Ears… are so interesting. I’ve never seen two ears that are exactly alike. One can utilize them for listening pleasures and with proper discernment, education, and appropriate amounts of will power, realize potentiality. In yoga there is a practice I know as Nada Yoga which focuses on anahata nada, the unstruck chord. I want to tell you this practice can bring about the experience of a blissful state known to some as ananda rather rapidly. When one attunes to sound frequencies they harmonize with, they may find themselves falling deeply into the rhythms of universal love, and thus intimately connected to a potent and powerful source. Once in this current of pranic flow and variable life forces, it seems anything is possible. Who would believe me that the two peculiar shaped things that flap off from the side of our heads could bring such ecstasy offering a wealth-spring of endless dilation, opening and uplifting travel to intricate alternate worlds with a beloved?
I was introduced to a practice that oddly I had not previously recognized as a practice, known as Nada Yoga by Manorama at a conference I attended in NYC. This opened my sensitivity further to a space that I already knew existed, but had not formerly called it by a name. In my life I have found once I can name something, like setting any intention, it quickly becomes my new reality. I am ever thankful for having the “here with all” insightfulness to have registered to spend a couple of hours with Manorama as a first. I am amazed at the way I am continually hit over the head and left smiling often.
The workshop presented was entitled; An Introduction to Sanskrit and the Sublime OM
The description, “In this class we delve into the most resonant sounds of Sanskrit as we deepen our understanding of nada yoga; feel how Sanskrit sounds effortlessly connect us with the life force, or prana, and discover how this energizing of mind through sound brings about a deeper awareness within.”
Following the conversations we had in this class it was much clearer to understand the fourth sound of AUM… A through U, encompassing all of the vowels consummated by the consonant M or sound of NG… as the first 3 sounds, then the vibrational energetically never ending echoing sound of silence as the fourth sound, Shhhhhhhhhh. Which has actually become the loudest sound on earth to me at this point. I must remark that I have fallen in love time and time again with the little strike of the anvil, tapping against my eardrums creating the pulsation and steady oscillations that run through my physical and sometimes quivering body! Now it seems as if I have found the path of ease and made it to the Promised Land already ~*~ as truth is my name.
I don’t think anyone can spend a period of time with Manorama and not become particularly fond of her. She exudes a wisdom that is not often found in the general population. I am of the opinion that she is indeed a cosmic creature and devotes her life to helping others connect to cosmic consciousness through sanskrit studies.
On her website she shares inspirations:
I don’t believe it is something that everyone comes by as naturally but it is with conviction that I feel anyone has access to this marvelous tool with appropriate education or experiential instruction and practice. Like any seed, once planted, with proper nurturing and nourishment it will blossom in it’s own time. No pushing, no forcing, just sitting with patience and listening intently, contently, utilizing the gift of sound anytime, anyplace.
Down the road I was blessed again. This past year I was fortunate to participate in two sound workshops which nourished some seeds that had been planted several years ago. I jumped into my vehicle and traveled to Philadelphia, the city of L.O.V.E. to Shanti Yoga Shala. This was just about one year ago. I had spotted this amazing playshop taught by the beautiful priestess, talented musician and singer, Suzanne Sterling. I had mutual friends who had partaken and I knew I was not the one steering here as I know divine alignment is happening in every minute… Just open your ears! What do you hear? What music do you follow? How is your life falling into place? I have begun to see and hear more accurately, knowing that all things are always falling, but my vantage point sees them as falling into place in their own time, to the beat of their own drum. It’s almost a bit creepy at first.
HERE or “HEAR” is what Suzanne presented in Old City Philadelphia on that particular Saturday…
YOGA OF SOUND & SINGING Workshop
“This workshop is an invitation to explore the power of sound and singing as a transformational tool and as an important part of a complete yoga practice. Singing, much like asana, requires the perfect union of will and surrender and can connect us almost instantly with both our limiting beliefs as well as our deepest connection with the Divine. Sound and singing can assist in taking the experience of our yoga practice to a profoundly subtle level. Sound, and in particular the use of the human voice can slow heart rates, release anxiety and stress and even bring us to certain states of consciousness.
When we work with sound as a meditation tool, we refine our ability to perceive as well as our ability to express ourselves and thus we can use the power of sound to reconnect to our own creativity and to deep states of inner peace. We will focus on freeing the natural voice, awakening and refining the subtle energy body through toning, chanting and singing, allowing our creativity to expand, and tapping into our sacred self and our connection with the Divine.
Singing has been an integral part of many cultures for centuries but in the West we have lost touch with the permission to use our voices and subsequently with the incredible healing benefits of sound and singing. Each of us has a uniquely authentic voice and when we create the correct physiological and psychological foundations, that natural voice is freed up to move through us, bringing us into a very real experience of bliss.
Discover the blissful connection between sound, singing and the Divine! There is absolutely no prior singing experience necessary for this workshop!
Interested to learn more about the science and art of sound? Shy about your voice? Always wanted to learn how to better express yourself? Curious about mantra? Love to sing but only sing in the shower? This is the workshop for you! All levels are welcome.
If you want to find the inspiration that Suzanne shared so profoundly that day and continues to share, you can find out more about her and her whereabouts on her website:
FYI: She is also an ambassador for Off the Mat and Into the World
“ a program that aims to inspire and guide you to find and define your purpose and become active in your local or global community in an effective, sustainable and joyful way. OTM is an educational, experiential and motivational process for those interested in conscious activism and service. We combine yoga asanas, meditation in-depth self-exploration which culminates in the formation of a group project that is real and in service to the community.”
