I had an interchange concerning the ''scientific;  data on the effects of whirling with Jim Morris in Pittsburgh which may be of interest to many of you.

From: Jim Morris Computer Science Department Head
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~jhm
Subject: Re: Whirling

Jim: Thanks for another great experience! Tell me more about whirling. Doctors must know what it's doing. What hormones does it release? Adrenaline?

Dunya: Whirling induces theta wave state in the brain. It encourages the release of beta-endorphin (pain-killer and feel-good neurotransmitter) and lowers adrenaline, cortisol & noradrenalin (stress compounds). It lowers blood pressure while elevating your pulse. It initiates a hyper-arousal trance state which is associated with initially the activation of first the sympathetic followed by activation of the parasympathetic nervous system - the resulting experience is a calm alertness; feeling activated and relaxed. There is a reduced sensitivity to pain.

Whirling activates the right side of the brain resulting in integration of right-left brain hemisphere integration. It is a systemic 'tune-up' and re-balancing. For more look at the work of Dr. Felicitas Goodman who has been studying these specific practices. Also studies done on children showed that they learned better after whirling. (A new child rearing scheme???)

Jim: In any case, I'm thinking I might do it all the time. Will it grow hair on my palms? :-)

Dunya: Not that I know of. 8>)

Salaam!

on BALANCE

Though whirling is simple I advocate learning it in context of a training period with a teacher who has had plenty of experience with the practice. It is effective medicine and its properties are best engaged in with guidance.

As with any practice from this dance meditation lexicon, the most important aspect is not only familiarity with the nature of each practice but with the modulation of the practices in relationship to one another. The practices - breath & movement, whirling, chant, moving yoga, vibration, dance - are like herbs. They are meant to be applied in proportion to one another. Internal balance and evolution comes from doing the practices with regularity and in the appropriate sequencing and timing.

This balance of practices is intuitively felt and this intuitive opening is encouraged by the non-verbal modality of the training. Training is done non-verbally through modeling in order to lessen dependence on the mind as a mediator of activity. The non-verbal process enhances your ability to 'listen' internally. You become aware of the oceanic, cyclical nature of ever-present internal flow. It is regular but not routine. The specifics of the practice shift, emanating from a sensitive awareness to the needs of the moment.

The Dancemeditation practice is to show up regularly and be present in your body, awake to motion and stillness. From there you will find the way towards balance.