Moondance Swan

My colleagues asked me to teach a yoga class in the morning. It was a special time because a few colleagues that usually aren’t around were there, and one dear colleague was moving away. 

After yoga I went to the bathroom, all my friends had left the basement where we practiced. So I followed them upstairs and onto the back porch. There all my friends were in a circle, and they invited me inside.

“A silver light beams down from the heavens, bathing everything in it’s glow. Reflecting the rays of the sun, the Moon shines down over the earth illuminating the night. She dances across the sky in a constant cycle of transition. Despite being ever changing, the Moon has a rhythm to her, each month waking full then waning to darkness to be reborn and being anew. Subtlety is the Moon’s strength, as her gentle presence has a significant effect on something as mighty as the ocean tides. The Moon also serves to teach us about perception, when full some see the face of a man on her surface, while others see a rabbit. In some cultures the Moon has been perceived as having a mysterious, powerful, magical aspect, in other’s she is viewed as being a medium of balance, purity, and reflection.

The swan is a great teacher; one of the most important lessons she offers is about transformation and hope – the belief that anything or anyone possesses the potential for great beauty.

Dark and light. Optimism and pessimism. Gentle and strong. Opposites that complement each other for a more rounded experience. In order to know the joy it is important to understand sadness. Healing brings great relief, but often after pain and suffering. You feel very deeply Jamie, there is much passion in your presence as evidenced by your desire to educate, befriend, empower, and facilitate the growth around you. Sometimes however words cannot express the full meanings of ones feelings. In those times we turn towards other means of expression, moving to the beat of our emotions. Emotions can carry us in many directions positive or negative, each a unique reflection of one’s experience. 

The Moon glows because she reflects the joy and light of the sun. Like the Moon you draw energy from those around you and once combined with your own enthusiasm, jubilance radiates forth. Despite it’s brightest appearance belonging to the night, the Moon is still visible even in daylight. It’s presence a constant reminder that you don’t always have to be the most noticeable presence to still have a strong influence on what surrounds you.

Jamie, the time for the uncertainty of a cygnet is past – you have all the skills and tools you need. It is time for the joyous, confident woman e know to step on stage and when the curtain rises, to take your place in the lights as Moondance Swan. “

I accepted this beautiful gift with much gratitude and hugs.

Naming

At Red Cliff there is a tradition of giving students and staff an Earth name to demarcate a change peers have seen in you. The Earth name honors positive characteristics, and sometimes encourages further change. For the students an Earth name is often a powerful milestone in their journey toward their better self. Staff are often given an Earth name when they become head instructor. 

Being named is a huge gift. The people responsible for naming an individual devote lots of time and thought to the person they are naming. It is a really touching experience, and I usually cry when I see someone get named.

Below is the story of Mike’s naming.

First everyone around is asked to make a circle, and then the person being honored is asked to step into the center of the circle. The person who contributed most to the write up will often read it. Mike’s write up, which explains his name is as follows.

Watered Steel-blade.

The world Perfection calls.

Drunk with The Viper poison

Foes appalls

Cuts lively, burns the blood

Where’er it falls;

And picks up gems from

Pave at Marble halls.

A poem from the Baroque Cycle (Mike and his friends read this series)

Steel. Steel tells a story. All steel from the ground is taken and molded into it’s shape. Singing with it’s maker, becoming whatever it’s told to. Except one steel. No one can make ever make it perfect. No one can bend it to their will. Always it will take on the characteristics of it’s own choosing. At once lost. Though still ancient. The way this steel shines is captivating. A work of art. Creativity within itself. 

Damascus.

Noble, generous, cheerful, you have shown your colors to us all. Quick with wit and always ready to help. Containing a valid opinion on all subjects. Your strength and intuition have guided you well. The elm tree is valued for it’s strength. It’s interlocking grain which makes it resistant to splitting. Resistant to decay. With permanently wet trunks, like Damascus, which ill hold an edge for years. The Elm will grow stronger year after year.

Mike, for your creativity, devotion to bettering yourself, strength, intuition, and much more, we offer you the name, Damascus Elm.

After the reading Mike is asked if he accepts. When Mike accepts then he is symbolically cut out of his old self. When he is ready, he takes a step forward toward his better self.

 

Then the write up is put inside a puwaka made of leather. Finally Mike yells “To the East, I am Damascus Elm, to the North, I am…, to the West…, to the South…., To Father Sky I am Damascus Elm, to Mother Earth I am Damascus Elm, to myself and all my relations I am Damascus Elm.” Then we all hug each other.

Gifting

The students have to complete 8 phases from a therapy book in order to graduate from Red Cliff. Each phase has a variety of tasks including reading, values discussions, writing, and survival skills.

On phase 8 the students are required to offer a gift to anyone of their choosing. The gift has to be well thought out, and include a note that explains why the recipient is important to them. Giving a gift is a big milestone for many Red Cliff students, especially the majority who grow up feeling entitled to their hearts desire.

This week a surprising note came to me. My all-time most challenging student, the one I've learned the most from, the student who dislikes me more than any other student; gave me a gift. This notorious student is none other than the Sally from the previous post. Woah...

This gift was a much appreciated validation on the power of patience, acceptance, confidence, and letting go. I certainly did not shine during every interactions with Sally. I was weary, needed breaks, made mistakes, and doubted. Working with Sally made being in the adult ego state a nearly constant struggle.

That struggle was worth it. I feel bigger now, and something in the way we interacted must have helped Sally grow too. In her note to me Sally thanked me for my help and support. Sally said she appreciated her time with me and wished me a life of joy.

Below is a photo of the bracelet she made me out of hemp and beads.