Greetings from 3am at a Super 8 Motel somewhere in Pennsylvania. We've just arrived and checked in to get some rest after our last Kirtan of the tour -- hard to believe we were chanting Kirtan just a few hours ago at Ten Thousand Joys in Frederick, MD. A really great group turned out tonight, including Christian's father, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew! Patrick at the bookstore treated us like superstars and we had a great group of chanters, even running about 30 minutes overtime. After we were done, we packed the car up and hit the road, determined to make a dent in our 28 hour drive back home and trying to get back to Albuquerque by Monday night.
Thanks to everyone who made the tour so special, for hosting us, buying CDs and being generous in many, many ways. We'll be back on tour in the Spring as we head to Kripalu in May.
Much love,
Dharmashakti
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Princeton NJ
Thanks to the good folks at the Princeton IYI for a lovely time last night. Just before the Kirtan, I had to do a quick harmonium repair, which led me to have Super Glue stuck to my fingers. This not only felt strange while playing, but also gave me a great meditation on the act of reciting mantra or repeating the sutras. Like super glue, it sticks hard when it's applied and feels like it will last forever, but even super glue will rub off after a day or two. To keep that "feeling" of having the adhesive permanently applied, it's best to reapply... teachings will feel as if they are stuck forever, but after a day or two, the meaning will diminish without reapplication.
Special thanks to Ron and Naemi for hosting us last night and being so loving and gentle.
Love
Dharmashakti
Special thanks to Ron and Naemi for hosting us last night and being so loving and gentle.
Love
Dharmashakti
Friday, October 17, 2008
Long Island, NY and Sewell, NJ
Hello friends and chanters
It's been a couple of days since we've had internet access so the blog is a little behind, but we just found our way to a oasis of free Wi-Fi at a Dunkin' Donuts in New Jersey so we're back online!
Wednesday night was yet another presidential candidate debate and Kirtan competition. Once again, I think the dueling senators may have carried the majority of the attention, but the folks who gathered with us at the GrohWell office in Merrick, NY on Long Island were the perfect way for us to spend enjoying chanting and bliss. The most wonderful treat was also the Hicks family who hosted us for the night. Their daughter, Tara, was our Junior Production Assistant and helped us get set up. After Kirtan, we sat up with Linda and talked about music until the wee hours. The next day, Randy woke us up with a homemade breakfast for more good conversation while I got the delight of holding baby Zachary. They were such a lovely family and so generous.
Last night, Thursday, we had the extra-special treat of an evening with the sangha at Natural Path Wellness Center in Sewell, NJ. The owner, Christine, gathered an amazing group of yogis together for chanting and even loaned us her beautiful Ganesha to join us on the "magic carpet." Everyone was so generous -- I think nearly everyone left a small donation and took a CD home with them. Christian and I have a gentle disagreement about what was the highlight moment of last night, he says it was the very powerful "OM Namah Shivaya" and I was thinking the very fun time we spent with "Devi Ma." Still, I would have to take a 3rd position and say it was the "Svaha" with the many heartfelt prayers and thanksgivings. Afterward, the energy in the room was so prayerful and charged. The fire built with all of the voices in the studio felt like it was still burning in the hearts and minds of us all. WOW!
This morning, after the car was (yet again) packed and ready to go, Christian turned to me and said, "I can't believe we've just done 9 events." It seems like it's been just an eyeblink since we've started and now we're getting closer to the end of the first tour. Two more to go, as we head back north just a tad for an evening at our final Integral Yoga center stop this time, Princeton.
Much love,
Dharmashakti
It's been a couple of days since we've had internet access so the blog is a little behind, but we just found our way to a oasis of free Wi-Fi at a Dunkin' Donuts in New Jersey so we're back online!
Wednesday night was yet another presidential candidate debate and Kirtan competition. Once again, I think the dueling senators may have carried the majority of the attention, but the folks who gathered with us at the GrohWell office in Merrick, NY on Long Island were the perfect way for us to spend enjoying chanting and bliss. The most wonderful treat was also the Hicks family who hosted us for the night. Their daughter, Tara, was our Junior Production Assistant and helped us get set up. After Kirtan, we sat up with Linda and talked about music until the wee hours. The next day, Randy woke us up with a homemade breakfast for more good conversation while I got the delight of holding baby Zachary. They were such a lovely family and so generous.
