fitness

“I was out of my comfort zone… and I’m so glad I did.”

We heard this more than once during our recent Art of Loving: An Introduction to SkyDancing Tantra weekend.

There’s something honest in that reflection.

Not overwhelm. Not pressure.
But a gentle stretching—into something new.

At some point, many of us feel that quiet pull—to grow, to feel more alive, to experience deeper connection. And yet, real change rarely happens from the comfort of the sofa. It asks something of us. A willingness to step just beyond the familiar.

That step doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be as simple as saying yes, showing up, and staying present with yourself.

Many people come to this work with curiosity… and also with questions:
Will I feel safe? Will I be expected to do things I don’t want to do? Will this be too much?

These are important questions. And they deserve clear answers.

What we continue to witness is that when a space is held with care, respect, and mindful consent, something different becomes possible. People don’t get pushed past their limits—they begin to listen to them.

From that place, growth happens naturally.

It’s a joy to witness the hard edges soften… and a natural brightness begin to shine through as the guards gently come down and trust builds.

This past weekend, participants shared how meaningful it was to explore at their own pace… to feel supported in choice… and to discover a sense of connection that felt both new and surprisingly comfortable.

“So much HEART & SAFETY here! I most enjoyed the freedom to do what I needed to do in order to stay true to myself; no forced connections.” ~ Keli Owens

“If you’re on the fence, go for it. The space is well held with plenty of support… a nourishing reminder of why these practices matter.” – David R.

There’s a difference between being pushed out of your comfort zone…
and being invited into your growth.

In a supportive environment, you might try something new, speak a truth you’ve been holding, or connect in a more present, embodied way. And often, what people discover is a quiet confidence:
“I can trust myself here.”

We’re deeply committed to creating a space that feels both safe and gently stretching—a place where you can slow down, listen to your body, and develop trust in your own signals. A space where consent, choice, and respect are lived experiences.

From there, something begins to open.

You may find yourself expressing parts of you that haven’t had space before… discovering new ways of relating… or simply feeling more at home in yourself. Building confidence in your ability to navigate connections and boundaries. Reconnecting with your natural capacity for presence, pleasure, and aliveness.

And often, something surprising happens:
healing begins to unfold on its own.

Not always through analyzing the past or retelling old stories, but through new, embodied experiences of safety, connection, and choice. When the body feels supported, it naturally begins to soften, reorganize, and open.

That trust is what allows deeper intimacy, presence, and connection to unfold—both with yourself and with others.

If you’ve been curious about this path, consider this: growth doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful. It can be grounded, respectful, even joyful.

And sometimes, all it takes is a willingness to take one step beyond the familiar.

How does SkyDancing Tantra celebrate and support you in expanding?

Where can you find respectful and loving connections in relationships?

I especially want to speak to those who identify as feminine, who long for touch and yet feel cautious.

These days we are aware of how many women have received unwanted touch. In my 20s, I worked at a sexual assault center, a battered women’s shelter, and have been committed to women’s rights ever since.  I came to realize how important it is for your body to be your own. It is my desire for women to have refuge from harm, where you can explore your physical and spiritual essence, your sexuality, and intimate relationships. 

This path has brought me to SkyDancing Tantra, which was founded by Margot Anand. Her teachings celebrate the power of women, where you give voice to your needs and desires, and help you feel honored and beautiful as the divine feminine.

 

Through SkyDancing Tantra, I have seen many women come alive and feel radiant.

See what is possible for you,
Sara

 

 

Last week, I was gifted with the amazing opportunity of coming together with women from all over the world as we experienced the healing teachings of Tantra Goddesses, Caroline Muir and Amrita Grace. After five years on sabbatical Caroline returned to teach Divine Feminine Awakenings with grace and enthusiasm. It was truly an honor to absorb her life’s passion for sexual vitality.

Like Caroline, it was through my journey into Tantra that I discovered my aliveness and felt supported in expressing my full femininity, which possesses both softness and strength. Tantra helped me embrace my vulnerabilities. I also came to understand my desires to be adored, to be served and (to both my and my husband’s surprise) to surrender. At the same time, I found that inner primal passion of Kali, ripping the clothes off my man and coming together with intense lust.

We all have both masculine and feminine qualities and energy within us. As women, we too often lose ourselves, mistaking our masculine power as feminine power. We attempt to cope with the harshness of the world by hardening ourselves. Often this causes us to become aggressive and controlling. We forget the feminine force within us, which is grounded, considerate, determined and–ultimately–more affirming. As women, we must strike a balance. It is good to be powerful and effective, but it is also important that, after the work is done, we retain the ability to soften, let go and be held.

As a teacher, I have promoted inclusivity of all genders. At the same time, I have had a few recent opportunities to dive deep with just women in particular. There is something undeniably special and beautiful about being in sisterhood – a real coming home and softening occurs. Likewise, I am sure that there is something meaningful in the brotherhood of men and the siblinghood that occurs between people of other genders. Being seen and supported by one’s own gender is soul affirming – a basic need. A true gift for any and all genders is to be held by their kin.

Another need is to be accepted. Unconditional acceptance comes after we fulfill a deep ache to be fully seen and heard in our rawness. I believe that is the impetus that drives this new “naked“ generation to share such personal musings on social media. They reach out and say: “This is me.” But are we as skilled at supporting each other when we are cracked open? Do we offer the depth of holding that says “I see you, I hear you, I am with you, and honor you”? Do any of us ever say “I hold you in your pain and I rejoice in your celebrations”?

At one point during the Divine Feminine retreat, I came to a sharing circle feeling restless, aware I had not gotten vulnerable and shared myself emotionally. I feared that I would leave this retreat having missed the opportunity for true meaningful connection with these amazing women. I longed to be with them, to be more of my full self and let them see the aspects of me that I am tired of keeping in the shadows. I wished to know more of each of them, but that was theirs to reveal.

I decided to facilitate my own exposure, to be with each of the women and share the recesses of my private life. I spoke of how I felt lonely and scared, and also about how I am learning to love myself and let more love in. I told of the qualities I have that I celebrate and the behaviors of which I feel ashamed. Progress was marked when I heard myself exclaim, “I love my body.” It wasn’t until later that my body retorted, “Then why do you still criticize me so much?” So far I’ve come and still so far to go.

In the end, I did feel seen, heard, held and celebrated.

I am thankful for the courage that Tantra has provided to me – the validation of my wholeness, by weaving together sometimes contradictory aspects into a harmonious sacred being, which we all are in our own ways.

Sara