Play MIDI file !

"When one wants to escape from the influence of the worldly life, he turns his attention toward the center, toward God who dwells within him. He concentrates his mental activity toward God. This refers to the awakening of the Divine Consciousness in man."

"Once the Divine, this Cosmic Consciousness, awakens in man, he begins to live a sublime, conscious life."

"When the Cosmic Consciousness awakens in man, he experiences an unusual joy which no one can take away from him. As long as man has not entered this Consciousness, his jog will randomly appear and disappear."

"Everyone whose Consciousness is awakened is young. He is connected with the White Brothers and is considered a member of the Great White Brotherhood."

This exercise represents turning inwardly towards one's self and then manifesting outwardly. The hands first rest on the shoulders and then open to the sides. This indicates that first we give. This is the masculine principle, the creative beginning: that which we possess must be sent forth. Then we bring our hands back to our shoulders. This indicates that we receive what nature is giving us. This is the feminine principle which is receiving and building. These two states alternate one with the other. When the hands are extended to the sides, they send and receive energy. The fingers are transmitters through which we transmit energy. The spaces between the fingers are receiving antennas. When this movement is performed with the proper attention, it inspires a person to receive and then give forth that which has been received. Through this movement, the idea of receiving and giving is sent out into the world. This movement is called "Awakening," because in the moment in which the idea to give what one has received awakens in one's mind, we may say that one's Consciousness has come to Life. This means that one has outgrown the framework of one's limited personal life and entered into the broader scope of the all-encompassing Life. This is the beginning of the manifestation of the human soul. It must rise and manifest its beauty.

Music: "First day of Spring" - 40 measures.

Starting position
All participants are arranged in couples facing counterclockwise, feet together, left shoulder turned towards the center. The hands are on the shoulders; elbows are at shoulder level forming a straight line with the shoulders; fingers are curved with the thumb on the index finger and lightly touching the shoulders.

Movement sequence
(The measures are marked in the musical score)

1st measure, 1st beat: step with the right foot forward. On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd beats, the hands open horizontally on each side of the body. The palms open turning downward [At first the Master showed this exercise with palms upward, yet later he himself did it with palms turned downward. Palms turned upward indicate receiving; palms turned downward indicate giving].

2nd measure, 1st beat: step with the left foot forward. On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd beats, the hands go back to the shoulders returning to the starting position.

These movements are repeated until the end of the music, for 40 measures altogether. On the last beat, as the left foot steps forward the hands are brought together in front of the chest to the starting position for the next exercise.

The first ten exercises are performed without interruption.
(Go to following Exercise)

***

The materials are excerpts from the book "Paneurhythmy" presented by Ernestina Staleva and Antoaneta Krushevska.

For more information and ordering the book contact:

Ernestina Staleva 112 Old Mountain Rd. Leverett, MA 01054, USA

Publishing House "Byalo Bratstvo" ul. Konstantin Sturkelov, bl.78, vh. 3.
Sofia 1113, Bulgaria