Last night, Thursday, we had the extra-special treat of an evening with the sangha at Natural Path Wellness Center in Sewell, NJ. The owner, Christine, gathered an amazing group of yogis together for chanting and even loaned us her beautiful Ganesha to join us on the "magic carpet." Everyone was so generous -- I think nearly everyone left a small donation and took a CD home with them. Christian and I have a gentle disagreement about what was the highlight moment of last night, he says it was the very powerful "OM Namah Shivaya" and I was thinking the very fun time we spent with "Devi Ma." Still, I would have to take a 3rd position and say it was the "Svaha" with the many heartfelt prayers and thanksgivings. Afterward, the energy in the room was so prayerful and charged. The fire built with all of the voices in the studio felt like it was still burning in the hearts and minds of us all. WOW!
This morning, after the car was (yet again) packed and ready to go, Christian turned to me and said, "I can't believe we've just done 9 events." It seems like it's been just an eyeblink since we've started and now we're getting closer to the end of the first tour. Two more to go, as we head back north just a tad for an evening at our final Integral Yoga center stop this time, Princeton.
Much love,
Dharmashakti
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Cambridge, Massachusetts and SONI Yoga
Spent a fantastic evening at Soni Yoga in Cambridge last night. It was a Devi choir as a group of all women and just one man joined us for Kirtan. They were so charming and lovely (and made the best semi-circles on the floor I've ever seen!). The chanting went very well as most of them had been to Kirtan before, which surprised me because I thought they had not chanted before, but WOW! The studio was so beautiful and I was happy to discover that Soni (the studio's namesake) loves candles as much as I do -- the place was on fire... err... metaphorically, anyway. Cambridge also marked some real growth in ideas I've been trying to develop on this tour, such as: hugs from everyone who attends in the spirit of Amma - I've just been feeling like everyone (including me) needs more hugs; and using the Svaha chant as a metaphor for actually building the fire into which we offer the prayers and thanksgivings of the sangha - you can FEEL the energy change as people begin to inhabit that intention of receiving the offerings into they fire they've created with their voices.
Christian also pointed out to me that a particular highlight was a bite of pumpkin cheesecake that we share with Soni and her husband David, brought in by one of their students. It was the most luscious thing I think I've ever eaten!
Tonight is finally our night off and I think we're ready for it. But we'll be back with more Kirtan on Long Island come Thursday night.
Om shanti and love
Dharmashakti
Christian also pointed out to me that a particular highlight was a bite of pumpkin cheesecake that we share with Soni and her husband David, brought in by one of their students. It was the most luscious thing I think I've ever eaten!
Tonight is finally our night off and I think we're ready for it. But we'll be back with more Kirtan on Long Island come Thursday night.
Om shanti and love
Dharmashakti
Monday, October 13, 2008
Chanting in Danvers, Massachusetts
What an amazing time we had last night with the folks at the Healing Arts Center at Wadsworth Village. The sangha leader, Kelly, gathered a great group of folks together in the restored barn at Wadsworth Village in Danvers -- BEE-U-TEA-FUL space. Most had never chanted before but, wow, they did a terrific job. The harder chants seemed a little scary for most at first, but before long, everyone was swaying and singing and having a blissed out time. We were joined by a drummer (and gypsy) friend of Kelly's, Pamala Chandra Lunz, who really added to the evening and actually helped us figure out how to do live drums and Christian's synth drums very well and very smoothly. She brought a lot of love and sensitivity to the Kirtan and we were grateful for her. Afterward, it was sushi and late night conversation with Kelly and Chandra -- we seem to be having a lot of these, so folks back in Albuquerque should be ready for two very blissed out chanters to return home in just over 1 week.
Tonight we're heading to SoniYoga in Cambridge. We're half-way through the tour and it just keeps getting better and better.
Love,
Dharmashakti
Tonight we're heading to SoniYoga in Cambridge. We're half-way through the tour and it just keeps getting better and better.
