* S P A R K *

* enliven your body * move in community * discover and dance to the beat of your own drum *

The 5Rhythms® is a simple, powerful movement practice which guides us to re-connect with our innate body-knowledge, wellness, and wisdom. This workshop will be both an introduction and a deep dive into Gabrielle Roth’s healing movement work.

Joanne teaches 5Rhythms (Waves and Heartbeat levels) with a deep respect for the transformational nature of this practice, and for the unique discovery process of each participant. Her teaching is rooted in a lifelong engagement with her own personal work. Since 2001 she has held a steady space for the growth and evolution of a robust dance community in Victoria, BC, and has shared her love of this practice with students across North America.

Heart To Heart, 5Rhythms & Buddhist Heart Practice

 Love is not a mood, but a dynamic way of being. - Gabrielle Roth

The spontaneous heart is one that knows how to love and be loved. The Heartbeat map is a guide to how our emotional energy moves and morphs. In this practice we embody the art of being a fluid emotional athlete. This map teaches us how to navigate the emotional terrain of life without getting stuck, holding on, or pushing away.

We will explore how the body has been shaped by our emotions, tracking when the heart is open and when it is closed. As feelings move us, we learn how to express emotion in a healthy and creative way. 

In this workshop we will integrate the stillness of Buddhist mindfulness meditation with the moving meditations of the 5Rhythms. The Buddha encouraged us to bring wise attention to every aspect of our lives. By incorporating the Brahmavihara (Heart Practices), one can develop the skills of living-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. These virtues are regarded as powerful antidotes to negative mental states.

In sitting meditation, we have the opportunity to observe the mind and body at rest through silent introspection. In the practice of the 5Rhythms, we engage in mindfulness while in motion. The 5Rhythms map teaches us how emotional energy moves. The two polarities of moving and sitting meditation together mirror the dance of life and open the door to peace, well being and balance.