July 19, 2026 12:30 PM
Center for Spiritual Living
3437 Libby Road NE, Olympia WA
Special Guest leader Hassan Paul Swanson from the Seattle area will lead Zikr, a Sufi practice of “Remembrance.” Zikr has much in common with the Dances of Universal Peace — moving meditations to sung sacred phrases. Zikr generally uses Arabic phrases, such as the one included in the Five Pillars of Islam: “La illaha il allahu” which means, from a Sufi perspective, “There is no reality but the one being” of which we all are a part. While the Dances take some time to introduce the words and meaning of a sacred phrase, and then instruction in the movements, in Zikr there are just a few phrases, and movements tend to be simple and repetitive. This simplicity allows the dancer to sink into the heart and remember the essential inner unity of all outward phenomena.
Live music. All dances taught to the whole group each time; no experience necessary. Come alone or bring a friend! Donation requested $5 – $15, no one turned away for lack of funds.
Dances of Universal Peace are normally held Third Sundays at the Center for Spiritual Living.