Our Intentions for this workshop

• Relaxed, comfortable, loving and encouraging environment.

• Practical knowledge, personal insights and experiential learning.

• Supports you in creating or taking you deeper into your mantra practice - whether you are leading kirtan or developing your personal, home practice.
  
  
• Includes packet of handouts and materials for you to take home.
  
  
• You will learn at least 3 mantras and chants to sing!
  
  
  

Other Details

    Instruments -

• Bring an instrument - if you are experienced playing it - such as harmonium, keyboard, guitar/stringed instrument, or percussion.
  
  
• There will be opportunities to incorporate learning & playing chants on your instrument. Please note, this workshop is not designed for learning how to play an instrument- you will need to know basic notes/chords/rhythms for the instrument you are bringing.
  
  
• You do not have to bring an instrument, other than yourself and your voice. You will learn in this workshop that your voice is a wonderful and powerful instrument in itself!

    Nourishment & Hydration -

• Bring a bag lunch, beverage, & water bottle.
  
  
• Healthy snacks, tea, & water will be provided.
  
  

    Comfort -

• Wear loose and comfy clothing. Bring layers & warm socks or slippers.
  
  
• There will be floor seating and chairs available, as well as yoga mats, yoga blankets, & cushions for your comfort.
  
  
• You are not expected to sit all day. During the workshop there will be activities that include movement. You are also encouraged to get up, move around and stretch - whatever you need to take care of yourself.

Throughout this day-long workshop, you will have the opportunity to take in the healing nurturance and beauty of your surroundings, including the mountains, gardens, and the sacred space of BodhiHeart Yurt. 

Take this time for yourself to slow down & just be. During your breaks, you may want to take a few minutes to walk the labyrinth, or just sit outside, be quiet, listening to the sounds of nature.

Schedule

9:30-10:00am    Getting settled, Logistics, Introductions

10:00-11:15am   Cynthia ~ Jai Ganesha 

• Bhakti/Kirtan philosophy & chanting as spiritual practice
• Getting to know Deities & how this enhances your practice
• Creating intention & holding space for Kirtan/mantra practice 
• Community Kirtan ~ my personal journey, challenges & joys
• Building confidence to be a chant leader
• Logistics of organizing a Kirtan gathering / creating community
• Resources for learning chants & purchasing Kirtan instruments

11:15-11:30           Break

11:30-12:45pm   Shana - Sri Ram, Jai Ram 

• Developing a personal chant practice
• How to incorporate musical Instruments into your chant practice
• A comparison of chanting approaches; Eastern style of melody over drone and Western styles of chordal accompaniment
• How to add chords and harmony in chants
• Composing your own chants 
• Exploring issues of cultural appropriation

12:45-1:30pm      Lunch

1:30-2:15pm       Audrey - I am Peace, Aad Guray Nameh

• The Voice Within 
• Your Body/Your Instrument 
• Breathing for better sound and connection 
• Vocal Training  Exercises to open and strengthen your voice
• Your Voice as a Divine Channel

2:15-2:30pm        Break

2:30-3:45pm        Reflections / Questions / Moving forward

4:00-5:30pm       Community Kirtan!