Come together in circle to unfurl your hearts through sound and song, no experience necessary!
These sessions will allow us to feel connected to ourselves and eachother, to have a safe place to express through music, and to 'bring ourselves back home'.
Each event will be a different blend of mantra chanting and kirtan. There will be a chance to lie down and receive a short sound healing at the end for integration and relaxation.
These forms of music and sound have been used for centuries for healing, devotional praise, purifying and clearing the mind, for community, meditation, and for heart centred practice. There are so many benefits that this can bring us; from syncing up our brainwaves , breath and heart rates in the group, to supporting our emotional regulation and nervous system.
My times spent in India (6 times and counting more hopefully!), gifted me so many opportunities to witness and take part in this devotional coming together, whether by the Ganga river, in temples, on every street corner or home, or speific events and retreats.
I was blown away by how it always affected me, with this deep feeling of love, expansiveness and connection in my heart. I would feel the mantras and their meaning, resonance and power in my system as I sang, and connected to a new feeling of divinity inside of me.
The first time I went to a 'Kirtan' tears rolled down my face as soon as I listened. I knew instantly that I wanted to be able to bring this home with me, and offer it to others. A sacred and safe space where anyone and everyone can gather, be accepted and express whatever is stirring through them.
I am so grateful to be able to share this with you, and for the opportunity to sing together!
I'll be using my voice and favourite Indian instrument the harmonium, to lead most of the music.
Please bring with you anything that will make your experience more comfortable, whether it's a favourite cushion, a shawl or a blanket. We'll be sitting for most of this event, then lying down at the end. Bring a mat if you have one (yoga mat/ camping mat) and a pillow, and wear something that's loose, cosy and comfy. There will be chairs for those that find sitting and lying on the floor a barrier.
You're welcome to bring any instrument you feel might add to this evening, and accompany me! I'd love that! I'll bring along some bells and rattles.
You don't have to know anything about mantras or kirtan, and you can participate as much or as little as you wish. Even just listening and being in the presence of others will have positive effects.
If you have any questions or want to go through anything with me please get in touch by email: unfurljourneys@gmail.com
What is kirtan?
Kirtan means “to praise that which is exalted”—i.e, the divine. The word “kirtan” also stems from a Sanskrit root that means “to cut through,” so kirtan is also a practice for cutting through the idea of separation, for connecting to our hearts, and connecting to the moment through sound. It can be extremely purifying and healing, transmuting negative feelings into positive, higher, altered states.
It is a devotional practice that involves call and response with one person leading the chanting while the others respond to what has been sung.
