2011 is now coming to a close and this is my last blog for the year, so I wanted to share not only my experiances along with my thoughts with each one of you.  This past year has been filled with alot of exciting things that happened.  First and foremost, my website and getting to share my thoughts and experiances with my weekly blogs and monthly newsletters.  I cannot tell you how grateful I am for not only being able to have this website, but for Dan Lamtrimurti who knew exactly what I wanted and put alot of hard work and dedication to not only my website and believing  and helping me in succeeding.  Secondly,  I have had the opportunity to meet some fantastic women in this dance field, that share my same desires and dreams!  Leyla Najma, who has been my mentor has really been there for me this past year, in not only my dancing, but other aspects of my life and I am so grateful for her.  I love her honesty and she is not afraid to say what is on her mind and I have learned so much from her.  Tania Breytenbach, another dancer from South Africa, who even though I have not met in person, but I got to know through Leyla,  there is a definite connection between the two of us and I know that someday soon we will be able to meet and dance together, along with Leyla. Thank you to the three of you for being a friend and making such a big difference in my life!

I have also realized that belly dancing is not just about learning on how to dance, but how to connect to yourself and others.  Belly dancing has become a part of my life and it is intertwined with my daily living, where at one point and time for a short while they were separate.  I have come into my own person and I could not imagine being any other way, then who I am now.  The thing is I am not just a dancer, but so much more, because to really know this dance you have to really dig down deep and see what it has to offer.

For those of you who I have signed up for my classes and those who have signed up for my newsletter, I want to thank you for being interested and allowing me to share with you.  It has really been a wonderful and tremendous experiance all around!  I am so glad that each one of you are a part of our community and it is one that is growing! Speaking of growing, it is important that we grow in this dance and try to learn something new each time.  I want to say that I am proud of all of you!  I have seen some pretty awesome changes and as your teacher that is what really excites me and keeps my own flame going. Thank you to all my students!  I love you guys!

Journaling has been another new avenue for me this year, it is important, because it not only captures my feelings, but my progress as well.  For those of you who have not done this yet, I suggest that you do this for the coming year.  It is really a great learning experiance and you will learn about not only yourself, but others, the important thing is to just start writing.  Since, we are talking about writing, I have had the opportuntity to write two articles and at least one, if not both will be published in 2012!  I have always dreamed of being a writer since high school and that dream is also coming true!

Lastly, this year has had great opportunity’s and challenges on a personal level, not just with my dancing but my personal life.  If I have learned one thing this year, it is this, Never take anything for granted!  You never know if you will get another chance or opportunity!  Do not hesitate, say how you feel and react quickly.  Live every day like it is your last and dance like there is no tommorrow!  ( I am sure someone has quoted this)  Share with others and put your dreams in reality because you never know what can happen if you do not take the chance!  Goodbye to 2011 and hello 2012!  I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday!

Hugs & Love,

Najla

I want to take a moment to apologize for not posting in my blog for awhile.  This last month  I have been hit hard with circumstances out of my control, which brings me to this point; Belly Dancing and Healing really do go hand in hand.  It started with sleepless nights taking care of my husband who became ill and eventually was admitted into the hospital.  He is now out and doing well.  At the same time my kids dad passed away very unexpectedly and here I was having to hold them together and helping in making the arrangements.  While all this was going on I was also preparing to perform up in Columbus, Ohio:  Shimmy on the Black Market.  Trying to finish my choreography and getting some dance time and practice in seemed so far down the path and unrealistic, at this point.   I even toyed with the idea of calling and canceling my spot to perform, but I tend to be stubborn and thought, no I have to do this for myself.

During this time I had a phone conversation with my dear friend and mentor Leyla Najma, she told me that we tend to be healers and after our conversation I thought about this very long and hard and came to the conclusion she is so right on!   I tend to be driven toward those who need me the most and Belly Dancing has really helped me in order to help others.  When we dance something spiritual happens inside of us and it opens up new doors that before may have seemed impossible to open.  It helps us deal with emotion and fear or whatever turmoil is going on inside or around us.

The night my husband was admitted into the hospital was the same night I talked to Leyla who helped in healing me, just talking to her is what started the process of healing. After our phone conversation, I was planning on calling it a night, but instead I turned on some music and slowly started dancing.  At first, I felt numb and raw, but this only lasted a few moments.  I felt as if I was in a cocoon, but soon I was opening up and coming completely alive! I could feel the energy going through my body and for the first time in weeks I felt at peace and very intune with the movement and the music.  The drum solo for my performance in which I was having difficulty finishing I completed and felt very good about it.  That night I just danced for almost 2 hours with not a care in the world!

The night of my performance I had alot of mixed emotions and what had happend in the past previous weeks was still with me.  But, being part of something wonderful and being able to share experiances with the other dancers and watching their performances helped in so many ways.  We are all part of a wonderful community and when it is all said and done, we are there for each other in healing and support and that is the one reason why I love this dance so much!!  Bless each and everyone one of you!!

Najla