Love,
Dharmashakti
Sunday, October 12, 2008
New York, New York
Last night was Integral Yoga – New York… home. Wow! What a great time! First of all, thanksgivings and cheers to our good friends, Last night was Integral Yoga – New York… home. Wow! What a great time! First of all, thanksgivings and cheers to our good friends, Brian Adler (tablas), Nina Katchadourian (vocals), and Justin Wood (saxophones and flutes). Christian seemed happy to have a night off from playing percussion on laptop and he and Justin were this incredible philharmonic horn section that really made things HUGE. Brian is a wizard at not only keeping us all together but also “singing” on his tablas. At one point in rehearsal, I was listening to him so intently and happily that I forgot to sing! Nina is talented and quick -- she picked up even the most complicated chants and led the audience through them as if she’d been doing them longer than I have. Also, someone I don’t point out enough... Christian. He played great and he’s such a constant companion and light. When I get road-weary or feel like I “just need a break,” I look over and Christian is just doing his work with dedication, great talent and without flagging. Thank you, Christian.
The chanting was great with LOTS of people who’d never chanted before. Afterward, I asked people who’d like one to share a hug with me and got many, wonderful hugs and conversations with beautiful friends, old and new. Of course, since we’re back “home” in New York, we also had a great time going out with friends after the Kirtan for food, laughs and that fantastically fast New York conversation that leaves you both exhilarated and exhausted! It was an incredibly eclectic group of friends that included Bobra (whom I met when I first came to NYC in 1993 and who is still wondering how I went from wanting to produce the first all-male version of “Dreamgirls” to becoming a yoga teacher and chanter); Bob (a genuine intellectual with whom I sang in the a cappella group Sons & Lovers in the 90s); David (fellow 2001 OMI resident and a true musician’s musician); Megan, actress, real-estate maven and fellow artist from my days wandering the hallways of New York’s greatest investment banks; Nina (from the night’s Kirtan with her new CD “The Marfa Jingles”); Christian’s friend, Lily (guitarist extraordinaire); and Amy (whom I met just before leaving NYC -- who says you can’t make new friends at the last minute? -- and who has declared us to be BFFs, much to my delight). SO MUCH FUN! Christian stayed out even later than I did -- the poor Dharmashakti had a big crash! -- and had a good time talking late into the night with Lily.
This morning (Sunday), we’re up and at a cafe because we were sleeping in a yoga classroom and had to clear out for them to reset for the day. I’m writing this at a cool spot on 8th Avenue that USED to have free internet, but doesn’t anymore. Will post it as soon as I can, but it’s an interesting reminder that even familiar things and places are constantly changing. That said, New York is New York still -- big, loud and beautiful. I don’t feel as if I’ve been gone for nearly a year; it seems like 5 minutes ago. So, I don’t really miss it here. I miss people, but thanks to the web and cell phones, who really needs to miss anyone? Being here for 24 hours reminds me of the many, many good things I did during my 15 years here. But I guess it makes be a bad New Yorker now to say that I also miss the big, blue New Mexico skies and my sweet dog nuzzling my neck... even more than I’ve missed having a good bagel.
Next stop Boston!
Much love,
Dharmashakti.
The chanting was great with LOTS of people who’d never chanted before. Afterward, I asked people who’d like one to share a hug with me and got many, wonderful hugs and conversations with beautiful friends, old and new. Of course, since we’re back “home” in New York, we also had a great time going out with friends after the Kirtan for food, laughs and that fantastically fast New York conversation that leaves you both exhilarated and exhausted! It was an incredibly eclectic group of friends that included Bobra (whom I met when I first came to NYC in 1993 and who is still wondering how I went from wanting to produce the first all-male version of “Dreamgirls” to becoming a yoga teacher and chanter); Bob (a genuine intellectual with whom I sang in the a cappella group Sons & Lovers in the 90s); David (fellow 2001 OMI resident and a true musician’s musician); Megan, actress, real-estate maven and fellow artist from my days wandering the hallways of New York’s greatest investment banks; Nina (from the night’s Kirtan with her new CD “The Marfa Jingles”); Christian’s friend, Lily (guitarist extraordinaire); and Amy (whom I met just before leaving NYC -- who says you can’t make new friends at the last minute? -- and who has declared us to be BFFs, much to my delight). SO MUCH FUN! Christian stayed out even later than I did -- the poor Dharmashakti had a big crash! -- and had a good time talking late into the night with Lily.
