Voice of the Desert
Each Mantra & Medicine weekend is an initiation into a different season and thereby another aspect of our human selves. We take you deeper into the world of the transformative power of music.
Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.
Every culture on the planet has their unique type of music. Even though each culture is unique, music unites all races, and has been used throughout history in rites, ceremonies and prayers.
In our Mantra & Medicine weekend ‘ Voice of the Desert’ we take you on a journey through time as we fuse the evocative music of bygone eras of the old Achaemenid Empire with Persia at it’s heart and the Arabian realms around it. The enchantment of the Middle East extends far beyond its stunning deserts and ancient cities. It lies in the rich culture, interwoven with myths, legends, and a deep sense of spirituality, it evokes a sense of wonder and magic.
Middle Eastern music is a journey of the senses. It enchants you with its hypnotic rhythms, drawing you into a trance-like state.
Mantra singing is rooted in Bhakti Yoga; the path of love and devotion. It’s where the heart surrenders to the divine, to the current of life, to the fire within.
In Sufism it’s called Ishq-e-Haqiqi, divine love.
As Rumi says:
“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.”
Tales from the Middle East
In the Friday evening program of this retreat we we welcome you with a sound-experience, to start your journey with a sense of wonder and relaxation. Our aim is to bring back the feeling of the المجلس ‘Majlis’, which translates to “a place of sitting” or “gathering” in Arabic. It traditionally refers to a space where people come together to share food, connect with each other, play music, tell stories, recite poems and discuss things. It’s a space where the bonds of community are forged and where guests are welcomed with warmth and offered food and refreshments. In this special opening session where you will be invited to sit or lay down in a relaxed way, we blend the soothing resonance of our instruments and our voices with the captivating art of storytelling.
Kemetic Yoga ~ Serpent Power
This Saturday morning movement session focuses on energising the body and cultivating a heightened awareness of the subtle energies that flow within. It’s known to many cultures and mystical traditions all over the world that there is a universal life force. Our life force can get activated and awakened under certain conditions to strengthen or purify us and bring us into a higher consciousness.
Kemetic Yoga, with it’s poses that are engraved into temple walls, originated in Egypt and is practiced at a slow pace.
Ceremonial Singing Circle
In Saturday’s ceremony we will sing songs in Arabic, Hebrew and some prayers from ancient Egypt. Music is a universal language that knows no boundaries or barriers. It has the power to build bridges. It reminds us that we are all connected in our hearts. Regardless of our background. when we sing and make music together, we become one and our shared humanity shines through.
When we chant as a group, supported by live music and the medicine of the moment, something shifts. You can feel the room change. You can feel yourself change. The power of the mantra magnifies, and all you need to do is surrender to it. And in that space, magic happens.
Breathwork
Breath is the essence of life, an involuntary action that sustains us from the moment we are born. In each of our events, we invite different experts in Wim Hof, Conscious connected breathing or Psychedelic Breath. Breathwork is a practice that harnesses the power of conscious, controlled breathing to influence our mental, emotional, and physical states. It encourages the release of suppressed emotions, offering a cathartic experience. This can aid in addressing unresolved issues and fostering emotional well-being. It also improves your immune system, eliminates toxins from the body and enhances your lung capacity.
The experiences and insights gained on the previous day can stir up emotions and feelings. The Sunday morning Breathwork session provides a safe and supportive environment for releasing any residual emotional blockages and helps you leave with a sense of emotional clarity.
