Music features prominently in our workshop and we are very aware of its power to evoke many different emotional states. Nevertheless I am always glad to be reminded of this power when something new comes to my attention. Here is the latest 'something'.

If you are not already familiar with the music of Deva Premal you are in for a wonderful relaxing treat. We play her recordings a lot in The Opening the Heart Workshop because her chants create a healing ambience that supports the work of participants.

Donna, Linda, Jon and I are delighted to be attending her live concert at the Somerville Theatre when she visits New England this April. In the meantime here is a taster. I suggest taking a break from whatever you're doing, taking a few cleansing breaths, closing your eyes and sinking into the sounds. (The slide show of beautiful spring flowers looks good too at this time of year in the wintery north-east - even if the transitions are a little too fast) Relax and enjoy!

Yemaya Assessu - Deva Premal

Perhaps you'll be moved to participate in the upcoming Opening the Heart Workshop, this March 19 - 21 at Kripalu Insitute, Stockbridge, MA

There are so many unlikely gems on YouYube. Following up on the popularity Kate Wolf's Give Yourself to Love at a recent Opening the Heart Workshop I did a YouTube search and discovered this beautiful version by Genesis Fermin.

Genesis is a Filipino singer living in Northern California. I love her pure and unassuming rendition of this lovely song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuehXvo28-4

Many participants coming to the Opening the Heart Workshop™ ask the question:

'What was the music you were playing when we were coming in?'

More often than not it was a recording by Deva Premal.

Deva Premal's music creates an open hearted space that feels completely safe, warm, inviting and deep. Her interpretations of ancient Hindu chants are respectful of tradition while being very accessible to the modern ear.

In the first video Deva Premal talks about and sings the Gyatri Mantra in an intimate, informal setting with a group of teenage students. She shares some of her own story and the particular significance that the Gyatri Manta has played in her life. The audio quality of the recording is not that great at the beginning but inproves when the chant begins. I love experiencing the connection that Premal engenders with this group of young people.

The second video is of the Gyatri Mantra performed in a more formal setting with a larger audience.

Enjoy these videos and check out Deva Premal's website for more information. 

Check out this video and remember your experience at Opening the Heart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faZlbbRumZs