Soul Quest for Individuals | Retreat Presenter | Testimonials
Zelia's Story
It was a great turning point in my life the day when I was given the tools to liberate myself, from an existence that no longer nourished me. I had not fully appreciated the extent to which my low self esteem was imprisoning me. This was my best kept secret and it was only when I started to listen, open up and actually communicate with people that I TRUSTED, that I learnt to my astonishment that many others felt pretty much the same about themselves and their lives. It was easy for me to see the positive qualities in people who themselves felt they had a low self esteem , and it made me examine the negative beliefs that I had about myself and raise the question that my own perception of myself may be in error.
I began an intimate personal journey that changed my life where I allowed myself to gently explore where I was heading and was empowered to make a new decision, that would help me navigate towards a life that more fully reflected who I really am. In my quest I studied and trained in Integrative Psychotherapy and Transactional Analysis that provided me with great tools to have insight into myself, but I found that healing at the level of the soul was missing. It was only when I journeyed into nature that I was really able to reconnect with the true rhythms of life - rhythms that I found to exist within myself and gradually I was able to heal the fractures that had disconnected my heart and my soul from playing an active and creative role in my existence.
I left the small village in Devon where I grew up, and journeyed to India where a five year love affair with the majestic Himalayan Mountains began. During this time I lived in caves, and for a short time in a mountain shack, I trekked the breathtaking mountains and learnt many survival skills. This journey deepened my relationship with nature and gave me a huge appreciation and respect for the natural world. It was in the vast silence of these mountains that I was able to really listen to myself for the first time and in this environment my mind became still of its own accord, creating the space for a new experience and a growing awareness of other dimensions of myself. I discovered that within me was a still silent part that had almost fallen asleep, frightened and subdued. It was also the part that carried within it the dreams and aspirations that I had once held for my life but had almost forgotten. However, not everyone can just take off to the Himalayas and it was on my return to the West that I became acquainted with a simple technique, to remove oneself from the distractions of chaotic existence and generate conditions to safely explore the inner reaches of ones self. For example, placing a blindfold over one’s eyes and allowing our bodies to move with the rhythm of music, quickly creates a physical and psychic state that naturally unifies our senses to focus within…
A great misunderstanding exists in public perception about the true nature of trance dance, which was widely regarded as some drug induced craze. The reality is that most of us are living in a trance, induced by the environment we inhabit, our minds are silently programmed by our personal pain, our sense of limitation and the expectations and conditioning of our society. The process of regaining connection to this precious part of the self became the key to waking myself from the trance and re-engaging with the voice of my heart, and wisdom of my soul, giving me a new desire to fulfill a sense of life purpose. Shamanic Trance Dance allows even inexperienced searchers to reconnect with themselves swiftly. I appreciated that this technique offers a simple and effective method that with universal application can provide access for anyone, in an age when so many are searching for greater meaning. In a world of growing crisis, many agree that it has never been more important to re-establish our connection with nature, to ourselves and the connection to the soul. It was certainly a crucial step in my own development and I feel a strong desire to share my own knowledge and learning.
Missing simple living and the mountain camp fire in the Himalayas drew me to tipi’s and the natural life style they impart. I felt a real sense of achievement at the accomplishment of making a tipi lodge and learning the necessary practical skills of how to live in it. The experience I feel in the tipi of well being, is akin to the mountains. This has greatly inspired me, with new found skills I set about creating a Tipi Village. A small group of dear friends and family came together, with the desire for authenticity, we have lovingly made “by hand” , as much as possible The Tipi Village, with the intention of creating an ideal environment for connecting with nature. Our desire is to create the opportunity for you to take a break from the hectic schedule of your life, in a creative environment free from distracting influences. Using Shamanic Trance Dance techniques; sound, rhythm, breath work, dance and focused intention to re-establish full connection with soul and the earth beneath your feet. We hope to bring together people from all walks of life to share this experience. As you read these words, ask yourself if you are ready to explore your heart in a new way, which can open the door to a heightened sense of fulfillment and joy in your life.