Brave Thinking Institute

October 2023 TranscenDance™ Tribune

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By: Jennifer Joy Jiménez
Updated: October 6, 2023

Welcome to the October 2023 TranscenDance™ Tribune!

Welcome to the October 2023 TranscenDance™ Tribune! We are spotlighting Facilitator Mandy Muenzer. Discover the healing power of conscious dance as medicine in a study at UCLA. 5 top ways to Savor JOY through Spiritual harvest and prevent seasonal blues with Conscious Dance. Your October numerology, and discover an Autumn Equinox Ritual including conscious dance. And get the latest info about your upcoming classes on Oct. 7 and 28, our next Facilitator Training Intensive in December, and a full roster of Facilitators near you and online.

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 past issues are also accessible online at https://bti.com/tribune.

The Facilitator Spotlight
Shine Your Light

Making Waves and Taking Names in the World of Transformation.

“Dance with Destiny”: A Story of Inspiration, Manifestation, and Dreams Becoming Reality

Once upon a time in sunny Los Angeles, there lived a lively, creative and multi-faceted woman named Mandy Muenzer. She was a graduate of UCLA where she studied dance, theater, and social sciences. After graduating, she started working in both the performing arts and entertainment field as well as the fitness and wellness industry. Beyond various work opportunities, she also had an insatiable appetite for continued education and personal development. She became a certified fitness instructor and health coach with the American Council on Exercise, completed a 2 year acting program and eventually went on to earn a Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology. 

She was hired as Assistant Director of FITWELL at UCLA to oversee fitness and wellness programming in 2010 and started her private spiritual psychology coaching business in 2015. This was also around the time she began to dive more into and explore the world of “conscious dance,” a journey that would soon lead her to so much more than she could have ever imagined. Mandy loved the rich potential conscious dance held to combine all of her greatest loves. Something was seeking to emerge through her that would combine healing, transformation, dance, fitness and spiritual psychology. 

One day, during a deep meditation session, Mandy received a divine download—a name, “Transcendance.” It resonated in her soul, and she knew this was the movement she wanted to create and share with the world. With dreams in her heart, she embarked on a mission to trademark her newfound inspiration.

Meanwhile, in another corner of California, a woman named Jennifer Joy Jiménez had meticulously crafted a conscious dance modality called “TranscenDance™” and shared it with thousands globally for over two decades. Her mission, to ignite healing and joy through conscious dance globally.

As Mandy began her search to trademark the name “Transcendance,” destiny took its course. She stumbled upon Jennifer’s work, a beautifully packaged conscious dance modality already in motion. She read the description of TrancenDance™ and felt a profound sense of connection. This was the very essence of what she had been envisioning for her own movement practice. 

Mandy had no prior knowledge of Jennifer, but strongly felt Spirit guiding her to reach out to her and connect. It seemed this was the universe aligning their paths. Mandy found Jennifer’s email associated with the trademark and introduced herself explaining what had transpired, and asked if Jennifer had a certification program in her modality. To her delight, Jennifer replied enthusiastically saying yes, and offered to connect over the phone.

A lengthy and inspired conversation followed, leading to an invitation from Jennifer for Mandy to become a TranscenDance™ Facilitator. Mandy’s instincts told her that Jennifer possessed a powerful energy and drive, and she knew this was an opportunity to work with an amazing, like-hearted woman. It felt like the perfect mentorship Mandy had been seeking, and a partnership driven by a shared vision to bring dance as healing to the world and to touch countless lives.

Over the last several years, Mandy says, “Jennifer’s mentorship has expanded my awareness around how to serve others through conscious dance and empowered me to embrace my mission fully. Working alongside Jennifer has helped me more deeply understand and unpack my God-given gifts and talents to support others in this unique avenue of embodied transformation and healing.

“Jennifer’s unwavering encouragement and belief in me has been hugely supportive and has ignited an even greater fire within me to share this work.”

TranscenDance™ has become one of Mandy’s personal daily spiritual practices. “TranscenDance™ supports me on a regular basis to connect with Spirit and my own embodied wisdom,” she shared. “It’s one of my primary methods to process life, resolve inner conflicts, access emotion, pray with my body, and so much more.”  Furthermore, Mandy loves that TranscenDance™ provides a non-verbal, embodied approach to coaching clients through whatever may be present for them.

