Singing Circle with Cacao

This singing circle, hosted in ‘the Temple of Light’ a beautiful wooden yurt, is an intimate gathering where you can learn and sing Medicine songs. We will immerse ourselves in the musical and spiritual traditions of Central and South America, as we sing songs in Spanish, Portuguese, Native American and English.

We celebrate the Autumn equinox, when the sun appears directly above Earth’s equator.

This singing circle will be facilitated by me (Pleuni Apollonia) and Robert Tolenaars. Supported by our guitar, shruti box, and the medicine drum, we help you open your voices. Our purpose with this event is to create an intimate space to connect. Medicine songs hold boundless healing power, they are prayers and invocations that carry the wisdom and healing energies of their cultures. Some of these songs have been a part of ancient cultures for as long as we know, and have been used to bring balance, healing and restoration. They celebrate the cycles of life, the beauty of creation, and the interconnectedness of all beings. They honour the elements (earth, water, fire, and air) and the spirits that inhabit them and they serve as reminders of our intrinsic relationship with the natural world and the divine forces that guide us.

We believe that music connects us all. When we use singing as a spiritual practice, we harmonise our voices and hearts, creating a sense of community and opening ourselves to deeper layers of self and each other.

We will create a bedding with loving presence for you to come into deep embodied resonance with your true nature. We want to give you the opportunity to become part of a growing community that uses music as a spiritual practice, to open, expand, celebrate, transform and connect.

About Mantra singing
When we chant mantras or sing beautiful songs, we harmonise and synchronise the internal rhythms of the mind and body. Singing is a language of emotions. It can tap into the depths of one’s feelings, revealing layers of suppressed emotions or unspoken truths. Singing with purpose and intention helps infusing each note with the energy of your desires.

The Sanskrit word “Mantra” is derived from the root Man– “to think”. In India mantras are considered to be a powerful prayer or sacred utterance. A mantra can be a verbal instrument to produce something in one’s mind. Singing the ancient words with subtle intentions will help you to reach a deep state of meditation. By simply repeating the mantras, you can disconnect from your thoughts. The mantra becomes more abstract so it can lead you into a place of pure consciousness. Each mantra with its different sound has another effect on the human psyche. The sound vibrations penetrate every cell of the body.

The spirit of Cacao
At this event, we also serve ceremonial cacao. Given that the singing circle takes place in the evening, and cacao is an energiser, we will be preparing a soft blend with a gentle dose. Cacao ceremonies originate all the way back to Mayan and Aztec traditions in central and south America. Cacao opens the heart and allows for a deeper, authentic love based connection with yourself, others, the earth and all of life. Also called ‘Food of the Gods, Cacao has been used for centuries in spiritual practices and rituals and contains many beneficial minerals. It is really high in magnesium, chromium, calcium, zinc, iron and sulfer. Another amazing fact: it makes us happy. When combined with singing, cacao connects us with the music on a deeper level. It creates a sense of unity and openness, allowing our voices to flow freely and harmoniously. 

Potluck
As a beautiful ending of the evening, we will share food. Bring your favourite dish, whether it’s a homemade recipe or a simple snack, and enjoy a delicious meal together.

Location ~ Temple of Light
This yurt stands in the garden of AVANI retreat in the forest of Brabant, Helvoirt. The cozy space, also called ‘Temple of Light’ is crafted entirely from wood and designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The yurt features a roof that can open up, allowing us to sing under the stars and breathe in the fresh air. Inside, the yurt is illuminated with coloured lighting. At the heart of the yurt, embedded in the floor, lies a nirvana quartz crystal. In the pond you can find all kinds of wildlife, and you are allowed to take a dip if you dare 😉

What to Bring:
~ Your voice and an open heart
~ Comfortable clothing suitable for sitting and singing
~ A water bottle to stay hydrated
~ Instruments! Guitars, medicine drums, djembé’s, shakers…