Ongoing
Amma Satsang
MONTHLY SATSANG: The 1st Sunday of EVERY MONTH at 5:30pm*
FREE and Priceless.
Satsang is a Sanskrit word meaning a close association or companionship with a Self-Realized Soul. It can also refer to discussion or hearing of spiritual truths expressed by Self-Realized Masters. In the scorching heat of worldliness, being in the presence of a Master or a Master’s teachings is like a cool breeze in the shade of a huge tree. Although Amma is the inspiration for this particular gathering, devotees of all traditions are welcome. And we are thrilled to announce that Amma WILL BE IN ATLANTA this summer…so stayed tuned for that opportunity to be in her actual presence!
Please join us as we gather with some of Amma’s longtime devotees for an inspiring evening of prayer, puja (sacred ceremony) and song. We often
begin the evening with a short video of Amma or her teachings, followed by a little song (bhajans/kirtan), meditation, and Aarati. In Sanskrit, the word arti – written as aarati – is composed of the prefix aa, meaning complete, and rati, meaning love. Aarti is thus an expression of one’s complete and unflinching love towards the Divine. It is sung and performed with a deep sense of reverence, adoration, and meditative awareness.
Amma (Mother) has physically hugged more than 34 million people from all parts of the world. Her tireless spirit of dedication to uplifting others over the past 38 years has inspired a vast network of charitable activities through which people are discovering the beauty and sense of peace that comes from selflessly serving others. We hope that you will join us in immersing ourSelves in the nectar of devotion and bringing boundless love to life here in Athens!
(It is customary to bring an offering to the symbolic feet of the Master…whether that be Amma or to whomever you bow, and offerings often include incense, flowers, fruit…whatever you would offer the Divine. Please know that this is not a requirement, just a tradition.)
For more information, please see the organization’s website at www.amma.org or call Meghan Madhavi Burke at (706) 613.1143
Insight Meditation
Every MONDAY 7-8:30pm
(meets on the ground level/first office on right)
This Vipasana Mediation group has been meeting at the Healing Arts Centre for 14 years and welcomes all levels of meditation experience. If you are new to meditation and would like an introduction, please contact David Kurtz (706)340-7288. This is a Dana (donation based) gathering.
Upcoming
Saturday, Feb 22nd
Elise Witt’s Impromptu Glorious Chorus™…starring YOU!
WORKSHOP 2-5pm:
Low pressure, High pleasure!
Singers of all abilities, styles, and experience are welcome!
No music reading required!
Elise leads a session of glorious group singing, teaching in a style so easy that, before you know it, the room is in perfect harmony!
Drawing from her love of diverse melodies and rhythms, Elise may introduce a Brazilian samba, an Italian round, or four-part harmonies from Zimbabwe. There are lots of songs in English, including songs from the African American tradition, quirky rounds, food songs, Bobby McFerrin style Circle Songs, Elise originals, and lots more. All of the songs are broken down into easily learnable parts and become thrilling to sing in a group. Whether you’ve sung all your life or think you “can’t carry a tune in a bucket,” in no time at all, you’ll find yourself part of an Impromptu Glorious Chorus™.
$25-85 sliding scale (please be affordable & generous)
VEGETARIAN POTLUCK 5:30pm: all workshop participants are invited to bring a yummy vegetarian dish and we shall share a meal after singing together.
Elise Witt CONCERT of Global, Local, and Homemade Songs 7pm
$15-55 sliding scale (same affordable generosity please)
**Concert is included for workshop attendees**
Past Events
Thursday, Jan. 16th / 5:45-7pm
SOUND HEALING CIRCLE
“Use our Voices to cultivate more Peace in the World”
5:45-7pm / $15-$25 sliding scale
11-4pm:
PRIVATE SOUND HEALING SESSIONS
50 minutes/by appointment: VibrationofGrace@gmail.com
“Sound Healing is the intentional use of Sound and Vibration to create ease in the Mind, Body and Spirit.
Sound is Medicine, and I am a Medicine Woman. In my practice I use my Voice, Hand Drum, Rattle, and Bells to move stuck energy through your body, creating opportunity for Wellness, Clarity and Release.
This ancient, indigenous Healing modality is rapidly being rediscovered, as more people become aware of how the body responds to Sound. The human body is made up of about 60 – 90 trillion cells, which carry about 70% percent water. Sound travels through water almost 5 times faster then it does though air, this makes Sound an excellent method for penetrating the body on a cellular level as our bodies have an immediate response to Sound. Sound Healers harmonize the cells in the body. Yes, this is Science, and my work is rooted in Divine Love, also know as Spirit.
