the yoga of sound and chant (mon. aug. 23)
Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound, has been called the alchemy of the soul. It employs ancient sonic formulae used for thousands of years to enhance health and deepen the spiritual dimension of life. Traditionally, toning and chanting were always paired with Hatha Yoga postures to optimize the energy of the chakras. In this relaxed chant session, you’ll learn a variety of simple, lyrical chants, mantras and meditations from around the world. Nancy supports the chants with African and Native drums, Tibetan bowls, shruti box, Karimba and guitar. You’ll be introduced to eight ways to enhance your chant practice, and four ways that sound was traditionally incorporated into yoga: Shabda Yoga (the power of words and thoughts), Shakti Yoga (alphabets of Divine Energy), Bhava Yoga (Devotional singing) and Nada Yoga (the science of vibration and sound). No singing or chant experience is necessary.
"One of the most positive, deep
and instantaneously transformational events of my life.”
Steven Fletcher, author and musician, California
Facilitator Nancy Watters, MA, CCC, RP-CRA (Certified Canadian and Adlerian Counselor; Workforce Literacy Coordinator; Registered Reiki Master) Nancy Watters has been passionately pursuing the study of chant for over a decade. She's learned first-hand from chant masters from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Aboriginal, Jewish and Sufis traditions. She started the Sacred World Song project so that people can experience the healing power of chant, the beauty in all spiritual traditions and the deep wisdom they share. Her presentations draw on deep roots in the Bahá’I Faith, as well as degrees in counseling, adult education and Reiki. Her devotional concerts feature beautiful, melodic, world chants in ten languages, accompanied by sonic tapestries created with Tibetan singing bowls, native and African drums, ektara and other world instruments.
Nancy discovered the healing power of chant during a time of significant crisis. She collected thousands of world chant recordings and sang along. Eventually she started teaching others and was asked to give chant “concerts” at Sacred World Music festivals. She says, "It was quite a shock seven years ago when I was diagnosed with a significant hearing loss, but I never thought of quitting. I can't imagine living without singing.' Since then she's produced a CD and toured internationally. Many of her recordings are available for free download at www.sacredworldsong.com
Check-in: 1:45pm
Workshop: 2:00-4:00pm
Dinner (included): 5:15pm silent seating, or 5:45pm social seating
