Yolanda Hernández Díaz, Madrid, Spain

Yoly, what was your first experience with dance meditation?
My first experience withdance meditationwas during a 5-day retreat in London with Lorraine Pratt in July 2018. I didn’t realize that meditative dance could allow you to remain in silence for five days. Also, tears suddenly started flowing while I was dancing.

What does dance meditation mean to you?
It means presence, unity, and trust. Throughdance meditation, I connect with the sacred, with the deepest part of myself, and with the present moment, without any effort. I feel and experience the certainty that we are all one.

Has dance meditation changed things in your life?
Yes, I’ve always been passionate about meditation and stillness. That’s why, two years ago, I decided to change careers and give up my job as a computer technician to follow my heart’s calling. I want to promotedance meditationprofessionally in Spain.

Personally, I experiencedance meditationas an answer to the fundamental question: Who am I? I had a profound experience during a workshop on the theme of “the labyrinth”; I entered the labyrinth with this question in mind. At first, my attention was focused on my inner self, but then I encountered the other dancers and saw myself reflected in each of them. I realized that the other people are also me.

Which dance of the "Meditation of Dance" is the most important to you?
There are many dances that touch my heart. If I may, I will name two.
"Dance of the Light Bearers": it reminds me that we are light, and that only when I live from the light that I am can I shine with my own light and pass it on to others.
“Paths to Me, Paths to You”: this dance gives me the feeling that, even though I must walk the path of life alone, I am not alone, because I encounter other people who are also walking alone.

Do you have a poem, a quote, a picture, or maybe a song that really speaks to you?
I love Vicente Simón’s poem “How Happy I Am with Yolanda” (text by Yoly)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us here!