By Dawn McCoy of Tranquility Spa
Dawn McCoy and the American Red Cross DWTS Fundraiser. (Photo by Michael Peters)
Ahhh….. to dance with a star! It’s like a dream, a lifetime opportunity to be challenged on yet another level. I took this undertaking very seriously and kept myself open to connecting with the vision and mission of the Red Cross. Since this experience is an event created for the intention of raising funds for the American Red Cross, my initial focus went directly to that. I was inspired at 2 a.m. one morning with an idea. I awoke thinking, “We need more ways of sharing peace, love, happiness and hope!! Everyone could benefit from having a reminder or ‘token’ to extend kindness and love to others!” This is exactly where the initial peace stone idea developed from. My thought was, “It can’t get much better than this! I can create a gift or token that could be purchased by one, but expand to touch the lives of many.” When purchased, it can benefit the person receiving the gift, go toward an amazing cause by supporting the Red Cross, and help increase awareness. As the old adage goes… kill two birds with one stone. My “Pass the Peace” mission was created. My sister and I created a poem to accompany each stone and deliver the message of its purpose to whomever receives it.After creating the campaign, I moved on to finalizing the music, working out which dances I would be doing and then figuring out costume designs for the big day. My next step was to meet my dance partner, Christopher Anthony Flores. We had an instant connection; I immediately knew that we would work very well together. He had a strong inner peace, mixed with a kind heart and an incredible love for helping others dually combined with a passion for dancing. He was incredibly patient, helped me work through my “seriousness,” and allowed me to experience many crazy, fun moments on the dance floor.
My journey continued and at times was definitely challenging. The dancing was a release and a wonderful way to keep many things in focus. As we made progress with technique and our routines, Chris kept everything in focus. He would always say, “Dawn as long as you are having fun, that is the only thing that matters!” I can’t tell you how many times I had so much on my plate on so many levels that “fun” was about the last thing on my mind. That was the irony, the lesson and yet another valuable perspective which needed to be brought to my awareness. Two weeks before the event it hit me. We were in the middle of practice and I realized in every other area of my life I think and plan my next move. Dancing for the female is about learning to feel, trust, and express your love for the art. As Chris would repeatedly say, “HAVE FUN!” I really correlated the symbolism of how dancing related to real life. Had I not had this experience to teach me, I wouldn’t be able to share this new found perspective with others. So as you learn to dance (live), have fun, learn to trust, and really feel your next move. So that’s it… it’s that simple! You can connect with someone, make a difference and share it with another.
Just like the song… “Life’s a dance you learn as you go, sometimes you lead sometimes you follow. Don’t worry about what you don’t know, life’s a dance you learn as you go!!”
“Learn to trust and feel another’s heart, in that lies the art!!” Allow yourself the flexibility to be open to the next opportunity, and in the meantime, be mindful and help raise awareness so that we may truly be able to “Pass the Peace” with others.
In conclusion, Pass the “Peace” is a Campaign designed to help connect relationships throughout the world. The mission and vision of Tranquility Spa is to provide a ‘peace’ of Tranquility in the lives of others. Based on this parallel, I feel we (together) can have a greater “ripple” effect on more lives and touch more hearts in the process. My request is that each stone be given with an act of kindness for the intention of bringing us together for Tranquility. Stones can be purchased at Tranquility Spa or online through our website for $10. The proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to provide hope in the midst of disaster and at the same time serve as a reminder of why we are all here.
“Pass the Peace”
The purpose of this little stone Is to strengthen you, alone.
With this token to remind, Inner strength and to be kind.
When you share this with another, Peace and Tranquility is what you’ll discover.
Increase the joy; find a way. Create a “ripple,” start today!
Filed under: Donating, Fundraising Tagged: | American Red Cross, Dancing with the Stars, Dawn McCoy, peace stones, Tranquility Spa
