I find myself sometimes in a dance between wonder and worry. There’s a lot to worry about in our world today: immigrants being confronted by ICE agents, our salmon and orca threatened in the Salish Sea, the fragile threads of Democracy … I’m sure you can add to the list!
At the same time, I am drawn to wonder pure and true! I cherish moments of awe and inspiration, signs of celebration, as well as acts of courage and unadulterated kindness. These bring my heart alive! We all have the capacity to be called to wonder!
Last month I had the opportunity to create & perform three movement pieces for the CLEAR Project – sponsored by Villanova University – Children, Liturgy, Ecology and Renewal. What an uplifting gathering of musicians and children connecting us to the heart of creation. One of the pieces I choreographed was entitled – Wake Us to Wonder, by my dear friends, Laura & David Ash. The lyrics are –
Wake us, wake us to wonder
Fill us, fill us with joy
Teach us that we are related, we are connected,
all is one in your love.
I had such a blast with the adults & kids in the audience joining in the dance … and remembering that we all are called to wonder! I am so grateful that kids especially help us remember & protect the grace of all creation.
And here’s another wonderful thing:
For the CLEAR project … all the materials are available for free!
To listen to or download the free album click here.
To find out more or to download free sheet music click here.
To watch the video from the live concert click here.
I hope that in the coming seasons you have a chance to be filled with wonder … and that your wonder spills over to help our world move from worry to grace. And to help start you off, here are a few opportunities below to consider!
~ Give Thanks! ~
39th Annual Interspiritual Celebration: Hope & Gratitude in Uncertain Times
Sunday, November 23rd, 2-4pm | The Well, Queen Anne, Seattle
In a world full of questions, we gather to remember what holds us: Gratitude for what has carried us. Hope for what lies ahead.
It’s always an honor to weave ceremony with a multitude of spiritual traditions to affirm our common sacred calling. I’ll dance a vision of the prophet Ezekiel – the river of healing!
~ Sing! ~
BIBOLOVE.US Album Release Party!
Saturday, November 29th | 10am Pacific | 1pm Eastern
Come celebrate the new album by my dear friend, Soyinka Rahim! Hear the stories & meet the musicians behind the CD. What an honor it is to be producer for this dynamic collections of songs! Genres from jazz to Gospel, blues to spiritual chant. Dance along!
~ The Gospel Magnificat ~
A Gospel Jazz Choral Setting of the Canticle of Mary
by Kent Stevenson
with dance by Vania Bynum, Betsey Beckman, and Egypt Hunt
Saturdays:
December 6th & 13th | 2:00pm
December 20th | 7:00pm
For the second year in a row, I have the honor of dancing the role of Mary’s elder cousin, Elizabeth in the story of the Visitation as expressed through the gorgeous music of Seattle’s jazz musical icon Kent Stevenson. 3 shows!
Also, feel free to join me at 11:00 Mass at St. Joseph Church for dancing processions throughout the Advent season. Also 4:00 Christmas Eve!
~ Looking Into the New Year ~
Way of the Monk, Path of the Artist
A 12 week companion retreat the book The Artist’s Rule
January 12 – April 5, 2026
I’ve been working with Christine Valters Paintner for over 30 years now – amazing! In this course, you will have a chance to explore the intersection of your own inner monk & inner artist – as we dive into Christine’s book – The Artist’s Rule … with support from a handful of wonderful guest teachers. Start the new year with joyous creative practices in community!
~ In Closing ~
Wake Us to Wonder
Here is the Dance Along video I created to help teach the gestures to Wake Us to Wonder. I hope you can join in the dance! I give thanks for the wonder of you!
With love,
Betsey
Betsey Beckman, MM
