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Chanting Together: A Summer Solstice Celebration
Domain: Creative Expression, Healing Work
Across time, people have sung and chanted together to lift spirits, to heal suffering, to express praise, to unify souls, to mark time, and to come closer to the Divine center within. Through the entrainment of our breath and voices chanting together can open us in powerful ways. Chanting brief phrases or texts can also help us store spiritually supportive words into our deep memories, words to draw on in times of spiritual need. Sufi wisdom says that chant is the bridge between sound and silence. In our time together honoring the summer solstice, we will learn and sing a few chants and simple songs from various traditions, and we will close with a time of silent meditation.
A little research revealed this sentiment: "The Summer Solstice is a precise planetary moment when the Earth’s tilt reaches its zenith. It’s not a day, or a time (like the New Year), which is celebrated at various times throughout the day as the Earth rotates through its time zones. The Solstice happens at an exact moment; the same moment everywhere on Earth. (In the southern hemisphere this is actually the moment of their Winter Solstice.) I love this. It reminds me that I’m part of a global community. It makes me feel connected, for a moment, to everyone else on Earth."
Paulette will lead us in chanting short, repetitive songs. Learning by echoing the chants helps us embody the words, with no need to decode words or notes. All are welcome, regardless of singing expertise.
Paulette is a recording artist and long-time singer/songwriter for peace, justice and the earth. She has taught and led chanting at Quaker centers throughout the US and Great Britain, as well as at Wisdom School retreats with Cynthia Bourgeault, author and teacher of the contemplative Christian and Wisdom traditions. Paulette has recorded two Quaker chant albums: Timeless Quaker Wisdom in Plainsong and Wellsprings of Life: Quaker Wisdom in Chant.
Please Note: If you are feeling cautious about singing with others, there are a variety of singer’s masks available through the internet. One that has been used with good results by a member of the Hive Lead Team is the RESONANCE-95 Mask.
Covid Considerations: Masks are currently optional at the Hive. Individuals may choose to wear a mask for personal protection, and as always, we ask anyone who is feeling sick or has a high temperature to not attend until they are recovered. We also offer a number of online alternatives if that better meets your needs. Email Lindsay Short at lindsay@cincyhive.org with any questions.
