The Transformative Power of Spinning

Whirling Dervish

Do you remember spinning and twirling as a kid? That playful part of us was tapping into something we already knew intuitively: spinning can be a healing practice.

Spinning is one of the most profound mind-body techniques found across cultures. The Sufi Whirling Dervishes have long embraced it as a sacred movement—a heart-centered meditation that shifts awareness, softens the ego, and attunes the body to a higher rhythm. Their graceful circling shows us that when the body turns, the soul often finds its still point.

I absolutely love spinning! That’s no surprise, considering I recall ancient lifetimes as a whirling dervish. Two of them stand out clearly: one as a Sufi, and another in Lemuria as a Temple Healer. In that Lemurian memory, I recall myself and a group of fellow twirling healers moving and spinning out of the temple into a waiting gathering of people, entering a trance state as we whirled and radiated healing energy throughout the crowd.

A steady spinning practice can help recalibrate your nervous system, guiding it out of overwhelm and back into balance. The rhythmic rotation encourages the brain to reorganize sensory input, release stored tension, and shift into a more regulated state. Many people find that spinning naturally opens the door to altered states of consciousness, bringing heightened clarity, intuitive flow, and a sense of inner spaciousness. I often use spinning in my out of body explorations to achieve clear astral vision.

Beyond the spiritual benefits, spinning supports physical and energetic wellness—improving balance, activating the core, increasing blood flow, and awakening the body’s subtle energy channels.

How to Bring Spinning Into Your Daily Practice

If you feel called to explore this ancient technique, here’s a simple way to begin:

1. Choose a safe, open space. Make sure you have plenty of room—no furniture corners, curious pets, or unsuspecting family members in your spinning zone. Safety first; mysticism second.

2. Start slow. Begin with gentle, easy turns—one step, then the next—allowing your body to find its rhythm. Start with just 15–30 seconds. No need to become a full-fledged whirling dervish on day one.

3. Add movement music. Music with a steady beat or uplifting flow can help you sink more naturally into the movement. The right rhythm softens resistance and deepens the trance-like quality of the practice.

4. Gradually increase your time. As your system adapts, extend your sessions: one minute… then two… then three. Over time, you may notice your body craving the spin and wanting more.

5. Focus on your center. Soften your gaze, keep your chest open, and let your awareness settle into your heart or solar plexus. The body spins—but the center remains still.

6. End with grounding. When you stop, place your hands on your heart or belly. Breathe deeply and let the energy settle. A few moments of stillness beautifully closes the practice.

A simple turn can become a powerful reset—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Spinning shows us that sometimes the quickest route back to center…is to move in circles.

Happy Spinning!

Thank you for reading!

Blessings, Sharon