MUSIC AS MEDICINE

Kirtan, Poetry, Sound and Silence

Photo thanks to Murray Ballard

Won't you help to sing these songs of freedom
(Bob Marley)

Kirtan is a deep dive into the heart through co-created song. It is a conversation with that inner place in each one of us that is ever unified with everything in creation; it is a practice of communion with all that is. In our gathered community we mainly sing together in the ancient powerful language of Sanskrit. Each Kirtan repeats simple mantras which invoke a trance-like state within, as well as evoking the spirit of Bhakti: the mood of love. Kirtan is always unique, as everyone in the space adds their voice, and in doing so contributes their special spice to flavour the collective soup we brew together. All are invited to be at home here to express the truth of themselves, through these songs of freedom. We co-create healing sounds, music as medicine, kindling the process of transformation which can move through us as ecstatic or cathartic dancing, sweet tears, deep peaceful stillness, the warmth of an inner joy, or other expressions.

Film thanks to Phil Wildcroft

Photo thanks to Chris Hardy