Greetings! 
Early February is the time of 'Imbolc' the ancient Celtic festival - the word stems from an Old Irish word meaning 'in the belly', referring to the time of pregnant ewes - maybe not so personally relevant to most of us, but a great image! It is essentially a time of celebration for the lengthening of days, preparing for the birth of Spring. Its a time for healing, purification, water of deep wells, and the heat and light of candles and fires. I like the sense of 'in the belly' - a warm image for all our hopes, dreams, and intentions for 2012. 

Rajeswar and I were very nourished by our time in Scotland over Christmas and New Year -click to hear his duet with the fabulous Jen - a singer we met just minutes beforehand...

It can also be a challenging time of year - and so my 'quote of the month' to inspire us to express all the dimensions of our condition, comes from the master; Leonard Cohen:

"As I grew older, I understood that instructions came with this voice. And the instructions were these.... Never to lament casually. And if one is to express the great inevitable defeat that awaits us all, it must be done within the strict confines of dignity and beauty."

So, what better way to support ourselves through transitions and challenges, than singing, sounding, breathing, rooting with 'dignity and beauty'? 

I am rather late in getting this year's programme together - somewhat influenced by the extreme immigration challenges of last year, and Rajeswar being here until Jan 12th - see photo below. The calendar of events is on the left, and some more details are available below, or by contacting me directly. For now, some of the key updates are:

• Heart Song - a one and a half day workshop here in Hove. Opening our bodies and voices, working with resonance, improvisation, breathing, posture, singing from a place of relaxation. FEBRUARY 25th - 2-5pm. FEBRUARY 26th - 10-5pm. £75 EBD (deposit by 17th Feb) or £85. (Sat only - £25 EBD/£30)
• FIRST NATURE TRAINING - the start of this one year training has been POSTPONED - it will now start June/July. So still time to book your place! Contact me for more details. 
• Family Constellation April 13-15th- Andre is organising this w/e with Claus - contact Andre for information/bookings. 
• FEBRUARY 2013 - we are planning a fabulous trip to Bangladesh, Tripura and India - singing and cultural tour. Watch this space!