“My offering of Sound Medicine is rooted in Love and guided by Grace. I am awed, again and again, by the cathartic effect of focused Sound on the body, and I am grateful to be a vessel for this Potent, Powerful energy work. I step aside and allow this Grace to come through me. Particular to each individual, there is instruction for self care, releasing destructive patterns, and an invitation to begin (or deepen) a daily active practice of being embodied. Sound Healing is everything from listening to the Wind talk through the trees, to your inner narrative. I teach folk how to use the Sound of their voice to bring themselves to the present moment, where life is happening.” gina
Gina began performing at age 15, singing back up for the incomparable Phyllis Hyman. Since, gina has toured all over the world with artists who, like herself, define and redefine genre; Harry Belafonte, Toshi Reagon, Ronny Jordan, Ani Difranco, Craig Harris, and Sekou Sundiata, to name a few.
She calls her music Folksoul, a coalescence of Rhythm & Blues, with story telling cadences of Folk, Soul, and the gospel truth. Folksoul is music that lifts the Spirit, opens the heart and allows one to find their way. Breathing into the Sound of this woman’s voice, gina embodies healing artistry. An actress as well, gina created the role of “Sarabi” for the Broadway production of “The Lion King”, and also appears in 2 Spike Lee films, ”Living Da Dream” for NBA 2k16 and “Chiraq“.
Friday, Oct. 11th / 7-8:30pm
SOUND JOURNEY
with David Sloves, CMT and Sarah Jenness, CPT, RYT
FRIDAY, Oct. 11th / 7-8:30pm ($25)
Sound Journey with David and Sarah is a blissful intersection of energy healing, guided meditation and multi-instrumental sound therapy.
They developed this core program in Bali as a way to help people feel into themselves and increase/release energy. The session begins with a brief introduction and some gentle group vocal exercises. Then the class lays back in a supported savasana, or any position that is comfortable, for a 45-minute sound journey.
With guided meditation and acoustic sounds, David and Sarah lead the group from root to crown and back down, resolving in the heart. They take the instruments around the room around and over the participants, giving individual healing attention.
David Sloves is certified in Sound, Voice and Music Healing from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). A graduate of Integral Yoga Institute, Sarah Jenness also completed Piedmont Yoga’s Iyengar-inspired Advanced Studies Training, and is a certified “Relax and Renew” restorative yoga teacher through Judith Lasater’s accredited program. She has studied with Anodea Judith, PhD since 2006 and is a certified Sacred Centers Chakra Yoga Teacher.
Sarah and David have held workshops in Bali and coast to coast around the U.S., including Nashville, New York City, Woodstock, Chicago, Madison, Kripalu Yoga Center, Bhakti Fest and all over the SF Bay Area.
Saturday, Oct. 12th / 9-11am
GENTLE RESTORATIVE YOGA & Live Healing Sounds with David and Sarah / Saturday, Oct. 12th / 9-11am ($30)
Restorative asana yoga uses props to support the body and promote much-needed deep relaxation and healthy physiology. Measurable benefits include a reduction in blood pressure, blood sugar, and serum triglyceride levels; improved digestion and elimination; and a reduction of muscle tension throughout the body. Immeasurable benefits include stillness, spaciousness, and a deepened sense of compassion for yourself and others.
Restorative yoga allows the inner intelligence of our bodies to restore and rejuvenate. Himalayan and crystal bowls, as well as other live healing sounds, will be included in this workshop to enhance deep relaxation.
Sarah Jenness, CPT, RYT is a graduate of Integral Yoga Institute. She has also completed Piedmont Yoga’s Iyengar-inspired Advanced Studies Training, and is a certified “Relax and Renew” restorative yoga teacher through Judith Lasater’s accredited program. She has studied with Anodea Judith, PhD since 2006 and is a certified Sacred Centers Chakra Yoga Teacher.
David Sloves, CMT, is a Certified Sound Therapist, Massage Therapist and Chi Nei Tsang Practitioner. He is also certified in Sound, Voice and Music Healing from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). With an inherent peaceful nature and genuine sensitivity for others, David has a unique ability to facilitate healing.
Saturday, July 13th / 2-5pm/ $30
Embodying the Sacred: The Mystical Spirituality of Eckhart and Hildergard
A 3 hour workshop with Tom Camp, MDIV on Saturday, July 13th/ 2-5pm ($30 suggested donation and no one will be turned away due to finances).
“Mysticism” is our breakthrough experiences of union, of ecstasy. Mysticism invites us beyond our limiting, tribal, anthropocentric and patriarchal agendas into a world of wonder, intensity, immensity, intimacy, and gratitude and excites compassion for all.
Mysticism acknowledges the real limitations of human experience and is aware of the humbling growth that takes place as we go through rather than try to avoid the trials and struggles of life.