To date, one of Mandy’s most meaningful opportunities to facilitate TranscenDance™ was to support her best friend, Francine and her grandmother, Joan, who were both going through healing journeys with stage 4 cancer in 2020-2021.

Francine, on several occasions, said TranscenDance™ was “church” for her — a connection to the spirit within her that transcended circumstances and provided profound peace and healing. 

Mandy currently teaches TranscenDance™ weekly in-person at UCLA for students, staff and faculty as well as weekly classes on Zoom through her coaching business, “Embodied By Love.” She has also been asked by several organizations to facilitate TranscenDance™ for conferences and retreats including: Health Care Institute Trauma-Informed Care, Lupus Foundation, Consciousness Rising, 7OM Alchemy, Warrior School, Headstart, Meant for More Summit, and more. Additionally, Mandy has become an integral ambassador and support staff for Level I and Level II TranscenDance™ online trainings and in-person retreats in Costa Rica and Tulum, as well as on stage support for Brave Thinking Institute energizers.

Photo on Left: Mandy pictured with participants at one of her classes at UCLA
Photo on Right: Mandy leading an energizer in front of Royce Hall for hundreds of UCLA staff members

Mandy is immensely grateful for the opportunities that have unfolded through TranscenDance™. She seeks to continue touching lives and igniting the same transformative spark in others that she has discovered through her dance with destiny.

We celebrate you Mandy for all your accomplishments, and the beautiful role you play in sharing this magical healing movement that is TranscenDance™!

Did You Hear?

A UCLA Health study has found: “Conscious dance, which encourages self-discovery through unchoreographed movement, produced mental health benefits among the vast majority of participants with depression, anxiety or history of trauma,” with the vast majority of those surveyed reporting that conscious dance helped them cope with their condition.

Click here for the full article!

5 Top Ways to Savor Your JOY through Spiritual Harvest and Prevent Seasonal Blues with Conscious Dance

As we are now even further into the season of harvest, it brings with it a time of reflection and transition. It’s not just about reaping the rewards of your physical labor in the garden — it’s also an opportunity to celebrate your inner growth. 

This season can be particularly challenging for those who experience seasonal depression due to reduced sunlight. However, conscious dance, backed by studies in psychology and well-being, can serve as a powerful tool to help you prevent & decrease the seasonal blues, while savoring your spiritual harvest! Here are five top ways to do just that:

  • Dance for Mood Elevation: Research in psychology has shown that physical activity, including dance, can trigger the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. Conscious dance allows you to move freely and expressively, promoting a natural boost in your mood. When you dance, your body responds with increased energy and a sense of well-being, making it an effective tool to combat the effects of seasonal depression. Remember, a D.O.S.E. of music and conscious dance releases happy hormones like Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins!
  • Harness the Power of Light: While the sunlight may be waning during this season, the inner light within you remains constant. Conscious dance encourages you to tap into that inner light and shine it brightly. As you dance, visualize this inner radiance illuminating your path, dispelling feelings of darkness or sadness that often accompany seasonal changes.
  • Connect with Community: Conscious dance often takes place in group settings, fostering a sense of community and connection. Studies have shown that social interaction can greatly improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. Joining a conscious dance class or group can provide a supportive environment where you can share your experiences and find solace in the company of like-minded individuals.
  • Mindfulness through Movement: Conscious dance is a form of mindfulness through movement. It encourages you to be fully present in the moment, letting go of worries about the past or future. This mindfulness can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms of seasonal depression, as it helps you redirect your focus away from negative thoughts and toward the joy of the present moment.
  • Express Emotions Creatively: Seasonal changes can sometimes bring about a flood of emotions. Conscious dance offers a creative outlet for expressing and processing these feelings. Through movement, you can release pent-up emotions, gain clarity, and find a sense of relief. Dance can be a means of turning emotional turmoil into a beautiful, healing art form.

Incorporating conscious dance into your life during the harvest season can enhance your overall well-being and provide essential tools for managing seasonal depression symptoms. It’s a powerful reminder that, even in the midst of seasonal changes, your inner light can shine brightly, and your spiritual harvest can be a source of strength and joy. So, put on your dancing shoes, embrace the movement, and dance your way to a happier and more balanced you.

