ANANDA

MY INTENDED GIFT TO YOU
In offering this event, it is my intention to create the sacred space in which you have the chance to let go of your mind, open your heart and lose yourself in the freedom of your soul’s joy. In this way you bring yourself into higher communication with your true self, your Divine Being. It is a release from your worries, fears, and problems of everyday, and a coming into celebration – of you and community.  

RAISING YOUR VIBRATION
As you allow your expression of joy and play to take form through chanting, drumming and dancing, you shift your energy vibration to one of vibrancy. You come alive and give new breath to your inner space where your own sense of happiness begins.

HEALING THE EARTH
But you do not only give this gift of peace to yourself. As you create joy in this circle of friendship, you become a part of the change we wish to see in this world – a humanity united as one, in understanding, compassion and love. This is the call – to heal the earth, beginning with yourself.

Regardless of our spiritual beliefs or religious backgrounds, I believe that we all seek to know the Presence of All That Is in our own hearts. This event is one way to initiate, deepen or celebrate just that.

HONOURING YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE
Each of us is unique in our journey, so your experience will be your own, within the intention I have set. Whatever that experience is for you will be held in acceptance. This is a sacred space and so we trust what unfolds. There is no requirement here- simply be.

HERE'S WHAT SOME PARTICIPANTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE at PAST EVENTS:

"I left just feeling at peace, with joy in my heart. WONDERFUL!!! Highly recommended!" Patti, Merrickville

"It was absolutely amazing and I enjoyed it from beginning to end."
M, Brockville

"I loved it all! It was like a homecoming to me, as I met some old friends and we were in that very special community energy. It was very uplifting to me and a nice mix of all the things I like, drumming, dancing and chanting. Thanks for all your efforts and creativity." Lise, Brockville

"What an awesome experience last night was for me.  I was completely energized on getting home and was productive for some hours. On early morning waking the next day I had a vision: I saw an oval shaped, very dark coloured, egglike, fetal symbol that relatively quickly unfolded/uncurled and turned and swirled inside out to reveal a totally clear wondrous feeling and bright light. I immediately felt as if it were a birth/re-birth of 'Joy' - no time to even question what it was. I had an answer! I come from parents, grandparents and aunts, uncles, and cousins who are 'musical'.  I was told I was the exception - 'I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket'. But I feel I found my voice, my beat, my Joy last night, and with the dawn came the symbolic truth of this. I offer great gratitude to you and last evening for this. Thank you." Sylvia, Kemptville


WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Through our voices and bodies - our miraculous instruments of Divine creation – we’ll create beautiful sound and joyous energy.

Chanting is an ancient practice of repeating sacred sounds, words or phrases in rhythm. Often the words originate from the Indian language of Sanskrit, but our understanding of them is universal for they evoke a remembrance in our hearts and souls. While their literal meaning speaks to us of spiritual truths, their power also lies in the healing effect derived from their pronunciation, the enlivened sound of creation. When we chant, we activate the 84 meridian points on the roof of our mouths. Like plucking the strings on a harp, we stimulate the brain and nervous system, send a vibration throughout our bodies, and create a healing resonance. In short, chanting tunes and attunes us. When chants are sung without judgment, genuine freedom, and surrender, it is truly possible to experience bliss and fullfill the longing in our soul to Be one with Spirit.


At times, we'll be chanting without music and let our voices blend in exquisite harmony. But we'll always chant together. Sometimes I will lead by chanting the verse and then the group will repeat it. This call and response format is called Kirtan.

To enrich the experience we'll also chant along with the soulful music and gifted voices of such well-known artists as Deva Premal, Krishna Das or Snatam Kaur.


Drumming adds even greater intimacy to our circle. As we each join in the play of the rhythm, we become one beat, one pulse that communicates togetherness and harmony. Don’t think you have rhythm? Not so. Your breath is rhythm, brushing your teeth is a rhythm, walking is a rhythm…………..


Swept up in the energy of this joy, it’s only natural to want to put your whole body into it – let you feet move. Ecstatic dance is another way of proclaiming to Spirit, “Thank you for the miracle of me.” When you let the vibration of the music rise up through your feet and let the dance do you, truly let go, you surrender to the unknown, the wondrous chaos that is so much a part of the Great Mystery. Then dance becomes a form of moving meditation, an intoxicating invocation, a prayer that is alive.