Mystical experiences give birth to ethics, creativity and continuous new birth. They mandate in us desire and efforts for justice and the flow of compassion.
In mystical spirituality we dissolve the separating ego and experience the ecstasy of union with all that is. We overcome dualities of body and soul, male and female, sacred and profane – all differences, and we find Oneness.
Eckhart says, “God is delighted to watch our souls enlarge.”
Hildergard says. “Divinity is like a wheel, a circle, a whole, that can neither be understood,
nor divided, nor begun, nor ended.”
This workshop will include didactic presentation introducing the mystical spirituality of 10th Century Hildergard of Bingen and 11th Century Meister Eckhart, two giants of deep spiritual experience and teaching. It will include music, creative movement, and breath practices to embody the spiritual experiences presented. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER: (706) 613-1143
Tom Camp is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500) and Certified Yoga Therapist (IAYT), an ordained clergy, and a licensed mental health professional with a 40 year practice in the Athens area. He will have just returned from a week pilgrimage with Father Matthew Fox, Ph.D., encountering Meister Eckhart in Eckhart’s home church in Erfurt, Germany.
Community Drumming Circle & Fundraiser
FRIDAY, JUNE 7th / 5:30-7pm / $ Donations
You are invited to this festive Community Drum Circle in support of Drumming For Success, a motivational youth program created by Dr. Arvin Scott more than 2 decades ago! Drumming for Success makes learning how to drum accessible to under funded children. Benefits in the program include increased ability to focus & concentrate, improved self-esteem, stronger skills in math & science, improved self confidence, expanded creativity, improved problem solving skills in academic & social settings, reduced stress, and other qualities that attribute to well-being & success in life. It is a huge victory for our community.
A selection of Dr. Scott’s signed percussion instruments will raffled off to add to the fun, excitement, and generosity of the event. (Oh, and this gathering will be on Arvin’s birthday…lets celebrate!)
There is no drum circle admission charge. 100% of all donations will directly go towards sponsoring children in the Drumming for Success program. Lets put our hands and hearts together for the children of Athens!
Dr. Arvin Scott is a multi-award winning percussion artist, youth program developer/coordinator, and educator with over three decades of national and international experience. Dr. Scott was on the faculty at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, and was guest faculty at The New England Conservatory before relocating to his present home in Athens, GA. where he has taught at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music since 1991.
AMRITA YOGA WORKSHOP: Tuesday, May 14th / 5:30-8:30pm
AMRITA YOGA COMES TO ATHENS, GA FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. THERE ARE NO AMRITA YOGA TEACHERS IN GEORGIA AND THIS INSTRUCTOR COMES FROM INDIA…
Accessible to all (even beginners), this mini Yoga retreat/workshop 5:30-8:30pm ($30) will take the place of Sangha’s Tuesday evening classes.
PLEASE pre-register asap to reserve, limited space: Meghan (706)613-1143, or SANGHA@HEALINGARTSCENTRE.NET
This auspicious experience will include asana, breathing techniques, and more…giving us tools to navigate stress more gracefully. PLEASE pre-register asap to reserve, limited space: Meghan (706)613-1143.
Amrita Yoga® was born from the divine resolve and unconditional compassion of renowned spiritual leader, humanitarian, Maha Yogini, Satguru Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma). A traditional school of Hatha Yoga upholding Vedic principles, Amrita Yoga incorporates Amma’s teachings and integrates the four different paths of yoga, cultivating physical, mental and spiritual upliftment. Focusing on awareness with heart-centered intention, the goal is to transcend the
physical asana practice to deepen your own self-awareness and the inter-connectedness of all life.
Brahmacharini Shobana, PHD, is an award-winning yoga practitioner and teacher who has dedicated her life to the pursuit of authentic yoga as a monastic in Amma’s ashram. Under Amma’s direct guidance, as director of Amrita Yoga® since 2004 she has taught more than 2000 workshops, classes and retreats to people from all over the world. Specializing in bridging the gap between ancient traditional Eastern practice and the practical needs of yoga in the West, Bri. Shobana is one of only 12 members on the Indian government’s Committee for Yoga Education, which forms the curriculum courses in Indian universities.
The BLISSFUL PRACTICE of MANTRA MEDITATION
The Blissful Practice of Mantra Meditation is a 9 week course:
Saturdays 12-1pm / Feb. 9th-April 6th with Brother Shankara ($99 suggested donation)
Call Sangha to Pre-Register: (706) 613-1143
The purpose of this class is to enable you to manifest your inborn Divinity — your birthright. You do this by practicing the Presence of the Divine in the form of sound (shabda Brahman). Every authentic mantra is this Presence. Slowly and slowly you learn to feel that Living Presence, and you come to understand that Presence is you yourself, no different. Over years of steady practice, your sense of yourself and your life here in the world are radically transformed. You find that to be fully human is to be fully Divine.
