Guest Author - Susan Kramer

Done in a flowing sequence without a break in movement; breathe evenly throughout - 2 counts in, 2 counts out - no breath retention.


1. Sitting … cross-legged on the floor, or with soles of feet together, back straight, hands resting on knees, eyes looking forward. Gently round back; letting head fall towards lap, the natural weight of body and gravity stretching the spine. Gently return to upright position by unfolding from base of spine to top of head, eyes looking forward again.

2. Still sitting cross-legged, gently and very slowly twist upper body above waist from side to side; arms extended to sides, head following direction of the back arm. Come back to center position.

3. Now, extend arms overhead. Stretch one arm higher, then stretch the other arm higher. Front of body remains looking forward, with shoulders over hip line.

4. Still sitting but with legs straddled, (opened wide), stretched but not tightened, back straight to begin. Turn body to face one leg, reach down to hold onto leg with both hands and gently lean towards the leg, letting the weight of gravity help with the stretch. Repeat with turn and lean towards the other leg.

5. Now, sitting up facing forward, hold onto both legs, round back, and gently lean forward between legs, while looking toward the floor. Next, place palms of hands on floor in front of body for support: Point and flex feet and ankles in unison, then try to point one foot while flexing the other foot. Repeat rhythmically.

6. Legs still straddled, back stretched straight, legs stretched but not tightened, toes pointed, press palms of hands together prayer fashion, applying medium tension. Lower arms should be parallel with the floor. Release tension, press again, release tension and extend hands and arms upward and outward to the side, stretching arms up, again. Bring hands back to prayer position; repeat several times.

7. Now Standing ... with legs slightly apart for balance; stretch arms out to side and hold taut counts 1, 2; then stretch arms overhead and hold taut counts 3, 4. Repeat several times. Next, without holding so taut stretch arms overhead, then let body and arms bend side to side. Repeat several times. Finish stretching sequence by swinging both arms down to the front and both toward the right side; swing both arms across front of body and to the left side of body several times; finally rest arms at each side while standing straight.

Part 1: Dance Meditation Introduction and Guidelines
Part 2: Stretching Exercises Described
Part 3: Expressive Dancing Elements
Part 4: Reflection Techniques
Part 5: Lesson Plans -- Introduction and Lesson 1. Energizing
Part 6: Lesson Plans -- Lesson 2. Rejuvenation; Lesson 3. Composure
Part 7: Lesson Plans -- Lesson 4. Personal Peace; Lesson 5. Inspiration
Part 8: Lesson Plans -- Lesson 6. World Peace
Dance Meditation for Kids and Teens

Dance Meditation Handbook - In 33 illustrated pages, the elements that go into dance meditation, including 6 guided lessons.


Meditation For All Kids - Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 27 page ebook with illustrations.


Article and photo credits - Susan Kramer