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What
a wonderful way to begin our new millennium; with thoughts of pure
love and light, with positive affirmations and uplifting images.
Each and every one of us deserves this, and more abundance of this
type in our lives.
With
that in mind, Tonya has written a book that can help us do just
that. Always positive, encouraging and kind, never wasting her energy
with negativity, is Tonya. Perhaps you have been reading some of
her words of wisdom for the 21st century in your dance publications
recently (which, incidentally, are not the same as the poems in
this book). Perhaps you've had the great pleasure of meeting her,
taking a class or attending her annual Bellydancer of the Universe
Competition in Long Beach, CA, that she puts on with her daughter,
Atlantis. Whether you have or not, this booklet can help you get
to know this remarkable woman and give you a glimpse into her valuable
insights.
This
book "is a tribute to my family," Tonya explained. It is only the
first in a series of three that she has planned. This one is specifically
geared for dancers (though anyone can certainly benefit from reading
it), and the others will be geared towards singers and actors. Quoting
from her introduction, Tonya writes: "Positive thoughts will help
clear the way to accepting only good, through your studies, your
performances and your life..... The more good each of us commits
to in dance, the more we become perfect catalysts for bringing dance
to a higher and better place in the minds and hearts of all."
It
contains 40 pages of prose, some are collaborations with, and a
few written entirely by, Atlantis. The rest are totally Tonya's.
There are photos of Tonya's family in different stages of their
lives. Each poem or rhyme is followed by an affirmation line. Says
Tonya, "By repeating the Affirmation that follows the poem, you
will feel the tension ease and once again you will find your rightful
and peaceful place. When this is done, you will know that we are
all One." The affirmation that follows "Truth" reads "My dance is
the Truth of who I am and I am Perfect." "Blessings'" affirmation
reads, "I give and receive Blessings whenever I dance." I also love
the line that follows many titles before the poems begin. This line
sums up concisely what the poem says artfully. For example, following
the title of "The Gypsy in My Soul" is the line "Go within and let
your higher power guide you." Following the title, "Expressing,"
is "Expressing is our birthright." Wow! This is truly inspired (and
inspiring) text! Also herein are pages of ideas and tools for how
one can "Eliminate Fear" (before and during performances), as well
as "What it Takes" to keep on growing with your dancing path, or
as Tonya and Atlantis say, "We have compiled this three category
list to help expand conscious awareness of what it takes to achieve
greatness in dance."
This
book is small enough to keep with you in your purse or dance bag,
or on your nightstand. When faced with one of life's challenges,
flip the book open at random and read what is before you. Perhaps
it is exactly what you need to remember at the time. Refer to it
often to help you remain on your positive course and for your self
esteem, patience and universal love.
I
don't think there's anything written in its pages that won't sound
familiar and true to your soul and heart. Truths are truths, no
matter for whom or when. Certain things simply ARE, and Tonya reminds
us of our connexion to the Divine and to the Universal Truths through
her own strong and unfaltering connexion, via the written word.
Thank
you, Tonya, for this Gift to our dance community. Every person can
benefit by owning this book.
To
order, please visit their website:www.tonya-and-atlantis.com,
or from Tonya and Atlantis directly: Tonya Chianis, c/o Bellydancer
of the Universe, PMB 343, 5318 East Second St., Long Beach, CA 90803-5354.
This book is only $6.95 within the U.S., and makes great gifts!
~end~
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