whirling meditation

[schoolboi]

My church recently purchased a labyrinth to use in meditative prayer. Last Saturday my youth group had a lock in at the church and we used the labyrinth that night. The kids loved it!

Now for the point of me mentioning this. That night I walked the Labyrinth as I have several times before, but after I exited I felt drawn to begin spinning. So I spun around and around for about 15 minutes. It was an incredible experience.

Afterward I began thinking of pictures of “Whirling Dervishes” I have seen in the media and documentaries. Here is some interesting info I found on the web: http://www.birminghamuk.com/wikipedia/WhirlingDervish.html

I realize this is kind of an unusual topic, but I have always been a little eccentric. I am thinking about experimenting with it more. My question is: Has anyone had any experience with whirling meditation or know anyone who has?

Thanks!

[SolInvictus]

I have participated in kundalini yoga, which is very aerobic and exhilirating. It involves exercise, deep breathing, and silent meditation listening to the sounds of our body. Its great. I've also found creating a zen garden as helpful too.

Anyway, in regards to whirling meditation, I can't say I've tried it yet.

[baraka]

hi y'all --

i don't have any personal experience a la the whirling dervishes, but there were some memorable media moments that spotlighted the sufi devotees:

a) the video of madonna's "bedtime stories" -- if you haven't seen it, we'll have to revoke your gay agenda membership. :lol:

b) my favorite movie (from which i took my screenname) - "baraka" shows a whirling dervish ritual in turkey (i think).

shabbat shalom, y'all

-- baraka

[baraka]

oh - schoolboi:

when you come to psr, maybe you'll cross the bay & check out the labyrinths (there are 2 - one indoor, one outdoor) at Grace Cathedral on nob hill.

it's a beautiful thing.

-- baraka

:)

[PostGenXtian]

I've seen a lot of interesting ways the spirit can work on you - I actually went to a different church this past Sunday - *very* charistmatic and open to different ways of worship. Some people laugh, make sounds, dance, do this sign language type thing, twitch, speak in tongues. It was interesting - and very difficult with me. I think it would be fun to spin. I must be broken, though, I haven't felt compelled to do any of the above :confused:

[schoolboi]

Having grown up *very* Pentecostal/Charismatic myself (and I still identify as Pentecostal), I have found great joy and connection to God via the modes of worship/spiritual expression that you mentioned PostGen. I have always been open to new modes and methods of expressing myself and connecting to God.

Things like this are not for everyone, but they are for me! :love: As a matter of fact after I came out I did not feel like I could express myself to God the way I always had. It was not until I went to a welcoming churches conference in Philadelphia in 2003 that I was able to take back my Pentecostal heritage. I am grateful for that experience.