This morning (Sunday), we’re up and at a cafe because we were sleeping in a yoga classroom and had to clear out for them to reset for the day. I’m writing this at a cool spot on 8th Avenue that USED to have free internet, but doesn’t anymore. Will post it as soon as I can, but it’s an interesting reminder that even familiar things and places are constantly changing. That said, New York is New York still -- big, loud and beautiful. I don’t feel as if I’ve been gone for nearly a year; it seems like 5 minutes ago. So, I don’t really miss it here. I miss people, but thanks to the web and cell phones, who really needs to miss anyone? Being here for 24 hours reminds me of the many, many good things I did during my 15 years here. But I guess it makes be a bad New Yorker now to say that I also miss the big, blue New Mexico skies and my sweet dog nuzzling my neck... even more than I’ve missed having a good bagel.
Next stop Boston!
Much love,
Dharmashakti.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Yogaville, Richmond and New Berlin
Catching up on the tour now...
Had a really beautiful time at YOGAVILLE, where we joined in a Puja (offering) with some new chants we wrote en route that turned out really great. The folks at Yogaville were really generous and the Kirtan went well. It was also wonderful to spend time at the ashram, meditating at the LOTUS temple (ecumenical chapels), walking through the woods and eating amazing and nutritional meals. It was also good to see a familiar face or two, including Swami Bhaktananda, who I met while I was in teacher training at IYI New York. She was a delight as always and I think she and Christian got on really well. We also really enjoyed our time with the events coordinator and very kind Swami Joytimananda and the very dear Reverend Saraswati, who was very happy that we offer two chants featuring her namesake, Saraswati.
Next, we headed to Richmond, Virginia and the lovely home of Kamala Coleman, a very devoted Integral Yogini (and mother of Gavin and Shanti). We sang poolside (yes!) under the stars on a beautiful Virginia night and even made a little video that we'll post on YouTube once we're back home again. It was a wonderful stay.
Last night, we traveled off the beaten path to Integral Yoga of Pennsylvania in New Berlin with a great night of Kirtan with the young Sangha there. The founder, Sudarman, is a loving and delightful light who hosted us with gratitude and joy. They hadn't had Kirtan in a long time and everyone was happy to dance and sing, taking instruments and making noise and trying something very new. I was SO impressed with the community that he's gathered together. After the Kirtan, Christian and I sat with him on the floor of this remarkable facility (a converted brick church) and talked about yoga and the teachings. We talked a lot about the idea that we are always seeking the path TO enlightenment as opposed to spending time BEING ON the path OF enlightenment. That was a great contemplation and I'm looking forward to heading to New York tonight to lead Kirtan at my yogic alma mater, IYI-NYC.
Until next time,
Dharmashakti
Had a really beautiful time at YOGAVILLE, where we joined in a Puja (offering) with some new chants we wrote en route that turned out really great. The folks at Yogaville were really generous and the Kirtan went well. It was also wonderful to spend time at the ashram, meditating at the LOTUS temple (ecumenical chapels), walking through the woods and eating amazing and nutritional meals. It was also good to see a familiar face or two, including Swami Bhaktananda, who I met while I was in teacher training at IYI New York. She was a delight as always and I think she and Christian got on really well. We also really enjoyed our time with the events coordinator and very kind Swami Joytimananda and the very dear Reverend Saraswati, who was very happy that we offer two chants featuring her namesake, Saraswati.
Next, we headed to Richmond, Virginia and the lovely home of Kamala Coleman, a very devoted Integral Yogini (and mother of Gavin and Shanti). We sang poolside (yes!) under the stars on a beautiful Virginia night and even made a little video that we'll post on YouTube once we're back home again. It was a wonderful stay.
Last night, we traveled off the beaten path to Integral Yoga of Pennsylvania in New Berlin with a great night of Kirtan with the young Sangha there. The founder, Sudarman, is a loving and delightful light who hosted us with gratitude and joy. They hadn't had Kirtan in a long time and everyone was happy to dance and sing, taking instruments and making noise and trying something very new. I was SO impressed with the community that he's gathered together. After the Kirtan, Christian and I sat with him on the floor of this remarkable facility (a converted brick church) and talked about yoga and the teachings. We talked a lot about the idea that we are always seeking the path TO enlightenment as opposed to spending time BEING ON the path OF enlightenment. That was a great contemplation and I'm looking forward to heading to New York tonight to lead Kirtan at my yogic alma mater, IYI-NYC.
