I just returned from the magical carpet ride. It was totally amazing. My Morocco Sahara Odyssey experience with OATs went beyond all expectations. Each morning sunrise brought with it a surprise. We visited old cities and new and had the opportunity to comfortably interact with many local folk from a variety of live styles. We were graciously invited into their homes, dwellings, farmers, and tents for Moroccan mint tea. I was in Awe of the elaborate architecture, facades of palaces, mosques, Riad Guest houses, temples, fortresses, hotels, banks… Hiking up sand dunes in Sahara desert, riding camels, living in luxurious tents and gazing at the stars. Eating exotic foods and wandering thru many local markets filled with multi colors and everything imaginable. Learning how farmers discover water in the desert, hand pollinate each date palm tree, being self sufficient and trading at weekly markets. Passing movie sets where Game of Thrones, Lawerence of Arabia, Gladiator, and many other movies were filmed. Learning about the Berber people and their famous carpets. Our local group leader and guide was such a mensch, a spiritual human being fasting during Ramadan in 100 degree weather, teaching us about the universal loving peaceful religious practice of Islam. In Morocco Jews and Muslims have respectfully lived in peace for centuries. I have great respect for the people and land of Morocco. Our small OAT group of 14 were very compatible and I believe some will become life long friends. Every morning I joyfully did my Qigong practice, and afterwards some group members joined me. Even at the airport local Moroccans joined me in a short Qigong practice. These 2 weeks were so rich and felt like a months journey. I return home filled with photos, new clothes, trinkets and many wonderful memories and stories to tell.
Dear Friends You are invited to an exciting Interfaith Art Exhibit where I will be showing 3 pieces of collaborative work on Peace. I would enjoy seeing you at our Art Opening on December 3 from 1-4pm. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Shalom, Salaam and Peace with gratitude Dove “Collaboration and Connection” is the fourth interfaith art exhibition hosted by the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC) and brings together artists from many faiths to express their commitment to interfaith understanding, coexistence, peace, and cultural dialogue. The impetus for this powerful exhibition is the desire to build bridges and create friendships through artistic collaboration. Thirty teams of artists have risen to the challenge of creating collaborative artwork with unique and stunning creations in a wide variety of mediums including painting, clay, fabric, metalwork, glass, found materials, photography, origami and much more. This art exhibition is sponsored by the Faith Trio, a 16 year alliance of the ICCNC with two other congregations in the Oakland area: Kehilla Community Synagogue and Montclair Presbyterian Church. Local non-profits, foundations, and community partners are also sponsors of the exhibition. The opening reception will take place at the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, 1433 Madison Street, Oakland, on Sunday, December 3, 1 – 4 pm. Free event. Light refreshments, speakers, live music by the Qirvah ensemble, and the opportunity to view artwork and meet artists. The exhibition runs through February 24, 2018 and is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 – 4 pm. For more information, please contact Lea Delson at (510) 528-6725 or lea@lmi.net View the website of the interfaith art exhibitions here www.interfaithart.org
I had a golden opportunity to travel to China for 3 weeks with my husband’s easy going siblings and spouses. 3 weeks of marvel and spectacular sites covering thousands of years of history, ancient monuments, temples, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. We covered vast areas from Beijing, to Xian warriors, to Hunan, to Tibetan Plateau, to Guilin to Shanghai. Everyday was a new adventure filled with awe and wonder. I began each morning with my Qigong practice in a public park or quiet garden, Sometimes joining in with the local people. I will share some of these delights from my travels and the daily practices. Chi Blessings with gratitude Dove China Pratices Video 1 China Practices Video 2
DANCING TREES OF LIFE Art Exhibit for Tu Bshvat by Dove Govrin Kol Shafar Gallery 215 Blackfield Dr. Tiburon, CA. Exhibit from February 12th -March 21, 2017 Dancing Trees of Life Art Exhibit Sponsored by Center of Jewish Spirituality By Ilene Serlin For Tu Bshvat We, at the Center for Jewish Spirituality, believe that spirituality can take many forms in the Jewish tradition. For Tu Bshvat, we were honored to host local artist and dance therapist, Dove Govrin, to offer an opening movement celebration of trees, followed by her ceramic tree exhibit in the Kol Shofar art gallery. Over 40 people participated in the opening Qigong demonstration of the Five Element Trees, that balances body, mind and spirit. The Dancing Trees of life exhibition features 18 ceramic dancing trees, celebrating life and the birthday of the trees. The artist, Dove Govrin, created dancing trees as self portraits, a path to inner reflections, searching for deeper spirituality, connection to Mother Earth and a prayer for peace in the Middle East. This work has been inspired by her roots in Judaism and her teaching of Qigong from Chinese Medicine. The exhibit has been well received by all ages. Children from Kol Shofar have been spellbound when entering into the gallery. Mark Dubois, the activist who spoke on Tu Bshvat, was deeply moved by the exhibit. Dubois, whose wife started TreeSisters.org, gave a compassionate talk about the urgent need for restoration and reforestation, planting a Million Trees. As we celebrate the birthday of the Trees, we are reminded how trees provide us with basic needs for food, shelter and oxygen. We are depend on them and they are dependent