Hi friends,
Today we have a really special treat—two dear friends of mine sharing their poems based on the medicine of dance.
I really love these two poems together, and I think you will too; they show us so much of our own journey with ourselves and with the world around us.
First, “Dance” by Shel Kim Rollison
Shel Kim Rollison is a writer, poet, and musician whose work explores the inner landscapes of being human. Her debut poetry collection, The Buried Stream, invites readers to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and listen more deeply to the quiet wisdom moving beneath the surface of life. Through music, poetry, and reflective nonfiction, she creates work that serves as a companion through seasons of change, healing, uncertainty, and becoming. Her upcoming book, Where the Map Ends: How to Step Into the Unknown and Find Your Way Back to Yourself, explores how we navigate transitions and the unknown while continually returning to the core of who we are.
Oh no, I’m not a dancer, she said.
The stars tilted their heads in question.
What makes a movement
not just a movement, but a dance?
When did you forget your dance?
An arm, extended—no, not to the left, but upward,
the body says.
A kindness offered with a simple smile to a stranger,
and now, move this way.
Noticing the weariness in your friend’s voice
and showing up with dinner.
Yes, a flick of the wrist at just the right moment.
What if the sun brings an invitation with her rising?
To join a great dance in the way
you bring intention to each gesture.
You must learn to trust the wild animal within
to guide your leaps and turns,
to speak what is held in your body.
Not preconceived or imitated, but
moving from the weight and flow
of our own glorious, pulsing heart.
As we dance, I am you and you are me.
The deliberate movement of our lives
throwing stardust into a dark sky,
dancing together to brighten the night.
So, remember to dance,
because you can, and
because you must.
As Shel reminds us, we dance because we can and because we must, and then we move to ask how embodying this dance connects us to the very center of this sacred earth, our kin, which brings us to our next guest poet, Robert Mulhall.
Robert supports leaders and organizations who are moving through complexity, transition, and the deeper invitations that change brings. His work is rooted in the understanding that transformation begins within — in the quiet places where clarity emerges, courage awakens, and connection becomes possible. Robert helps people lead from this deeper ground, where wisdom, presence, and purpose naturally arise.
Robert’s professional path has taken him through public health, social impact, finance, and organizational leadership, including serving as CEO and President of the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. These experiences taught him that systems shift when people do — when leaders are centered, teams are aligned, and organizations honor the humanity at their core.
Alongside this work, Robert has spent years exploring the inner landscape: contemplative practice, intuitive listening, and the subtle dimensions of healing. He’s studied and certified in modalities that bridge the seen and unseen — the Enneagram, Mindfulness Meditation, Akashic readings, Celtic shamanic healing, Druidism, Reiki, Death Doula training, Yoga, and martial arts. These traditions have shaped how Robert understands human potential and the many pathways we have to access it.
Today, he partners with leaders, teams, and individuals who are seeking not only performance, but presence; not only outcomes, but alignment; not only success, but wholeness. His work blends grounded leadership practices with spiritual insight to help people navigate uncertainty with integrity, compassion, and inner steadiness.
Wait…just wait…hold the stillness Let the music of the wind find you, Gently pressing against your cheek Your eyes close, a soft smile rises on your face like the early eastern sun The music starts to penetrate you, Slowly finding its way into intimacy, like two rivers meeting, the music touches something inside and you stay to sway. Your body longs to love and be moved, always waiting for a partner you can trust. The winds chorus melts your hesitation and your animal body moves, hips carving out symbols of pleasure in the air, the wind seem grateful for your joy. Time passes, or so it seems, finally your body finds a peace and craves the stillness once more. Your hips slow to stillness and the winds symphony plays on.
Friends, we are just past halfway this month. I can’t believe it. I hope you’re feeling held, your spirits tended to by the words you read, and the words you write if you choose to lean in that way. I am so glad you are part of this community.
Two upcoming events I want you to know about:
I’ll be in the Minneapolis/St Paul area at the end of June, speaking at the Wisdom Ways Soul Conference. I’ll be speaking the morning of the 27th. Please join us!
And second, join Robert Mulhall & me for a special online event exploring the liminality of our lifetime, how we hold space between those who came before us and those who come after us.
Tickets are free, donations appreciated, limited capacity!
Watching the falling leaves
dance with the wind
is a reminder - the clouds
also dance across the sky,
and dolphins dance
across the water - all of
Creation dances!
.
When we let go of pride
and allow our bodies
to dance, expression
becomes joy and what
falls away is every bit
of built-up tension
carrying the weight of the world.
no longer afraid
of putting a foot wrong, no:
life is a free dance