Until next time,
Dharmashakti
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
1st Night - Namaste Yoga Sanctuary, Asheville
Well, we're back from the first night of our first tour. What a lovely evening we had with the Sangha at Namaste Yoga here in Asheville. We were up against the Presidential debate on TV tonight and still there was a wonderful group of chanters who showed up to spend a couple of hours with us. We chanted our new Devi Ma chant and it went really well, also it was terrific to play with other live musicians because we could do a Talking Stick, which are always great experiences. Tonight we played with members of Sangita Devi: Renjit, Kalidas and William brought amazing energy and expression to the chants and really lifted us up. Christian's friend, Sara Jane (whom we hadn't seen since she left New Mexico a few weeks ago), came by and also stayed after to help us pack up, which was SO helpful. Afterwards, we went out to this crazy spot for dinner -- all very natural and organic... with hard rock playing loudly in the back ground as a gentle reminder that we were the last customers and they were all ready to go home. It's late now and Christian has just put still more finishing touches... like yoga, the work never actually ends. Tomorrow we head to Yogaville and the last night of Navaratri.
Peace.
Dharmashakti
Peace.
Dharmashakti
The Tour Begins!
Christian Patrick and I have made it safely from Albuquerque to Asheville, NC for our first Kirtan tonight. The drive was both eventful and non-eventful. We made it to Amarillo our first night because we were late leaving New Mexico, but the 2nd day we drove a long day all the way to Nashville, Tennessee. Along the way we talked and laughed, and worked on new chants. We're leading Kirtan for a Saraswati Puja on Wedneday night at Yogaville and still hadn't found the perfect Devi chant -- but somewhere in Oklahoma, inspiration struck! So, now we're really excited about this new chant we'll be introducing tonight in Asheville.
We actually got here a day early just to get our minds and bodies transistioned from long-road trip to Kirtan. Derek, the studio owner at Namaste in Asheville, joined us for a beautiful Japanese dinner last night with amazing stories and wonderful conversation. Later, we went by his place to meet his cats and sing a little together. He played the Sitar with us on the new "Devi Ma" chant and then we all did "On OM" together. Afterwards, he expressed his surprise at the many extended trombone techniques Christian is using to create the "Vritti" or distractions. Oh, and we had a beautiful cup of tea, too -- that was the perfect nightcap.
Today, we slept in a little, worked a little and now we're going to explore Asheville for a bit before setting up at Namaste in a few hours. This is so exciting!
Peace, joy, love and light
Dharmashakti
We actually got here a day early just to get our minds and bodies transistioned from long-road trip to Kirtan. Derek, the studio owner at Namaste in Asheville, joined us for a beautiful Japanese dinner last night with amazing stories and wonderful conversation. Later, we went by his place to meet his cats and sing a little together. He played the Sitar with us on the new "Devi Ma" chant and then we all did "On OM" together. Afterwards, he expressed his surprise at the many extended trombone techniques Christian is using to create the "Vritti" or distractions. Oh, and we had a beautiful cup of tea, too -- that was the perfect nightcap.
Today, we slept in a little, worked a little and now we're going to explore Asheville for a bit before setting up at Namaste in a few hours. This is so exciting!
Peace, joy, love and light
Dharmashakti
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Kirtan at Shakti Yoga
Just got home from a beautiful and lovely evening with the good people at Shakti Yoga Center (Jai Pam and Alice!) on Staten Island. Tonight's Kirtan was especially moving for me as it really marked several endings and new beginnings in my life and I just basked in the glow of change as it happened before my eyes. The musicians were great. Sanchie joined us on the violin and although she wasn't at the rehearsal, she added so much to what we offered tonight. It was funny because she originally said, "I just want to play on a couple of things" but then she felt inspired to play everything. Wow, what a treat! Lily Maase was terrific on guitar, as were Brian Adler on tablas and Damaru on percussion and backing vocals. We had a very nice improvisation going and I was struck by the number of folks who enjoyed experiencing the improvisation, especially those who don't usually listen to "new music." I think it really helps using the "Talking Stick" to guide the audience during this kind of music. I've gotten a lot of resistance from other experimental artists about engaging the audience, but I truly believe that it's important to be "in the room" when one presents either artistic work or valuable teachings. The audience was SO with us and I think it made the improvisation stronger. Regardles, I was just thrilled with the sounds we made during this piece tonight. Boom, boom (segue). During the Kirtan, I noticed that I'd never performed with anyone on stage with me -- so it was a marvelous "first date!" I'm really looking forward to Integral Yoga on Saturday the 26th.
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