My body is my temple. Movement is my religion.

Movement emerged from a desire to address the traumas and divisions caused by the 2018 volcanic eruption combined with the global pandemic that followed on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Founded in January 2021, it set out to be a unifying force that transcended race, religion, and cultural barriers.

During the pandemic, when so many people were being divided, we formed Movement, a Faith-Based Organization whose role is to create a safe transformational space for direct personal experience of the divine within.

We learned that this dogma-free approach to spirituality is an idea whose time has come. An idea that allows us to claim our spiritual sovereignty and right to live a sacred lifestyle, practice together, gather community together, celebrate life and dance. And to do these things regardless of the differences that may divide us. But rather, to celebrate our diversity, practice tolerance and to make a safe space for everyone.

We discovered that our physical, emotional and spiritual wellness depends on this – the ability to gather and dance.

Movement’s initial Sunday services at Hawaiian Sanctuary was an innovative and holistic experience, combining elements of yoga, cacao ceremony, ecstatic dance,breathwork, farm-to-table meals and botanical elixirs to foster spiritual growth, exploration, and community.

The Sunday service began with a yoga warm-up to center the body and mind,preparing attendees for the transformative journey ahead. This was followed by a cacao ceremony, a ritual that fostered connection and intention-setting.

The main event was a two-hour-long ecstatic dance session, where participants were free to express themselves through movement and connect with their inner realm.

As the ecstatic dance wound down, Movement members transitioned into a guided breathwork session, which helped them process and assimilate the powerful experiences they had just shared. Through this practice, participants felt a profound sense of integration, bringing closure to their spiritual journey and leaving them with a newfound sense of inspiration.

Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to partake in a farm-to-table meal, savoring the flavors of their local community and nurturing their bodies after the intense emotional and physical experiences. Botanical elixirs were also offered, further supporting their physical and spiritual well-being.

One of the defining features of Movement is our commitment to a dogma-free environment.

Instead of adhering to strict religious doctrines, our church prioritizes direct personal experience and exploration, allowing individuals to forge their own spiritual path.

Breath, movement, and music are the modalities of transformation, offering an innovative and immersive way for people to connect with their spirituality, to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

This fresh and inclusive approach allows for all people to experience on their own terms the transformative power of Movement’s unique ministry.

As Movement evolved, it introduced HoAloha, a nighttime event inspired by the Hawaiian concept of ‘beloved friend.’

This event further emphasized the church’s mission of unity and spiritual growth, providing a warm and welcoming space where attendees could connect and strengthen their bonds in an atmosphere of loving kindness.

This time of shared nourishment and celebration provided a beautiful opportunity for community members to connect, reflect on their experiences, and forge new relationships. In this way, Movement not only fostered spiritual growth and exploration but also cultivated a vibrant, supportive community grounded in a sense of wellness.

At the heart of Movement lays the idea that the body is a sacred temple and movement a form of spiritual practice.

This transformational approach resonated deeply with the community, redefining spirituality and transcending traditional boundaries to create a unique path of unity, exploration, and connection.