Art, singing and dance have long been used for spiritual practice and ritual. They quickly take us beyond the realm of words, and bring forth the creative life force. Dido uses various arts to deepen other studies, in ritual, or as special studies by themselves. Some of the artwork on this website has been done in this context.
painting for freedom
Imagination is a powerful tool for transforming our life. Painting encourages the imagination to flow with natural vigour. Painting mirrors our mind. Through it the depth speaks directly. Learn to read its language, to see what we are in the moment, then use the insight to expand into new places.Painting can be used for personal growth, communicating and self-expression, developing intuition and spontaneity, awareness of body and senses, and physical and mental healing. Imagination is an important tool for extending ourselves into new dimensions. We can learn to become more creative in daily life. We are a work of art, continually transforming.
The mind of artist and meditator are similar. Tranquil, focused, aware, centred in the moment. Creative work lights up the senses.
This painting for freedom will be equally interesting to skilled artists, and those who have not painted since childhood.
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singing
Singing opens and relaxes the body, and encourages full breathing. With sound, we bring the bodymind into harmony and calm, and so to health. As we tune the mind more finely we contact the rich range of expression we are capable of. Singing can bring out the wisdom and spontaneity in us.Much singing is about love - of a person, a homeland, or the divine. Hymns and chanting have been part of every spiritual tradition. We will explore the spiritual and meditational aspects of singing.
Everyone has a singing voice, and can overcome the inhibitions of 'I can't sing'. Group singing is powerful, and generates harmony and a sense of union.
We will explore the melody, rhythm and harmony within us through improvisation, and use music from all over the world as source material, to understand how music reflects different mind states.
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For further information contact Dido Dunlop at dido@wisebirds.org