Helping multi passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith. Writing and sharing inspirational resources about mindful movement, dance education, coaching and creativity is my jam.
International Women's Day free workshops in-person and online, marching into Spring
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Hello beautiful, "Die Liebe, und das Leben, und die Freiheit, und der Dom..." translated to, "Love, and life, and freedom, and the (Koelner Dom) cathedral..." goes one of the catchy Karneval songs that's been on repeat in my head since the fabulous festivities in which I was lucky to take part. The text of this song is a toast to all the good things in life, and I appreciate that tolerance and appreciation for love, freedom, and togetherness are a part of the culture of the city. Also political critique, as showcased every year in the big Rosenmontag parade, the traditional culmination of Koeln Karneval/Cologne Carnival, whose floats display searing commentary. One such float that struck me this year (photo below) depicts a grinning member of the Taliban in front of a woman wearing a burqa trapped behind bars, with the following caption: "So schuetzen wir die Rechte unserer Frauen" or "That's how we protect the rights of our women." Chilling to see how more regimes seem to be headed in that direction, and all the more important to keep up the fight for human rights! We watched the WDR broadcast from the comfort of our couch, having celebrated at a variety of parties over the session and weekend. How lucky and unusual to have a sunny, blue-skied, almost warm last Karneval weekend, the first days of March, yet important not to take our privilege for granted and stay active in defense of democracy. Karnival may now be over, making way for the season of Lent and Ramadan, reflection and fresh beginnings, but the necessity for activism and community continues with opportunities coming up this very weekend for International Women's Day and much more to come: Read the Accelerate Action - Celebrate International Women's Day with A Blythe Coach article here My other creations, recommendations, and questions for you are: Viewing:
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Gladly share your response to the questions above or provide other updates by replying to this email or on social media if you are active there. Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact. Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully! Love, Blythe Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst P.S.- If you signed up for my email newsletter in order to try a free class or coaching session, just reply and let me know what you're looking for, happy to help! P.P.S- Did you happen to receive this email as a forward from a friend? Thanks for checking it out! Sign up for my free weekly email newsletter to continue to receive resources, updates, and inspiration in your email inbox. |
A Blythe Coach
Helping multi passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith. Writing and sharing inspirational resources about mindful movement, dance education, coaching and creativity is my jam.
Hello gentle person, Happy almost-September! Since my last message we have been enjoying warm weather in Cologne, and meanwhile my parents weathered Hurricane Lala in Hawai'i! They came through ok, though other areas were devastated by flooding. I've been dancing every day this month, with my own in-studio and online classes continuing as well as covering classes for colleagues taking vacation. Still had a bit more leisure time than I will soon, to explore some of the hobbies and activities...
Hello gentle person, Happy almost-August, still solidly Summer Break from school here in Germany, but back-to-school in many parts of the US. Making the most of a lighter season of work myself for reflection, dabbling in seasonal activities and hobbies. Saddened to hear of the delivery truck attack on Berlin Pride, a reminder that we must keep coming together for the cause of love and acceptance, to demonstrate and protest and take political action as well as live our fullest, freest lives....
Hello gentle person, Happy July and Quarter 3, as well as Independence Day to my fellow Americans! Cologne celebrates PRIDE/Christopher Street Day this weekend and I'm also marking 7 years of living here (according to local tradition I'm now a local), the end of the Schoolyear, and the arrival of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere, which has already been hitting hard with a days-long heatwave bringing extreme temperatures to the city. It is also Disability Pride Month! Strawberry Birthday Cake...