Dancing Between Dimensions: Nanse Kawashima 🐳🩵

I always knew Nanse was an amazing dancer. For years, I've encountered her as a joyful groover at The Loft parties and LSD events—but it was only recently that I discovered the incredible depth of her talents and the multi-dimensional realms she dances through effortlessly.

Today, we’re beyond thrilled to spotlight the multi-talented Nanse Kawashima in our Whaleness Club 🐳. Nanse is a remarkable healing practitioner with deep wisdom in Reiki, Astrology, Ayurveda, and Tarot. And that's not all—She’s also an exceptional artist whose captivating creations gently guide viewers into realms of subconscious stillness, stirring sensations both mystical and nostalgically enchanting.

Our world shimmers with subtle energies, forces that often remain unnoticed to the untrained eye. Through my recent enlightening conversation and workshop experiences with Nanse, I realized these subtle energies aren’t reserved only for a special few. Rather, they’re a hidden, innate ability within each of us, patiently waiting just beneath the surface to be awakened. It was this profound insight that became the starting point for our fascinating conversation...

✨✨✨

Rich: What were you like at seven years old? How does that younger self speak to who you are today?

Nanse: At seven, I lived in Jamaica as a tomboy who dreamed of being a princess—so I was a weirdo in that way. I remember other girls thinking I was weird, but I was just a wild, free-spirited child. My dad was in the coffee business, so my childhood involved running through coffee fields with a machete and cutting sugar cane. I was always drawn to fashion and art and enjoyed being around adults, constantly asking questions as if I were conducting interviews—“How old are you?” “What's your favorite color?” Color has always fascinated me. And I was also really into dancing.

Rich: Would you say that you were precocious? 

Nanse: Sometimes. I was shy yet quite extroverted because my parents often hosted parties. Growing up surrounded by reggae, Central American music, and classical music—my mom was a classical percussionist—created a diverse and vibrant upbringing. I was really sassy!

Rich: It sounds like your seven-year-old self deeply informs your current self. Would you agree?

Nanse: Oh, for sure. I actively engage in inner child work, and as I age, I feel increasingly connected to my little self—the magical, fantastical self. Validating her creativity and imagination has become an essential part of my journey. In my forties, rather than having children, my legacy is the artwork I create and the practices I share with others. Making a positive impact on just a few people through my work is more than enough for me. I'm simply a conduit for whatever wants to flow through. The more I tap into my work, the closer I reach my inner child and my desire to take care of her. 

🖼️ Nanse Kawashima: collage painting, channeled spirit and creature paintings.

Rich: Now that we've checked in with your little self—your magical self—I’d like to ask..what inspired you to enter the wellness field as a healer?

Nanse: Well. First off, I never actually call myself a healer—I don't resonate with that term. I prefer "healing practitioner" or a practitioner of Reiki, Astrology, Ayurveda, or Tarot. Labeling myself as a healer feels like positioning myself above others, which contradicts my belief that everyone has innate healing abilities. I offer tools and support, but healing is ultimately an individual's personal journey.

Rich: Say more…

Nanse: In all my sessions—be it channeling, Tarot, Reiki, or Ayurveda—I emphasize that I'm simply a messenger or a flashlight illuminating blind spots. I'm not here to fix anyone; I genuinely believe in free will. It’s always up to each individual to choose to heal or improve.

Rich: Yes. True healing and growth have to come from within. How did you acquire your knowledge? Formal study, conservatory training, mentorship?

Nanse: I’m drawn to studying things that naturally intrigue me. I did study under several teachers for Ayurveda, Reiki and Tarot. But my intuitive abilities are innate but were fostered by my grandmother. My grandmother was a huge inspiration. She studied various Japanese divination practices and strongly connected to spirit. Although she wasn't particularly patient or formal about teaching, I absorbed so much simply by observing and listening to her. Many foundational lessons unfolded organically, without explicit teaching.

Rich: Your learning seems intuitive rather than structured? Did your surroundings have any influence on you?

Nanse: Yes, precisely. Observing my grandmother’s accurate readings and feeling energy myself reinforced my understanding. There were a lot of "lessons" that I don't think were intended to be lessons—majority were all organically learned through either hearing stories or receiving confirmations of certain experiences. Living in spiritually-rich places like Hawaii also deeply influenced me, subtly training me spiritually without even realizing it.

Rich: Is your intuitive ability mostly internal or observational? Is there a balance?

Nanse: Well, I don't call them gifts. I prefer calling them "abilities" rather than "gifts" because everyone has them. I'm not particularly special. 

Rich: Can you elaborate on that?

Nanse: I think everyone can access their intuition; some people just find it easier. It’s like athletic agility—some naturally excel due to physical traits, but anyone can cultivate skills through practice.

Rich: Are your abilities ever a burden?

Nanse: People often say “wow, it must be so crazy to feel everyone's energy all the time!”. If I did feel everyone's energy, especially somewhere as intense as New York City, I'd be foaming out of my mouth. But I manage it by envisioning my intuitive channel having a manhole cover, like a heavy steel plate that seals the portal. I only intentionally open it when I'm seeking access and seal it shut afterward. That's how I protect my energy.

Rich: This has all been incredibly fascinating and inspirational. I’m so grateful for your time today. One final expansive question—if you had unlimited resources, what would you do?

Nanse: I would travel a lot, and definitely study more—I want to learn everything! I’d also exercise every single day because I absolutely love it. I’d eat the best, most nutritious food, and spend time doing all of this with my favorite people. Basically, it’s what I’m already doing now, just amplified. I’d create a bigger space—like a beautiful office or studio—to host larger workshops and gatherings. My goal is to share practical, grounded knowledge and make esoteric practices accessible to more people.

✨✨✨

Photos 1,2,3 🖼️: Night Flower. Photos of flowers taken at night time in different phases of their life cycle. This body of work is about celebrating all phases of life.

Photo 4 📸 Credit: Chika Kobari

Sally and I've been fortunate to attend two extraordinary workshops with Nanse recently. The first was an immersive, experimental "art healing" journey, accompanied by the dreamy improvisational tones of composer Bryce Hackford as Nanse gracefully guided us through Reiki. The second was an enlightening online Ayurvedic self-massage workshop, offering practical tools and valuable insights.

If you'd like to learn more about Nanse's offerings and participate in her transformative workshops, please visit https://www.sibyllinevein.com.

🐳

--

Rich Awn