I feel certain that Suzanne knows the profound effect her work has on every individual with whom she does this work, and I am feeling content in sharing this information that will have a dynamic impact. Do you all know that sound(s) can be trapped in our bodies and through emitting our own sounds and utilizing our own voice we can help to eliminate, in my opinion like an exorcism, habitual holding patterns through vocalization? Have you ever ‘heard’ of this before? I am sure you know that operatic singers can shatter a glass with perfect intonation and that sound waves below the surface of the sea are literally blowing up marine life. Modern medicine has turned more frequently to sound frequencies for breaking up tumors and working with psychiatric patients as well. Currently, as has been done historically, massage therapists use tuning forks or singing bowls in their work as well. I hope these tidbits of information peak your interest and you attend to taking good care of your ears and finding your voice. I know I am looking forward to seeing Suzanne again soon in Stratton VT. If you would want to see more about this festival check it out here: http://www.wanderlustfestival.com
By the way, if you would like to donate to YOGA AID, I will be attending a class led by Seane Corne and Michael Franti at Wanderlust Festival in Vt. in June of 2011.
You could donate here if you feel inclined…
FEAR NOT, GATHER some COURAGE and let the soundscape begin. Be creative and enhance it in your own way. Go ahead, make some joyful noise and see how sensation changes for the better … Check into your self and get CLEAR by asking yourself daily what do you HEAR??? Can you see your life in relationship to others, all things in perfect cooperation while social harmony is becoming the norm? What if we were all in accord rather then discord? I know this heightened awareness has produced remarkable results for me and paying more attention to the affects of listening and it's interims has brought me extreme enjoyment.
At the end of last summer I attended BhaktiFEST and spotted a workshop being offered by Josh Brill. I had previously downloaded some of Josh’s music and felt an instant affinity to his vibration and the strings of his guitar as he plays. Josh has a new business adventure called OPEN2SOURCE and for your information his music, along with Suzanne’s as well can be found on ITUNES among other places.
Josh’s workshop and the community that participated have enticed me further along my yogic path and I am happy to say in my own words that Josh recently stated he is currently ready to commit to offering more of this information and getting it OUT THERE… or OUT HERE… EVERWHERE…
Following the workshop at BhaktiFEST in September of 2010, Josh made his maiden voyage with some tele-classes; The Mysticism of Sound and Music, An immersion into the Harmony of Sacred Vibration. To help launch this five class series he gave us exponential information via a free offering.
Opening the 3RD Ear
Opening the 3RD Ear
One can still listen to this via the above link. It is worthwhile.
As Rumi says in one of my favorite sufi poems, “The price of kissing is your life.” and I have found that by diving into this fire I can’t see my way out but rather am enjoying hearing my way into fathomable depths. Like a moth drawn to the flame or to the light, I want to dive deeper and deeper into this embodied conscious lifestyle without forgoing the knowledge found in exploration of the deepest darkest corners and crevices.
During the conference call Josh touched on what he describes on his website… “Everything in the universe is in motion, which means everything has a specific vibration, frequency and rhythm. By learning to hear and feel your own unique inner frequencies and rhythms, you can then tune yourself to the rhythm of the universe. When we are in tune, we become open channels to the universal vibration that is the fabric of all existence.
Through the practice of music, we are able to tune our attention, awareness, and consciousness, thereby creating a more harmonious balanced state of being.”
"Tune In to Harmony, Tune Out to Chaos."
Focus areas include:
• Expanding attention and awareness through music
• Opening the Third Ear
• Mantra and chanting
• Establishing and deepening our inner sense of rhythm
• Establishing and deepening our inner sense of pitch
• Musical notes of the chakras
• Toning personal frequencies
• Shifting our energy fields and consciousness through music
• Developing divided awareness
• Secrets of Music from ancient mystery schools
• How to sing in tune
• Active listening
For more about Josh Brill check out his work here:
http://joshbrill.com/?page_id=27
HOW DOES THIS SOUND TO YOU???? Does your present reality include circumstantial chaos? If that is the case does it feel combative or more like divine chaos?
There is a whole world of sound to explore. Historically, the ancient seers as well as modern day alchemical magicians and others have utilized sound for both healing and for destruction. The fascinating thing is that one can do this practice ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, and by attuning to certain frequencies one can change the course of one’s life. Please don’t be scared off or intimidated by what I am writing, but rather open up your heart, your ears and your mind. Say yes, remembering sound affects the mind and the brain and know I will leave some mystery to how this happens so that you can delve into the process on your own in your own time and in your own way. I have so enjoyed the unfolding limitless I do not want to be the spoiler of your good fun. I do love mellifluous sounds and want to share my intrigue. Each of my days have always provided a multitude of new symphonies to listen to, to harmonize with and to get me on my feet dancing. I am so thankful for having been open to this practice and to have never shunned the space between the notes when God talks to me and I listen intently setting new intentions with this guidance. I am appreciative of this BLOG as a place to share that I have found sound workshops extremely powerful and to promote a few of my teachers.
Currently more information is being presented and can be found alongside of an ever-expanding community as a natural shift is occurring. Bhakti Yoga, Mantra and Kirtan or ecstatic chant is becoming more widely understood and like the more traditional Indian Ragas bear the listener wonder-filled moments of auspicious awe. Don’t take my word for it, with so many varied paths and practices to finding union by design, to become acutely aware of transformation and the power of the trinity, it may take a while to find one with appeal. I don’t think the masses are wrong when it comes to what they hear? Comprehension may be another story but I have recognized long ago that accuracy in listening can be the KISS of BLISS… Holy mother of a thousand things, among them our ears, with our capabilities to tune into the frequencies that inspire us, and away from the ones that do not, I bow to you for delivering the richness of many varied and beautiful concerts to my EARS… Namaste.
