Indiana Dance Festival
April 1-3, 2011

The Fort Wayne Dance Collective is proud to announce the third Indiana Dance Festival, April 1-3, 2011. Hosting more than 25 workshops, there will be three different tracks: lessons and discussion on how to achieve and maximize wellness goals and creative movement//embracing and celebrating cultures from all over the world through dance, rhythm and language//and dance education workshops featuring discussions and lessons on how to achieve success through life-long dance education as well as methods to help you maximize your career potential.

Pam and Kelly Holt here at One-to-One will be presenting a workshop to "enhance your artistry - on stage and in life - via the Mind/Body Connection".

Headlining the weekend of events is a performance Friday night at Arts United Center by Hubbard Street 2 from Chicago following a gala dinner.

For a full schedule of events and to register, please visit http://www.indianadance.org/. If you have questions, please feel free to e-mail Pam or Kelly at workshop@pamholtonetoone.com or call us at 260/749-7226.

Hope to have you join us as Indiana Movers and Shakers!

Perspectives on Fear

During the latter part of 2010, many things changed in my life and I was afraid - fearful of what I was feeling and of the future.

So I looked up the definition of fear: a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined.
Then I looked up the definition of fearless: unafraid, brave, courageous, hardy. Calmly resolute in facing dangers or perils.

Instead of resisting Fear or running from it, I sat in it at first to get cozy with it, to truly feel it. Oh, it was mighty uncomfortable - each morning I awakened, I hoped it would have hopped a train elsewhere. But, no, it was parked at this station. I did my best to embrace the suffering Fear was creating - I was still vertical and breathing! I also became very curious - I held Fear in my hands and turned it over and over . . . and decided there must be a reason for its visit.

I shared with those closest to me my experiences with this new passenger of mine and their insights were incredibly valuable. Still, only I truly knew this Fear.

Then I made a decision to invite Fear to my work and into my personal contemplative times. Yea, just come along for the ride, Friend Fear. Travel with me and all others in this world as we look into the future and wonder what it holds.

Now, I will not say my turn from fearful to fearless happened overnight; in fact, it took months! But eventually, Fear became bored with my bold antics and decided to buy a ticket elsewhere. Last I heard, it is visiting someone else who needs a reminder to remain calmly resolute in facing their dangers or perils. Although I am sure Fear will visit again, I hope to have the courage to send it away sooner than before.

The following is a poem written by my great paternal grandmother:

Courage

Courage is fear,
Taken to flight,
Behind every smile
That wins a fight.
Courage is a noble deed,
To help others through,
Perhaps someone in need
Of your faith, and you.

Jeanette Grace Tribolet

Coming soon . . . Seeking Perfection and more information on the 2011 Indiana Dance Festival!

Please remember to sign up now for One-to-One Wellness Workshop Series at
New Haven Parks and Rec. Deadline for the first workshop in a series of three, Relaxation Techniques - Breathwork and Beyond . . . is February 14.

Welcome Back To You (and to me)!

We've all heard the expression "what goes up must come down". This was certainly true for me during this past year. After a VERY high energy, creative period of time during the first six months of 2010, it was as though my energy made a correction in the opposite direction during the latter part of the year. I questioned all of my self, my work, my personal life choices. I chose to sit in this new experience, weather the storm and observe where it was taking me. As uncomfortable as this was, I once again learned valuable lessons and gained insights galore. Slowly, my mind cleared, my physical energy returned, and my creativity renewed. As I return to blogging, I will share the observations that came about for me - perhaps they will have value as you travel your path. Wherever I am in my life, I believe everything happens for a reason. I also believe it is necessary to look for opportunities in every experience that have the potential to fuel our self-evolution!

Later this week, look for details on upcoming events and workshops that we hope you will take advantage of: Indiana Dance Festival (not just for dancers) April 1-3, 2011 and One-to-One's Wellness Workshop Series being offered through New Haven Parks and Recreation beginning February 19, 2011.

Remember, we never know what is just through the door - so listen, look, and feel your way into each moment of this precious life!

Acoustic Ecology Hike

Please join us on October 16, 2010 at 11:00 am for an opportunity to explore the natural silence and beauty of nature at the Bicentennial Woods. These 2.6 miles of trails are a small part of ACRES Land Trust acquisitions of significant natural areas. The trails here are noted as "difficult" as this is hilly country where the hills are covered with oaks, hickories and sycamores and some of the trees are more than 200 years old. This free event is an opportunity to gather as sensory explorers, honor and respect the pace of each individual, surrender the need for constant conversation, and enjoy life.

Directions: From Fort Wayne (I-69 exit 112) take Coldwater Road north for approximately 7.5 miles to Shoaff Road. Turn left (west) onto Shoaff Road. Preserve parking lot is 1/4 mile on the left.

You may wish to bring a camera and or binoculars. Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for activity.

Please rsvp at workshop@pamholtonetoone.com by October 9 or contact at 260/749-7226.