on us for survival. Let the dancing trees inspire you. Please enjoy the exhibit in the Kol Shofar gallery, extended until March 21. Tree of Life Reflections “Early in March 2017 a dear friend passed away. Her relatives gathered, two in particular who came over from England were deeply grief stricken. Many family members staying in a very small home helped create a pressure cooker atmosphere. For a break I took my friends over to Kol Shofar synagogue in Tiburon to see Dove Govrin’s Dancing Trees of Life art exhibit. Dove had made a series of ceramic trees based on the tree of life, threaded with themes of love, peace, healing and adding motifs of healing and regeneration from her own knowledge of Chinese Medicine and the art of Qigong. I was not sure how these Unfamiliar themes would resonate with my London friends but as we stood before the ceramic pieces it was obvious that they touched deeply providing healing and consolation. The symbol of the trees, the dance of Life and regeneration, the restorative power in nature transcend culture and language. My friends were able to pass from great distress to having moments of peace, relief and love. The staff and Rabbi at Kol Shofar supported this consolation even more by their kindness and by the gift of a beautiful seven day remembrance candle. I felt I witnessed the healing power of art and human kindness. Thank you Dove and Kol Shofar.” Teresa Colton — A student who visited the Dancing Trees of Life exhibit
Spring Events, Spring flowers are blooming everywhere, pink fascias, yellow margaritas, white azaleas, purple petunias. Water in the pool is heating up, it must be time for Aqua Qigong. Classes will begin Thursdays from 4:30-6:00 start April 23. See attached flyer for more info. I will be putting the schedule up on the website for everyone’s convenience. www.dragonartsstudio.com In the spirit of spring time and rejuvenation , I am participating in a benefit show for Senior Access sharing my ceramic creations, April 24 and 25. An important program assisting seniors and their families in need in Marin . A Percentage of all sales goes to this program. If you are interested in this cause or wish to enjoy beautiful art, please come and see the show at 7 Skyview Terrace San Rafael, Friday 6-9 and Saturday 10-5. See attached flyer. With gratitude, Dove
Dear friends and students Expand your energy with qigong! Spring has sprung, trees are in bloom and chi is soaring. Dancing trees of life are now on display with new dragons at the MSA gallery at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Open Wednesday thru Sunday noon till 4. Stop on by for a visit or see my ceramics at the ORT fundraiser Tuesday March 31 from 10:30 to noon at the McInnis Golf Club , 350 Smith Ranch Rd, where I will feature new Passover designs as well as other functional and sculptural pieces. Hope to see you and have a happy spring! For class schedules and to preview my art click below. www.dragonartsstudio.com Chi blessings with gratitude Dove
Dear Qigong students and friends, Wishing you a very Healthy and Happy New Year. Enjoy the photos of my chakra goddess sculptures. Below is a video teaching you to balance your own chakras through Qitaky Qigong. This form was created by Grandmaster Adrian Florea from Romania. I hope you will enjoy this simple healing practice, more are on my website www.dragonartsstudio.com Chi Blessings with gratitude, Dove Check out my channel!!
“Strengthen your body, reduce stress, heal dis-ease, activate more life energy, enhance mental clarity and emotional stability” Master Mingtong Gu Come experience your body revitalized, relaxed and balanced with the Ancient Healing Art of Qigong. You will learn a lovely Qigong practice, then experience the healing transformation as we do the practice in the warm mineral pool. Engage your body, mind and spirit by connecting with Universal Life Energy through Wisdom Healing Qigong and Healing Dragon Qigong practices. Dragons are powerful, wise and protective creatures helping to transform negative into positive energy. The workshop will be held in the dance room and then in the beautiful outdoor mineral pool of Solage Resort. Moving through water is very powerful, relaxing and therapeutic. Following the workshop you are welcome enjoy the day at the Spa pools and saunas, treating yourself to massages, delicious healthy snacks, hot teas, and more. This workshop will be presented by: Dove Govrin, MS, Movement Therapist and Certified Qigong Instructor of 25 years Time: Sunday March 3, 10-12 pm Place: Solage Resort 755 Silverado Trail Calistoga 94515 Price: $45 for members and lodge guests, $60 for outside guests Bring: Comfortable clothes with Swim suit underneath For more information write to dove@dragonartsstudio.com RSVP to Solage 707.226.0828 RSVP early as space is limited
Dear Qigong Students; past, present and future, Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Chinese New Year. Welcome to Year of the Water Snake! Snake is the Yin to last year’s Dragon Yang. Snake does not settle for mediocrity.. We’re likely to see significant developments in the area of science and technology this year. Snake is a great sign, a positive one, with energy that can help us face all of the challenges ahead of us. Let’s take advantage of this vibrant influence to improve our lives — and our world! I hope that the Winter of 2013 is treating you well. All my classes are going very well with lots of light and healing energy. Students are learning to listen to their body, modify as needed, and reap a deeper calm and sense of well being. Beyond my regular classes I will be leading 2 weekend workshops. On March 3rd, Aqua Chi at Solage in Calistoga. See attachment above. March 16th from 1-3:30 at the JCC, Yin Yoga and Healing Dragon Qigong. call 444-8000 to reg. I try to keep an updated schedule of all my classes on my website: www.dragonartsstudio.com I wish you a wonderful and healthy Winter to Spring transition. Chi Blessings with gratitude Dove