Finding refuge in changing times

The 10th annual Sufi spiritual retreat led by Murshida Leilah Be of Maui is next weekend Friday on Kaua’i.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday with the Dances Of Universal Peace (Sufi dances), the retreat continues for two full days, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kapa’a area.

Often called the spiritual “Path of the Heart,” Sufi teachings and practices are dedicated to the perfection of love, harmony and beauty. Originating in the 9th century, Sufis honor all religions and welcome people from all religious traditions and life experiences, a news release states.

The highly popular poet in America, Sufi, Jelaluddin Rumi, created his ecstatic poetry in Kona, Turkey in the 13th century and developed the “whirling dervish” tradition at that time as well.

Murshida Leilah Be, a senior teacher and mentor in the Sufi International Ruhaniat Society, is a principle teacher at the week-long Maui Sufi Camps. She began leading the Dances of Universal Peace and the practice of Zikr (Remembrance of God) in the early 1980s when she lived on Kaua‘i. Leilah has composed numerous beautiful and inspiring circle dances and Zikrs that have spread worldwide. A teacher, counselor, and minister, Leilah lives on Maui and leads retreats throughout the USA, Bali and New Zealand.

The retreat is an energizing and opening experience that provides a joyful path for celebrating the divine. Participants will join in sacred, restorative Sufi practices, meditations, and in circle dances and songs that honor all religions, the release says. Facilitating heart opening and life balancing experiences, participants will tune into a frequency of love, peace and unity to enhance our capacity to bring the very best to whatever changes life brings our way.

Dances of Universal Peace: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Kahuna Valley octagon. Donation $7.

Retreat: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

For more information and registration, call Joan Levy at 822-5488 or e-mail joan@joanlevy.com