Unfold Your Wings: The Dance of the Whirling Dervish

Have you ever felt the silent call of stillness or the longing to dance with the cosmos? In a world where each spin can unravel the soul's deepest secrets, the ancient art of the whirling dervish beckons—a path not just of movement but of profound transformation. What lies beyond the layers of our guarded hearts? I invite you to step into this sacred circle, to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage, and uncover my journey of becoming the Free Bird.

Awakening to the Sacred Dance

As Rumi beautifully expressed, "I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think." These words dance in my heart, guiding each step of my spiritual journey. Whirling is not merely a physical act, but a dance of liberation—a way to align with the universe's harmonic rhythm.

October 8, Whirling Diary: The Awakening

At the heart of my practice, my feet had become familiar with the sharpness of nails—a testament to human resilience. Yet, it was the opening of my arms to embrace the cosmos that posed the true challenge. On that pivotal day, an extraordinary shift occurred—a hidden wound within my heart began to ache, only to be healed by an overwhelming sense of calm. High vibrations flowed from my hand stretched skyward, connecting me to the earth and dissolving all pain. Tears fell freely, a liberating cascade, as I spun in serene ecstasy and gratitude. In this sacred whirling, I became love embodied.

October 11, Whirling Diary: Transcendence

A few days later, anticipation filled the meditation hall where fellow seekers and I gathered, united by our shared quest for enlightenment. Do the wings within you wait to soar? A whisper danced through my meditation: "Those wings are for flying!" The ceremonial doors creaked open, ushering us into the embrace of ritual. Names called, each a personal acknowledgment. As we stepped forward, forming gestures of reverence, we gathered cleansing salt and approached our boards. When I heard my name, Narayani leaned in with a quiet revelation, "There are no nails on your board anymore."

A Legacy of Spiritual Flight

This journey of the Free Bird is deeply rooted in my heritage, a spiritual legacy I carry in my heart. My grandfather, Kemal Şeber, was a revered Mevlevi and a gifted whirling dervish who danced in the sacred halls of Aktekke Cami, until the banning of tekkes. Although his connection to Vahdettin Çelebi through an early marriage did not last, his legacy as a profound Sufi remains. Learning of my grandfather’s deep spiritual path during a visit to my father in Karaman was a revelation. It was there, at Aktekke Cami, that I touched the doorsill, symbolically embracing my spiritual heritage.

Even without growing up surrounded by Mevlevi influences, my heart has always been drawn to the ethereal swirl of the dervish. Rumi captures this essence perfectly with, "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray."

Pain dissolved, and the boundaries of the physical world vanished. I spun to a stillness that anchored me deeply in the present. Narayani’s words, "Yes, keep going," resonated within me. I no longer felt as if I were spinning; rather, I became a celestial observer immersed in the cosmic ballet around me.

Embrace Your Inner Freedom

This journey has taught me invaluable lessons about equality and our shared destinies. I have emerged as the Free Bird, soaring into the uncharted skies of self-discovery—where the true adventure begins.

In the art of whirling, I have discovered that stillness within the heart unlocks limitless possibilities. This cosmic dance calls us to unfurl our wings, to rise and illuminate the sky with our brilliance. It is challenging to be the Free Bird... to present oneself authentically while safeguarding a fluttering heart against rigid thoughts and prejudices. The challenge deepens when even those closest try to restrain your wings. Yet, the ultimate challenge is finding a kindred spirit, one who truly sees you, with whom to soar. This is why Free Birds often fly high, solitary yet magnificent.

"When you let go of who you are, you become who you might be." This wisdom guides not only my whirling journey but can also illuminate yours. Ready to embark on your transformative journey? Connect with me to begin unfurling your own wings into limitless freedom.