Jan 20-25th, 2023  Pahoa, Hawaii 

Join us for

v Dances of Universal Peace

vKirtan and Sufi Zikr (singing)

v Breath and Walking Meditations

vEcstatic Dance and Yoga  

    vGroup music making and Rumi Cafe talent sharing

v Healing Ritual and Spiritual Discussions

v Intentional Community Land Tour

v Visit a sacred volcanic warm pool and steam vents

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Dances of Universal Peace are easily learned, with gentle movements that even "non-dancers" can greatly enjoy.  Singing sacred, ancient phrases from many spiritual traditions creates a full body healing vibration, and when conscious movement is added, these become powerful spiritual practices.  

Deepen into the Dances as a spiritual practice, with an emphasis on the Hawaiian and earth based traditions. Each dance will be fully taught, no experience is necessary. If you cannot dance, sit and sing!

Sharing hearts: Enjoy the company of those inclined to a spiritual path, with deep discussion and connection

Relax: and really enjoy a renewing vacation in paradise, with time for meditation, song and interfaith prayer. 

Explore: the lush natural wonders of the actively volcanic Big Island of Hawaii.  Enjoy a journey to a nearby warm pool one afternoon.

Experience: Land based intentional community life on an established permaculture farm!

With
 
Sheikh Gayan Gregory Long
 Gayan is an acclaimed drummer, composer, leader of the Dances of Universal Peace, spiritual mentor, retreat leader, and storyteller. He has dedicated his life to awakening human potential through music, devotional practices, pithy teachings, and community celebration. Gayan is a direct disciple of Pir Shabda Kahn, the lead teacher of the Sufi Ruhaniat International's school of western Sufism. He has shared the Dances world wide and and led retreats with some of the foremost spiritual leaders of our time. 

Sheikha Amara Wahaba Karuna 

Amara has been leading the Dances of Universal Peace since 1985 and has been very involved in mentoring new Dance leaders.  She has been on teaching staff for five Sufi Camps has led many weekend retreats, zikrs and rituals which included the Dances.   She specializes in Dances from the Goddess and Earth traditions, and leads with lively humor and devotion.  She is a Sheikha (teacher) in the SRI lineage of Western Sufism.  She also lives at the intentional community where we will be dancing, and is one of the members there.

We welcome guest teachers!

The Site: 

We will be staying at La'akea Permaculture Community near Leilani, south of Pahoa on the Hilo side of the Big Island.  We have 25 acres of lush rainforest land, including a small crater, and are located close to hot steam vents, a lovely black sand beach, and the wonderful natural warm ponds.  

We will be providing wonderful organic meals, and everyone helps a little with cooking and clean up.  We have a great indoor dance space, and also a large outdoor covered space.  It is a rustic site, and very lovely.

We are a 15 year old group that operates by consensus and shares leadership equally, and emphasizes communication skills.  You will have a great introduction our community lifestyle.

Dorm sleeping is not sound protected, it is on the upper floor of our big farmhouse, or in a large quonset hut tent. Also there are many peeping coqui frogs that sing most of the night, so earplugs are good if you are sensitive. 

We use composting toilets which are a little way from the house, and have both indoor and outdoor showers. The bathing areas are clothing optional.

COST: 
 
Early Discount deadline: Pay in full by December 1st and save $50 on full event tickets!

 

*Full Retreat Residential ticket: $700- 900 sliding scale, includes 3 great organic meals a day, and dorm or camping space, and all programming.  Rides from the airport are $40 extra.

Because of rising costs of food and supplies, the cost of holding an event is rising. We encourage you to pay what is comfortable on the sliding scale. Let us know if you want a partial discount for work trade.  If you are able to pay more, this can help us sponsor someone else who needs a scholarship.
 
Kamaaina Prices (Off Site locals only, no early bird discounts): 
*Offsite full event with meals: $500 (you stay somewhere else, but have meals with us.)
*Offsite full event no meals: $400 (you stay somewhere else, and bring your meals.)
 
Pay in full for these two offsite options for locals:
*Offsite Weekend Fri evening- Sunday before dinner, with meals:  $280 non-residential tickets including 6 meals
*Offsite Weekend Fri evening- Sunday before dinner, no meals: $200 non-residential tickets 
 
(We are not set up for you to make your own food. No kitchen or food storage space. You can bring a cooler if you like.)
 
There are no weekend residential tickets because of limited space.
No one day drop in tickets.
 
Housing: 
*Rent a space in a cabin, we have several available at extra cost, between $200 and $350 for the entire event.  Two people can share most of them.
*Bring your own tent
*Rent one of our private tents, bed, bedding and tarp for an extra $100.
*Rent a private quonset hut (couples only) $200 extra
 
Covid Safety: No vaccination required.  Do not attend if you are ill or if you have recently been with someone who is ill. Refrain from going to public group activities for 5 days before the retreat.  Covid quick test will probably be required at the door.  Most activities will be in a covered outdoor space.  You may wear a mask if you wish.
 

TO REGISTER: 

After confirmation, send in a $250 deposit before Dec 1st, 

or pay in full by Dec 1st for an early bird $50 off full retreat residential tickets.

Web site: https://dancesuphawaii.webs.com/

Deposit is refundable up to one month before the event until December 19th, less a $25 admin fee. After that we will refund you if we can fill your spot, and half of the payment if we can't.

Final payment is due by January 1st 2023. 

You can use Venmo, Credit cards or Checks. 

Questions: 808-982 6755 

email: amara@mindspring.com

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Other Events:

Dances of Universal Peace

Join us for deep sweetness, heart healing, oneness....

When: Saturday, 12/17 at 3:00pm

Where: La'akea Meadow Space

Cost: by donation

Join us for some sweet spiritual renewal! Dances of Universal Peace (Sufi dances) are easily learned spiritual folk dances from all traditions, with gentle movements that even “non-dancers” can greatly enjoy. Singing sacred, ancient phrases creates a full body healing vibration, and when conscious movement is added, these become powerful spiritual practices. Each dance will be fully taught, no experience is necessary. These are interactive and participatory, not a performance.
 
Go down Alaili Road, off of Hwy 130, and turn right on the driveway with our La'akea sign. then park in the first lot, and walk to the next right hand side driveway, go right up to the meadow Space.

Please wash your hands before and after, and do not attend if you feel ill or have been around someone ill, thanks!

Contact:

Amara Karuna

amara@mindspring.com

808 982 6755


Community Tour

Where: La'akea Community

When: December 3rd at 9:30am

Who: Aniko Willoughby; 808-214-4601

What: Tour La'akea Community

Cost:  Donation, suggested $10-20 if you can. No one turned away.

Description: Come join us for a tour of our community!  Allow Tracy, one of our members, to walk you around the land, including our organic gardens, alternative building methods, off grid solar system, animals and orchards.
 
More Info: Text Aniko for more info at 808-214-4601  PLEASE RSVP