Notably, Belle extends her compassion and expertise to a senior group, leading Aqua TranscenDance™ sessions that reduce pain and encourage fluid movement. Her passion for movement medicine shines through in her dedication to empowering survivors and fostering well-being in seniors.

We celebrate you, Belle, for being a part of our Tribe of TranscenDance™ Facilitators and for your contribution to conscious dance and healing!

You Can Count On It
August numerology

August brings a delightful dose of stability, organization, and practicality. As the eighth month of the year, the number 8 symbolizes strength and balance, urging us to establish solid foundations in all aspects of our lives. This is a time to embrace a methodical approach, paying attention to the finer details and creating structured plans. With diligence and determination, we can build a path towards our goals, both in our personal and professional endeavors. So, get ready to count on August as a month of growth and achievement, where the universe supports our efforts to lay the groundwork for a promising future!

If you’re interested in exploring the Costa Rica TranscenDance™ Level II Training, email David.Rogers@bravethinkinginstitute.com.

Remember, Jennifer hosts two TranscenDance™️ Global all community classes each month. Our next two classes will occur on Saturday, August 5th and Saturday, August 26th, both at 10am Pacific. Visit BTI.com/Dance to register.

Be sure to follow us on social media, where you can enjoy short conscious dance break live streams!

TranscenDance™ Directory (alphabetical order)

More Facilitator contacts will be included in future.

Until next month, let us harness the power of Dance to heal, delight in our movements, flow with the gift water has for our bodies , and revel in the aliveness that TranscenDance™ brings. Through the power of movement, we break free from limitations and connect with our authentic selves. May TranscenDance™ guide us on our journey of self-expression, empowerment, and transformation, tapping into the essence of the number 8. Keep dancing, keep shining and ignite your strength and balance that the universe is blessing us with this August.

With Gratitude,

The TranscenDance™ Tribune Team
Jennifer Joy Jiménez,
Cody Wasial,
and David Rogers

About Jennifer Joy Jiménez

Jennifer Joy Jiménez

Best described as “pure joy in motion”, Jennifer Joy Jiménez is the founder of the Health & Wellbeing Division of Brave Thinking Institute, and she's a world renown transformational coach, international speaker & author, and the creator of the highly acclaimed conscious dance modality, TranscenDance™

Learn More About Jennifer Joy Jiménez

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