I Am Not My Body: Disidentification from the body brings relief from negative body issues, stereotypes of old age, and self-created suffering

I had an epiphany today.

For the first time in my life, I have truly felt what it is like to not be so attached to my body, causing 95% of my own discomfort. I hurt my back yesterday and made the decision to take the day off of work. I did some computer work instead so I could rest. At first, upon waking after a restless sleep, I experienced some anxiety. The old "butterflies in the stomach" were back. I watched my mind and all the floating bubbles of thoughts that swam above my head like in the comic books. "What should I do about my clients today? Should I grin and bear it? Or should I cancel and stay home and rest? Should I see my chiropractor or my massage therapist or do nothing? What if my back isn't better by tomorrow? How will I teach at school or dance at rehearsal? Man, my back really hurts when I bend over, sit down, walk, even lay down! How am I going to...!?"

I'm sure this is not too far off from most people's minds when they experience one of life's "not so pleasant unexpected surprises," whether it is an injury, an illness, disease, or disorder. As I watched my thoughts, I became aware of the illusion that my mind was creating, rather than focusing on my real, present experience. I became aware of how the feelings in my body were a direct result of the storyline playing in my head. Pretty soon, my morning, my day, my week, was being taken over by thoughts about my painful back! All positive outlooks went out the door. Any enjoyment about the day was impossible. Then, I made the conscious decision to change. I decided I wanted to be happy today, and so I changed my outlook. After all, happiness is a skill. (Think about THAT for a second!) So I slowed myself down, and breathed...

I got in touch with my true experience and made the decisions I had to make regarding work for the day. I made an appointment with the chiropractor. I gently let worried thoughts about the next day drip away, recognizing the insanity I was causing myself by worrying about the future moment that did not even exist yet! Then, I got in tune with the consciousness that exists inside-my true self. The self that has no ego, no attachment to the body. The self that is peaceful, pure, loving energy. I separated my body from the true presence that lies within. I saw the pain separate from who I am. I am not the pain, I thought, because I am not my body. I am the force field of being. The light, humorous, compassionate, peaceful energy that I am was not in pain; the body that I reside in was.

All of a sudden, I watched the pain, was able to recognize it as suffering and accepted it as something that I will naturally experience throughout my entire life time. Although the pain was still there, I did not attach to it. I didn't feel anxiety, worry, fear because of it. My mind wasn't making the pain worse by attaching stories like, "Oh, so agonizing. I can't do anything today. My plan for the day is out the window!" I felt the pain as pain and nothing more. I went about my day, able to do some light activities around the house and unable to do others. (My laundry has waited before, so it could wait another day now!)

Now, you may be asking, "Well, what about the mind-body connection? Aren't they 'connected?' And now you are saying to detach my mind from my body? I'm confused!" Well, I understand the confusion. In fact, the mind and the body are so connected that that is why when you think a negative thought, you have an internal physical body reaction called an emotion. And often that emotion then causes an external physical reaction in the form of words and actions. The very reason we cause most of our suffering is because of the mind-body connection, seen in the example of injury given in this piece. So, we need coping mechanisms and tricks of the trade so that we practice teaching our minds not to get SO swept away with what is going on in our body and vice verse.

Attachment to the body (and our mind's commentary about the body), rather than connection to who we really are-our sense of 'beingness'* -can be seen in many behaviors in our society. Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, or using food for purposes other than healthfully fueling the body, is one way that people adopt negative body image views because of the belief that the body is who they are. When we acquire sickness, often that illness or disease becomes our identity because we are attached to the body. All conversations become about the pain or negative body issues because of complete identification with the body. (Yes, I believe when one's body is ill, the mind too is more susceptible to illness, but the potential to harness one's 'beingness' is always and forever available to them.) As we get older, the body changes, we age physically, and we don't accept the natural changes that come with growing older. We try to be young and constantly talk about how, "I'm too old for that." Well, the old saying is true; "You are only as old as you feel!" It is all about your mindset. You are always you no matter how your body changes, how sick, or how old you become. Your 'beingness' is constant. Science proves it.

If we come to recognize who we are as something that lives inside of us, as pure consciousness, being, presence, and energy, we can disassociate with the body and the mind's commentary about it. We connect, always, to the truth that is us, and are uninfluenced by outside circumstance and become less attached to afflictions in the body. So the next time you are sick or injured, be curious about your pain, emotions, and your mind and body. See if you can identify when you are attached to your body. Then sit quietly, feel your heartbeat, take some mindful breaths, and get in touch with that which is you...

*'beingness' - The matter and energy that all things and you are made up of. A non-wavering state of being. A steady presence. You feel it when you help someone, feel true love and compassion, and are at ease. Blissful nature. Stillness. Calm mind. You may visualize it as a ball of calm, radiating white light that sits in your belly or head that is always present, even when your mind is running wild with thought or your body is running wild with activities.

