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Greetings!
"We have fallen into a the place where everything is music. Stop the words now. Open the window in the centre of your chest, and let the spirits fly in and out." Rumi.
Its the time of year when we start to feel our chests open - very physically as the need to huddle against the cold and dark decreases, and our bones and muscles start to relax. Maybe on other levels too, we feel able to lift our heads out of our burrows and feel that tinge of excitement about new life, new possibilities, mirroring nature's Spring rebirth. As I'm soon off to my retreat, I'm sending out more than my one a month newsletters so you all have up to date information. I hope this is helpful rather than a nuisance! We had a very joyful and playful singing session last week and I've just spent the last couple of weekends being very privileged to facilitate two deeply moving, inspiring and heartful Song of the Heart workshops in London and Rennes, France. Really; singing is such a direct path to sweeping away cobwebs of stale energy, cleaning out the passageways on all levels - physically, emotionally, mentally, and blasting our hearts open in the gentlest of ways. It also cuts beneath all the stuff of personalities to help us attune, resonate and harmonise with others at the deepest levels. What better way to launch yourself into Spring!
So do come and join us for these Song of the Heart workshops; if not now, when? If not me, who? | |
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Song of the Heart Workshops
We combine Indian Raga and First Nature body, breath and voice work to create a sanctuary to honour our yearning hearts. The work is gentle and profound. If you want to sing from a place of deep connection, whatever your background or experience, this is for you. After this workshop, you will go away with less, not more. Less tension, baggage, resistance, fewer barriers.
The weekend consists of times spent learning how to sing with the whole body, from a place of profound relaxation. The timeless resonance of Indian raga enables us to drop into a place beyond time, space, personality. We simply sit and repeat phrases sung by the teacher, not worrying about 'getting it right' - there is nothing to get, no goal to attain.
We segue into simple body and breath exercises, opening breath passageways that have atrophied from lack of use, restoring our bodies to their original, simple, natural way of being, breathing, sounding, sitting, standing.
The workshops in Brighton also focus on the Seasons of the year, connecting with nature and incorporating poetry, readings and excursions to the beach and local gardens.
Each workshop completes with a heart-felt sharing of songs from participants' own backgrounds and traditions, always a really special part of the weekend, and usually offering surprising and deeply treasured gifts to the singers and audience alike.
No 'talent' or experience is required - we have many participants who have experienced problems with their voices, been told they 'can't sing', as well as professional musicians and singers who want to go deeper and sing with more resonance, relaxation and fluidity. |
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Photographs of Workshops
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"I feel more courageous in my heart as a result of this workshop - you have given such a gift - made this space so receptive, safe and nurturing." Sheila, teacher, Brighton
"Both trainers put a huge amount of time, love and consideration into responding to the needs of the group within all of the practices. The group is whoever turns up on the day and as we're all human, it's always different.
Looking forward to seeing you at one of the Song of the Heart workshops very soon!
Love and Blessings
Suekali
The Singing Heart
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Practical Details
Dates UK:
April 15th - 17th.Fri (eve) - Sun. Brighton
July 1st -3rd: location tbc (Brighton or London)
Dates Germany:
May 20th - 22nd, Freiburg. | |
Venues: Brighton on the south coast is easily accessible from Gatwick airport, with cheap flights available from France, Ireland, and other European countries. Its also only 20 minutes from Newhaven port - frequent ferries from Dieppe, France. It is only 50 minutes by train from London Victoria.
Frieburg is has cheap flights from many desintations to Basel, the nearest airport.
Costs: UK workshops: Early bird discounts available 4 weeks before the workshop (18th March, 3rd June). £120 for the weekend. After this date, £135. Fri eve/Sat only: EBD £65, then £70 full fee (includes Fri eve, but no reduction if you do not attend Fri eve). Fri eve taster: £15 or £12 EBD.
Germany workshops: please contact Ellen
Times: Fri eve: 7-9.30pm. Sat: 10-6pm. Sun: 10-5pm.
Enquiries and Bookings: As Suekali will be away until April 10th, please contact Judy Lewis by email or +44 1273 475260. A deposit of 50% of the workshop fee guarrantees your place. Contact Judy Lewis for payment details. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. |
Suekali and Judy 
Suekali is a passionate explorer in the realm of singing through the body, from the heart and in the Spirit. She has studied Indian raga since 1988, and her trainings include western classical music, creative arts therapy and First Nature.
Judy Lewis assists Suekali in the Brighton-based workshops and is a First Nature coach and experienced healer, whose work rests in the understanding that, by simply being with what is, we can come home to ourselves. She brings a commitment to finding ways to help heal what is broken in us, to reconnect and inspire. | |
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Testimonials from Workshop Participants
"What was special for me? - We created, with your very capable facilitation, a sacred space, where it was safe to express my vulnerabilities, yearnings and belonging.
What did it give me? - More than anything, space and permission to be the vulnerable child and the powerful woman.
How does if help me in my life? - This is a part of my inner work, my journey. It gives me more strength, support and validation. I am taking with me the love I felt all through the weekend.
Who would I recommend it to? - To anyone who is on a spiritual path and is open to explore and go deeper. I am very grateful to you, Suekali, for offering me this wonderful experience, which I am finding most enriching."
I think it's amazing how we all have different backgrounds, religions, secular beliefs and identities but when we're in this expansive space there's a great sense of mutual respect, dignified openness, tenderness and of course love. It gives me hope for humanity as a whole that this space exists and is open to whoever wants to come.
I feel truly listened to and accepted as I am, however that may be from moment tomoment. This inspires honesty and supports and encourages personal growth."
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