FALL EQUINOX:

Cultural Significance of the Fall Equinox

Throughout history, the autumnal equinox has held cultural significance worldwide. It marks a time of balance, and many cultures view it as an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and preparation for the colder months ahead.

From the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, cultures worldwide commemorate the equinox with unique traditions and celebrations. These festivities often involve communal gatherings, feasts, and rituals that honor the changing seasons.

An Autumn Equinox Ritual:

1) Light a Candle. To start your Autumn Equinox ritual, light a candle to acknowledge the light within the dark.

2.) Get moving! Play some music, get out of your head and into your body, a great TranscenDance™ stage to implement here is Stage 5 – SHIFT, where you hop, shake, and release what no longer serves you, opening your body as a vessel to joy, gratitude and love.

3.) Journal. Next, take some time to write down all you are grateful for so far this year.

4.) Acknowledge the blessings and the lessons you have learned, remembering to acknowledge yourself.

5.) Reflect on where your life might be out of balance at this Autumn Equinox.

A few suggestions to consider:

  • Are you mainly doing things that fill you up energetically or drain you?
  • Is life full of variety or has it gotten dull? 
  • Is there too much change and some routine would help to calm things down?
  • Are you feeling connected to others, isolated or in need of some alone time?
  • Do you receive equally as much as you give?

6.) Ask, how are your goals going that you set for this year?

Are any changes needed this Autumn Equinox?

  • Do you have any new ones you’d like to add?
  • Is there anything you haven’t started yet?

7.) Take Action. On 3 pieces of paper write down:

  • A list of what you are grateful for. 
  • What are you letting go of? (I.E. Fear, Stress, Limiting Beliefs, Disempowering habits)
  • Your intention moving forward: What you are claiming, or calling into your life? (I.E. Love, Empowering Beliefs, Life Giving habits)

Decide what action you will take, and by when, to move your vision forward.

And finally:

  • Burn what you are releasing with the candle, or a burning bowl.
  • Visualize being able to send it to the light and let Grace bless you.
  • Place what you are calling in, what you are claiming on an altar.
  • Fully trust all will come when the time is right for you.

“Leaf” Me Inspired:
October 2023 numerology

In the realm of numbers, October is the tenth month of the year, and 10 embodies a duality that is as profound as it is liberating. It is the sweetness of beginnings, the launchpad of new adventures, the spark of invention, and the boldness of taking initiative, encapsulated in the number 1. Simultaneously, it carries the purity and innocence of the number 0. In essence, it encourages us to dance through life as if no one is watching, embracing both the creative power of new beginnings and the untainted joy of simply being.

Feel invited to copy and share this image and tag @TranscenDanceGlobal

This month, you’ll have 2 opportunities to join us for our TranscenDance™ for Personal Transformation:

  • Saturday, Oct. 7th at 10am Pacific (with special guest instructor Belle Martin!), and
  • Saturday Oct. 28th at 10am Pacific, followed by a special Full Moon Gathering from Noon-1pm Pacific.

If you are new, TranscenDance™ is an innovative mind-body-spirit modality that infuses the mindfulness of yoga into a free-form, joyful, conscious dance.

There are no steps or “moves” to learn. You simply let your higher self move your body in a dance that’s as unique to you as your fingerprint (or your “soul print”). All ages, and mobility levels are welcome. 🙂 Click here to register for our next class.

And if you’d like to take a deep dive into the 10 stages of TranscenDance™, our TranscenDance™ Facilitator Training Virtual includes multi-day Intensive trainings, as well as a full year of Live Virtual Classes. You’ll feel even more confident in your body, while bringing joyful movement & conscious dance even more into your life, and the lives of others. We have a personal development path, and a professional development path. Our next Intensive is happening Dec. 2nd & 3rd, with more to come in 2024! Click here to discover more.

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

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 as we receive contact info and requests to be added.

Until next month, may the transformative magic of October’s energy and the gift of TranscenDance™ continue to be our guiding light, illuminating the path to self-discovery and a profound sense of purpose. Let us carry forward the invaluable lessons of renewal and revitalization gifted to us by the changing season. In the same way that nature sheds its old to make room for the new, we too can shed our doubts and limitations through the liberating power of dance. May our hearts remain open, our spirits uplifted, and our dance be a celebration of our ongoing transformation along the way.

Dancing with you through life,

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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