Alchemy Writings Number 1, October, 2005
 The Alchemical Process
Alchemy is about the nexus between creativity and spirituality.
It’s about the potent space between these two worlds, where there is potential for transformation. The intention of Alchemy is to stimulate synergy between creativity and spirituality and for transformation to occur, or gold to be discovered.
Creativity is about expressing the core self. Spirituality is about recognising the connection between ourselves and universal energy. The radiant essence of the core self can be expressed energetically and as we do this, we enter into a universal energy flow. This can be felt in the dance – it’s as if we’re riding a wave, as if the energy is moving through us, not from us. In the act of dancing we enter into the vastness of space, the endlessness of universal energy, into the river of consciousness itself. And at the centre of this place is stillness, a deep peace, a feeling of oneness with all things.
Alchemy is about giving ourselves permission to express this core self through the act of dancing and to enter into a commitment to ourselves of connection and discovery. The more we connect with ourselves, the more present we are – as improvisers, as performers, as people.
Alchemy recognises the profound connection between being in the present moment and the core of the creative self. In the moment, we release the internal critic and simultaneously liberate the dance. This process becomes a metaphor for life.
Alchemy is a community – a community of inquirers into what it means to be in the present moment – what it means to be connected to the self, connected to others and connected to the space and energy around us that moves through us. Alchemy is a journey simultaneously into the self and into the world outside – our inner-life energy released into the space to connect joyously with the life energy of others. Inner life and outer expression integrate and align.
Alchemy is about communion with the self – silence, stillness, connection and integration. Alchemy is about community – the embrace of the other, interdependence, safety and shared experience. Alchemy is about communication - what it is to be human in this moment and the courage to have this witnessed.
Alchemy is about personal growth and awareness, about life, love, dance and art.
And it’s about the joy that lies at the centre of all these things.
Anne O’Keeffe |
