No chains around my feet, but I’m not free
Over 500 years ago people who possessed little more than the clothes on their backs and who suffered in ways that would be hard to even imagine for most of us, created a remarkable art form in response to the persisting problem of slavery, oppression, and coercion....
The sound of silence
I remember the smell of burnt garbage and the noise of the busy downtown market close by. The boys have been waiting. Eager to walk with us and meet my school-time friend who is visiting from abroad. He is taking shots with his camera as we walk towards the...
My Holistic Life Coaching Journey
From a very young age, I was active, loved sports, and being outside in nature. I first joined a local Judo club at the age of six. I remember that day well, as it marked the beginning of a path that would later lead me to extensively train and compete (Judo; Karate)...
My Capoeira Journey
Known as ‘Contra-Mestre Simpson’ in the ‘roda’ (capoeira circle) I live with, through and for this beautiful martial art/dance/culture. It became a philosophy of life and I love to explore its capacity of setting myself free in every way. I am driven to motivate and...
My Permaculture Journey
I have been in love with nature from as far back as I can think. I remember spending my days in the woods as a child and building planters from discarded pallets or digging garden ponds as a youth. As a young adult I remember...
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“Simpson (Dennis) brings passion, tenacity and empathy to any project he is a part of. His energy is infectious and leaves you firmly believing that you can make a difference in your and other’s circumstances with the strength of your hands, love of your heart and creativity of your mind. You will not regret it.”
I once came across a quote that read. "Don't be in anyone's shadow but find someone who will light your path". Dennis is one such person.
Before my introduction to Dennis Eckart I would described myself as aimlessly lost, not having any real sense of "self".
But,with his guidance, I became centered, fearless, opened and was able to chart my life's path.
Thank you, Dennis!
Ten years ago, I served as an ambassador for a Kundalini Yoga Organization, and had found my self in Jamaica where I met Dennis.
He attended one of the lectures. His composure, attentiveness and glowing energy pulled me in, to get to know more about him. His calm presence was very assuring. I learned of many of his talents and felt his kind heart. Recognizing how capable and talented he is, we had invited and welcomed his engagement as a yoga member and a teacher. Through the years, I have had the pleasure of working with Dennis on several projects. His selfless character always ready to help on any level needed is very obvious. His spiritual evolvement combined with self discipline and desire to help endeared him to me not only as a capoeira and permaculture teacher, but as a friend on whom I know I can always count on in any situation. He is honest, hard working, capable and almost always understated. He has strong life principles which I have never seen him compromise and for all those reasons I am proud and delighted to call him my teacher and a friend.
Dennis has always been a mentor to me. I started training with Dennis while I was working abroad in a very competitive fast paced corporation. My time with Dennis was important to me as it helped me recharge my batteries, reaffirm my values and feel real connections and friendship.
I respect Dennis immensely as a man of principal, compassion, wisdom and always driven by a heartfelt desire to make the world a better place.
UWI ACE (Arts, Culture and Entertainment Engagement) is a programme that was started in the academic year of 2011-2012 under the Leadership and Student Engagement (LSE) Unit on the UWI Mona campus. UWI ACE used arts and culture as a medium for developing individuals’ physical and mental skill-sets and social abilities. I approached Contra Mestre Simpson (Dennis) toward forming a capoeira group on campus. This group only started in the second semester but rapidly grew in numbers and its members enthusiasm with some students saying they came to look forward to Capoeira class as “a bright spot” in the long weeks as individuals.
Simpson (Dennis) shares his knowledge freely in a manner that makes it resonate with individuals and inspires others to see real time practical applications all around them. The intersectional nature of his involvement, especially in an environment that at times can sterilise learning, saw persons experience growth and extend the range of their personal pursuits in areas such as personal nutrition, permaculture, learning another Read More...
Before I came to Dennis I was overweight; not excessively so but I was a bit chubby and it really affected my self confidence. I tried going to the gym but every time I felt totally lost as to where to begin and what to do. I felt confused.
Then, my friend told me about Dennis’ service and I decided to give it a try and I must say that was a life-changing decision. Dennis is dynamic, multi-talented and very knowledgeable about health and wellness.
Within weeks I saw results and now not only have I lost the excess weight I have also become a far healthier and far more confident person. Dennis is a great teacher and human being and I wholeheartedly endorse his services. Five stars!
In addition to being a great capoeira teacher, CM Simpson (Dennis) conveys very enriching and positive values centered on the humain being.
Learning with him, a new ability to separate the important from the superficial came to me very naturally.
I was excited when I heard about these coaching sessions because at the time I was not in a very good headspace.
Dennis helped me to explore the underlying reasons as to why that was so, he patiently helped me to see that how you think can really impact you and gave me tips toward journeying down a more positive path.
I would definitely recommend these sessions to anyone who needs advice about how to live a more positive, peaceful life with lots of love for all and Axe