Hello dear ones,
Put one hand on your heart, one hand on your belly, and take a deep breath.
Through these anxious times, taking a break to notice the birds has been such a consistent way to settle my body. Molly Tsongas reminds us, “sit long enough and still enough to let the birds come to you.” I hope you might find this practice serves you as well.
This month we enjoyed two Instagram bird sits with Molly Tsongas of Audubon CA. For me, this practice has proved to be a simple and powerful way to both settle my body and open my mind. I’m struck by how it enables me to so viscerally sense the web of connection across species and distance. And, at this time of year, when the barrier between the physical world and the spiritual world is said to be at its thinnest, it can connect us across time and generations. Frances Teves Sedayao dedicated her recent bird sit dance to her ancestors. That statement of intention invited us all to hold someone in our hearts and offer our practice as tribute, gift or prayer.
Photo of and by Frances Teves Sedayao, effects editing by Christoff Gallegos
A tremendous thank you to everyone who joined us in-person and online for our Movement Murmuration workshop! KJ and I loved dancing and tuning-in to the environment with all of you. I was very touched to hear how the experience impacted each of you. One participant voiced their gratitude for the invitation to get out of their head and into their body. Another was teary with appreciation for a much needed opportunity for connection and community.
Thank you for your donations to SBDP in support of this workshop and for giving Shuumi Land Tax contributions to support the critical work of the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust. Thank you, Lani for volunteering to greet and check folks in. Thank you, Meg for video recording and streaming the whole workshop!
As we move together through these anxious times, remember the birds are always there. Look for them, listen for them. What can they refresh or awaken in you?
Put one hand on your heart, one hand on your belly, and breathe.
Hang in there.
With gratitude,
Sarah and all the SixFootWingspan artists
Photo of Sarah Bush and KJ Dahlaw by John Sanborn
Sarah Bush Dance Project 