Yoga Vacation ProgramNovember 1 — 3, 2024
A Sublime Adventure Into the World of Sacred Sound
Brenda McMorrow and John de Kadt
Brenda McMorrow and John de Kadt create a powerful and ecstatic experience of song and sound, featuring Brenda’s exquisite voice and folk-inspired guitar, and John’s mesmerizing percussion and spoken word. Their music and mystic poetry, along with the sublime steel Hang (pronounced “hung”) drum, take us on a stirring, nourishing, and heart opening journey into the world of sacred sound. With Sanskrit Mantra and Kirtan (call and response singing) as the basis, they weave in the power of Spanish ceremonial songs and inspiring English lyrics to create a healing and uplifting tapestry with the audience.
Offered as 3 satsangs and 2 workshops (subject to change).
The presentations associated with this Yoga Vacation Program begin with an 8pm satsang on the first day of the program and conclude with an 8pm satsang on the last day of the program. Click here to read more about the Yoga Vacation Program details and view the ashram schedule for yoga classes and meals during your stay. We suggest you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your program for the optimal experience.
Devotional Chant Artist Brenda McMorrow shares a unique and warmly embracing style of music, in which she blends elements of acoustic folk, world rhythms, ancient Indian mantras and Spanish medicine songs with a sweetly introspective singer-songwriter’s sensibility. Yoga Journal describes Brenda as having “a knack for expressing the deepest realizations in the sparsest lyrics”. Spiritual teacher Ram Dass has said: “Brenda has a gift”, and her music has been touching people’s hearts across the planet.
John de Kadt is an acclaimed percussionist, poet, and storyteller. John plays ethnic percussion instruments from across the globe and has a passion for spoken word, whether it’s in poetry, song, rap, or story. John has released 6 albums which are used widely across the globe for deep rest, dance and inspiration. He plays with kirtan artists worldwide and is a founding member of the devotional music group The Hanumen. Motivated by a love of the earth, community, and wisdom traditions, John’s poetry, story and music stirs the heart and awakens us towards a remembrance of ourselves and the wildness of the natural world.
Workshop 1: Drum Story, with John de Kadt
Our ancestors have left crumb trails behind them through the darkening forests towards something greater than our small selves. Come dive into the deeper shadows and shimmering brilliance of your psyche and soul through the wisdom in ancient tales. Follow kings and queens, serpents and sages, hags and hunters, wild horses and princesses through the trials and magic of being human.
These myths left by our ancestors are neglected treasures to be taken in, and assimilated becoming nourishment and wisdom for our journey. Be carried through the adventurous doors of these stories accompanied by a rich tapestry of drums as time pauses and together we go on a passage of insight and enchantment.
Workshop 2: Inspiration Through expression: Vocal Freedom with Brenda McMorrow
Join Brenda in this special 90 minute workshop to create more space and inspiration for our unique voices to emerge! We will share fun and supportive sounding exercises; songs (mantras and songs in English and Spanish); visualizations/meditations for the throat chakra and more! We will uncover and rediscover the creativity and freedom that lives within all of us in a safe and deeply connection-filled space. No singing experience is required.
In this workshop we will:
✲ Cultivate a sense of relaxation and presence through visualization/meditation
✲ Share in movement and rhythm that encourages easeful vocalization
✲ Experience joyful and supportive sounding exercises and improvisations
✲ Enjoy reflection exercises and the opportunity to share in a supportive listening space
✲ Sing healing songs together
Throughout our lives many of us have shut down or dampened our voices and our impulse to sing and play. What if we were able to let go of the social programming, belief systems etc. that hinder our natural ability to express and sing?
What if your very intention and desire to release blocks to creative expression is the first and most powerful step to opening into your vibrant ability to find joy and freedom in sound, rhythm and connection?
Join us in this remarkable opportunity for reconnecting with the beauty of your own blessed voice.
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About Us
- Awards and Recognition
- Winner of a Trip Advisor certificate of Excellence for 8 years running, 2012 — 2019.
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Sivananda Yoga
Vedanta Centres
