Holistic Living
My Inner Dance
by Chi Luciano
What am I doing here? Like everyone, events in my life have led me to where I am. I’m Filipina, born and raised in the capital of Manila. It feels like another lifetime, when I was there, caught up in the bustling world of parties, high fashion and working as a stockbroker.
Then my world changed. My dear mother was diagnosed with cancer and died a year later. Through this experience, I understood the beauty of human struggle. I saw that life is a gift and we are free to live as we choose. Her death gave me life. From my proximity to the street children of Manila, and to the indigenous tribes of Northern Philippines, I gave, I learned, and I lived. I realized that I could create new opportunities for myself, aside from the options that society might deem to be better. I opened my eyes to the infinite possibilities of life, as well as to the infinite goodness I can share and receive.
I am here to tell you about a movement that is growing throughout the Philippines, crossing over to parts of Asia, Europe, and soon, America. It’s called The Inner Dance, or Kalipi Mu. It has helped me in my journey to release positive energy to all beings around me, wherever life takes me. I’ve also just learned reflexology, and The Inner Dance has helped me in this practice, to spread peace and serenity to those I touch.
Kalipi Mu says that we can all be healers and we can all be healed. According to Troy Bernardo, a prominent figure in Philippine spirituality, “Kalipi Mu is a pre-Colonial spiritual healing ritual indigenous to The Philippine Islands. [It’s] a ceremony led by tribal shamans called babaylan, who were mostly female. Keepers of ancient secrets and wisdom, babaylans brought people to higher states of consciousness by awakening the spirit, encouraging the Divine Energy to move through the body, consequently inducing spiritual ecstasy, healing, and the removal of mental, physical, and emotional blockages.”
The modern adaptation of this ancient form of spiritual awakening was founded by a man named Pi. His efforts have brought healing and peace to individuals, organizations, and communities experiencing The Inner Dance. Philippine media have covered this movement, as well-known reporters and journalists are convinced of its healing effects.
Pi says, “Kalipi Mu is much like the peeling of masks. Once the ritual is performed, the glue [that] fastens these masks together is released, and so like crumbling walls, layers and layers of these faces fall away. We either hang on to them, a useless gesture, or simply let go, which sets us free. Only then can we reach the higher states of consciousness.”
Love must be at the core of every session, along with the honest and humble desire to serve without expecting anything in return. I use this same premise in my own reflexology practice, and all of the people I have come across have felt the positive energy I try to infuse.
During an Inner Dance session, an energy partner releases the initiate’s chakra blockages by touching certain joints and body parts, starting with the top of one’s crown. Once the blockages are released, the initiate often proceeds into a trance-like dance that can be equivalent to the crumbling away of one’s masks which allows a freedom from personal blockages. Soon after, catharsis follows, which, according to Pi, “is triggered by the internal agreement of our lower mind to relinquish control to our incomprehensible higher mind.”
Pi is now based on the Philippine island of Mindanao, working with the largest biodynamic community in the world. Comprised of 3,000 families living on small farms, this society is dedicated to the practice of biodynamic farming, in which planting and harvesting seasons revolve around a cosmic calendar that integrates astronomical cycles and agricultural activities. Pi is able to fuse biodynamic farming with The Inner Dance, which results in thousands of awakened farmers, dancing to their abundant, healthy plants and crops. These farmers are all committed to sustainable agriculture in observing the natural patterns of nature, while honoring their own inner rhythms.
Equipped with the healing powers of The Inner Dance and pure intentions, my own journey here in California is just beginning. I learned reflexology because I wanted a direct way of giving my good energies to any who seek it. For weeks I searched for senior centers, hospices, and youth centers that might accept my gift, absolutely free. I asked for nothing in return, except the ability to practice my skill and the honor of meeting other souls. I was sadly rejected or ignored every single time. But I didn’t lose hope. And I never will because I firmly believe that all paths are open to those who seek them with love. Here you are, reading my words, sharing my life. The power of goodness is infinite, and I will happily dance all my life knowing this in my heart. As Pi says, “Everybody can be healers.” And it is in healing others that we ourselves are truly healed.
Log on to www.innerdance.multiply.com, innerdance.wordpress.com, and pi-kalimata.blogspot.com. To learn how to practice the Inner Dance, visit maianeye.blogspot.com and click on Dancer Can Heal and Catharsis. Contact Chi at: chichi_luc@yahoo.com