Leonardo Stoute, "Bapak Waleed" conducted a special session of Sufi Zikr on Thursday, January 29th, 2009 at the Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Center. The session was traditional in nature and included both chanting and whirling. Bapak Waleed explained that the Zikr, or remembrance, ceremony is a healing for all those present and even those who only intended to come. As the session began, he asked everyone to close their eyes and focus on their breath. Everyone was encouraged to join the chanting as they felt so inspired.

About halfway through, Bapak Waleed rose and began the whirling dance in the traditional style of Rumi. The Sema, or traditional whirling dnace, is an important aspect of the Mevlevi order, the school founded by Rumi. The audience was captivated by the movements and watched each segment of the dance intently. The evening concluded with a group invocation of blessings and peace.

Afterwards, Bapak Waleed led the group in a short discussion. All attendees thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and some shared their personal understanding of what had taken place. Some spoke of their emotional release and others shared how they felt connected to their own personal angels. Bapak shared that both theses aspects, and others are associated with the Zikr.

Please enjoy our photo gallery below, and keep your eyes out for events like this in the future. Everyone is welcome to come and give it a whirl!

Pictures from the Event