Yoga Vacation ProgramApril 2 — 5, 2026
Singing in the Brain
Dave Stringer, Suzanne Sterling, and Joss Jaffe
Dave Stringer & Suzanne Sterling with Joss Jaffe
In a time when nervous systems are taxed and spirits long for connection, the experiences of mantra chanting and sound healing offer a direct pathway to spiritual insight and ecstatic embodiment. This immersive workshop, co-led by Grammy-nominated Kirtan artist Dave Stringer and internationally acclaimed voice empowerment leader Suzanne Sterling, invites participants into a powerful synthesis of yoga philosophy, vocal liberation, and modern neuroscience.
Rooted in both Eastern philosophy and Western science, this unique collaboration explores how sound, rhythm, and breath can rewire the brain, release long-held trauma, and unlock innate potential for joy and clarity. From Sanskrit mantra and collective chanting to individual vocal expression, drumming, movement, and deep meditation, this work activates the flow state—where self-consciousness dissolves, creativity expands, and healing becomes accessible.
You’ll learn how singing affects specific regions of the brain that regulate our sense of identity, connection, and presence. You’ll experience how music, rhythm, and breath can entrain the nervous system toward states of calm, clarity, and deep focus. And you’ll explore the fifth chakra—the energetic center of communication and truth—releasing blocks that may have silenced your authentic voice.
Together we will:
- Explore the neurochemistry of bliss, flow states, and altered perception through sound and chanting
- Learn essential Sanskrit mantras and their meanings—tools for both personal and collective transformation
- Use rhythm, drumming, and vocal techniques to liberate the natural voice and dissolve the grip of the inner critic
- Study how mantra, simple yoga asanas and breathing affect the nervous system, support emotional healing, and enhance cognitive function
- Combine movement, singing, and meditation to awaken creative energy, embody the sacred and connect to the transcendent
- Build confidence in using mantra and music as tools in both teaching and personal practice
Dave’s rich background in yoga philosophy, neuroscience, and chant blends seamlessly with Suzanne’s decades of work empowering voices through collective song, yoga and movementmpractices and social activism. Together, they create a safe, vibrant space to explore your voice, ignite your creativity, and reconnect to the wisdom already living inside you.
This workshop is open to all—no previous singing, chanting, or yoga experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity, your breath, musical instruments if you wish, and your willingness to be transformed.
Offered as 3 satsangs and 3 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.
Dave Stringer is a producer, musician, and songwriter celebrated for his innovative fusion of transcendental Indian mysticism with the vibrant rhythms of American Gospel and the soulful harmonies of Appalachia. Bhakti Without Borders, an album he produced, was nominated for a Grammy® in 2016. He was nominated in 2023 as an artist in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category for Mantra Americana, along with his collaborator Madi Das. Dave is both an inspiring singer and a compelling public speaker, resolving neuroscience, yoga philosophy and art into a participatory theatrical experience. He is featured in the documentary films Mantra: Sounds into Silence and The Power of Mantra and has toured extensively, leading concerts, workshops and retreats all over the world.
“Dave Stringer has integrated his interest in Kirtan, an Indian tradition of devotional chanting, with his masterful grasp of Western popular music, creating an exciting style of psychedelic pop as informed by traditional Eastern music as the Beatles.”
— All Music Guide
“A departure from ancient kirtan. Stringer’s performance shaped the experience into a far more compelling musical encounter.”
-– The Los Angeles Times
“A volcano of a voice! Stringer transported us to another time and place. His fiery, soulful voice gave the entire room a feeling of a down-home gospel jam and one could not help but sing along.”
— LA Yoga Magazine
“High energy, ecstatic chanting at its best.” — Yoga Journal
Suzanne Sterling is a musician, teacher, ritualist, and activist who has been performing and teaching transformational workshops for over 25 years. She is founder of Voice of Change Trainings and co-founder of Off The Mat, Into the World. She has been featured at hundreds of international festivals and conference centers including Wanderlust, Omega, Esalen, Kripalu, Yoga Journal, Envision, Burning Man, Symbiosis, Bhaktifest, Boomfest, Lightning in a Bottle, Balispirit and many more.
With her co-founded organization Off The Mat, Into the World, she spent 15 years training leaders in spiritual activism and social justice and was Director of Seva Challenge humanitarian tours, raising over $3.5 million to support local community resilience projects.
For 25 years, she has worked with the international Reclaiming Community creating ritual, training teachers and offering Sacred Leadership trainings. An award winning musician, she has released 5 solo albums and numerous DVD soundtracks. Her workshops, performances, and classes are a fusion of ecstatic movement, sound & singing, ritual and prayer.
Joss Jaffe is a vocalist, tabla player, multi-instrumentalist, composer and record producer. His critically acclaimed albums include Dub Mantra, Sun Mountain Sea, & Billboard Top-10 new age album Meditation Music. Joss’ music ranges from modern pop, reggae, and world to ambient, soothing and brainwave entraining music for spa, relaxation, yoga and meditation. He is a regular performer and workshop leader at premiere yoga conferences and transformational festivals including Lucidity, Beloved, Wanderlust & Korea Yoga Conference.
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