Kelly

On Finding Truth: Shifting Our Perception and Perspective Gives a Whole New Outlook On Life

"We are not trying to solve a problem. We are not striving to make pain go away or to become a better person. In fact, we are giving up control all together and letting concepts and ideals fall apart." -Pema Chodron

Lately, I have been taking my own advice. I mean, I always live and breathe my work because it is a part of me, but I have been playing detective more than usual. I have been internalizing concepts and ideas, questioning my thoughts and actions, and really watching myself - mostly how my mind and my thoughts manifest themselves into physical responses. My quiet and subtle analysis of my work over these past weeks has made me think of perception and perspective.

Several years ago, I was lost. Lost in my physical body, lost in my mind, lost in relationships, lost in myself. I felt like every day I continued to downward spiral deeper and deeper down a black abyss with no chance of ever escaping. A miraculous series of events (an amazing woman, a book, and study-more details to come in a future blog!) saved me from myself and gave me a new perspective of my life. Once I climbed out of my hole, I opened my eyes to the way I was living my life; I acknowledged the problem so I could fix it. I ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM SO I COULD FIX IT.

I realized that because of the way I perceived situations and thus reacted to them, that I was causing my own grief, misery, and insanity. I looked at myself when a fight ensued in my household. I looked at myself when I was angry at someone else for what they said to me, did to me, or how they looked at me. I looked at myself when I felt anxious, guilty, or bored. I looked at myself when...well, you get the picture! I held myself, or my mind, accountable for every emotion or negative feeling that I experienced. A quote that I carry with me is, "How others treat me is their path; How I react is mine." The word 'others' can also be interchanged with "unexpected situations, unplanned events, the world."

See, when we are children, we are taught certain ways of thinking, values, morals, etc., depending on the culture, society, and time period in which we are born. These thought patterns ebb and flow as we grow and our patterns of thought often lead us to negative states of being, which lead to negative emotions, which cause us much pain and suffering. We are not even aware that we inflict all of this pain and suffering upon ourselves, simply by how we live in, think about, and view this life. The old adage IS true; we are our own worst enemy.

The following ideas on the science of the mind will open space within you and allow you to shift your perception of life situations and break free from your typical, habitual mind patterns. With practice and mindfulness of the following, you will begin your journey to travel deeper to the truth and dissolve the illusion that we have all been living. As you live each day, practice this: When something is "wrong," recognize how you perceive the situation and see if you can shift your perception using the following teachings.

Impermanence- Employed, lose the job. Birth, death. In love, out of love. New car, car gets totaled. Forms change, just as the sand castle gets knocked over and becomes sand again. Nothing is wrong. Accept that this is simply part of life. To learn is to change.

Balance- Take the middle way with actions, words, and behaviors. "If you pull the guitar strings to tight, they will break. If you leave them to loose, the guitar will not play."

Egolessness- Ego is anything that covers up our natural, basic goodness and blissful nature. Ego covers up our direct, real experience of this very moment. Why do you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, threatened? This is not you. You are in the grip of the ego, which is pure illusion, not real- a story that our minds make up and we buy into what it says to us. Egolessness has complete confidence in the way things are, have been, and will be.

Nonattachment- When we are attached to the way things are supposed to be, to an object, to a person, or anything, we are in the grip of the ego. Let go of what happened and what is going to happen. Be mindful of what is.

Compassion- We are all the same; we are made up of the same material and we all experience happiness and suffering. Cultivate loving-kindness to all living things and human beings- young, old, pretty, ugly, nice, mean, friends, and enemies.

Suffering- We create our own suffering by thinking that we can find lasting pleasure and avoid pain. Because pain is inevitable, we are caught in a hopeless cycle that causes us to suffer. Accept, embrace, and know that pain and suffering will always be a part of your life, and then move on. "We are not trying to solve a problem. We are not striving to make pain go away or to become a better person. In fact, we are giving up control all together and letting concepts and ideals fall apart." -Pema Chodron

For more detailed information of these teachings, resources, or questions, email me at Kelly@PamHoltOneToOne.com. As you make life discoveries, share them with people so that the truth can be discovered by all! Let us all become givers, sharers, and teachers of this work so the world may find true harmony and bliss!

Kelly

Creative Movement Workshop an Experience of Senses and Community!

As thunder, lightning, wind and rain prompted attendees to move indoors for this workshop, it also prompted observation, focus and expressive movement related to our sensory experiences and relationship to each other. This workshop is now available for individual, small and large groups, and businesses on-site or at location to be determined by individual or group. All workshops may also be combined with additional workshops and customized for the individual or group culture.
E-mail workshop@pamholtonetoone.com or call 260/749-7226 for more information.

Deadline has been extended to August 7 for "Introduction to Hooping I" Workshop on September 2. E-mail workshop@pamholtonetoone.com or call 260/749-7226 to enroll.

Openings are still available for Workshop Series at Calhoun Street Emporium. Enroll now to take advantage of these experiences by calling 260/749-7226 or e-mail workshop@pamholtonetoone.com.