Nine class sessions-
Sessions 1-4: Your Qualifications and Practices as A Spiritual Aspirant
“For every one step forward spiritually, you must take two steps forward morally and ethically.” — Swami Yatiswarananda, Vice President, Ramakrishna Order of India
Session 5: Selection and Affirmation of Your Mantra
“Various are Thy Names O Lord, in each and every Name Thy power resides.”
— From the Prayer of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (each class will begin with this prayer)
Sessions 6-9: How to Use Your Mantra, and What to Expect from Mantra Meditation
“The chosen ideal is you yourself, no different. Learn to feel that Living Presence!”
— Swami Prabhavananda’s first instruction for meditation
Text: How to Know God (a selection of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali) by Swami Prabhavananda, Ramakrishna Order of India .
Instructor: Br. Shankara is a disciple of Swami Prabhavananda. He has studied spiritual practice under Prabhavanandaji and other swamis of the Ramakrishna Order since 1973, and was ordained a monk by Swami Swahananda in 2010. Brother currently serves as head of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Ashrama of Georgia (rkvkashramaga.org). He recently retired as Resident Minister of the Vedanta Center of Atlanta, after eight years of service.
Spiritual Growth Course
Fridays with Uma Rose: Feb. 1st-22nd / 5:30-6:45pm
4 weeks/$48, & no one will be turned away.
For 50 years, Uma Laura Rose has joyfully assisted people in opening their hearts, minds and bodies to the healing power of pure consciousness. Her experience will guide us in inquiry and discussions to help deepen our understanding of Self & Self-Realization.
Please call Sangha to pre-register by 1/30: (706) 613-1143
Insight Mindfulness Meditation Retreat
“BRINGING MINDFULNESS INTO YOUR LIFE”
Friday, November 2nd -Sunday, November 4th
with John Orr
* Learn Mindfulness (Insight) Meditation
* Receive Instruction and Practice in Sitting, Standing & Walking Meditation
* Become Aware and Comfortable with your Body, Thoughts and Emotions
* Learn How to Develop a Daily Meditation Practice
* Suitable for Beginners and Those with Previous Experience
Friday, 7-8:30pm
Introductory Talk: Bringing Mindfulness Into Your Life (suggested donation $10-$15)
All are encouraged to attend.
Saturday & Sunday Retreat: Instruction & Practice of Mindfulness Meditation.
9:30am-4:30 pm ($75/daily)
(Beginners are encouraged to attend Saturday if scheduling requires them to choose btwn Saturday or Sunday.)
Sponsored by and held at Sangha Yoga Studio, located within the Healing Arts Centre
834 Prince Avenue/ Athens, GA 30606
For more information about the weekend program email or call Sangha Yoga Studio in Athens at (706) 613-1143 or sangha@healingartscentre.net.
John Orr received Theravada Buddhist ordination while living in Thailand and India as a monk for 8 years in the 1970’s. He has been teaching dharma and meditation since then. John is an Interfaith Minister and the guiding teacher for the New Hope Sangha in Durham, North Carolina. He recently retired from teaching 31 years at Duke University.
More about John: newhopesangha.org
WHOLE BODY UPGRADE
A 6 WEEK COURSE EXPLORING MINDFULNESS, COACHING, INTUITIVE/SHAMANIC WORK, AND NUTRITION with Rebecca Shisler Marshall, PhD
WEDNESDAYS, 5:30-6:30pm / Sept 12th- Oct 17th. ($75/6 weeks)
You feel stuck and just want to feel better.
You don’t have the support you need and you are just so tired.
You can’t do it alone anymore.
You’ve tried everything and don’t know what to do, but you know you need something. Some way to make a change.
You just want to feel better.
It is possible to feel better in your body.
To feel like you can breathe again and like you can deal with all of life’s daily challenges.
To want to take care of yourself.
To know you will be ok.
Rebecca Shisler Marshall, PhD (CCC-SLP), is a yoga and meditation instructor, researcher, teacher, wellness enthusiast, Reiki Master, Martha Beck Life Coach, and shamanic practitioner.
The SPIRIT and SOUND of PEACE
Saturday, September 29th 6-8pm
Join us for a celebration of World Peace with a Master of Yoga and a Master of Sound. Together we will inquire with our hearts and hands into the nature of Peace.
Q & A with Swami Asokananda, a lifelong monastic in the Yoga Tradition. Swami Asokananda was initiated into monkhood in 1973 by Sri Swami Satchidananda and is the President of Integral Yoga Institute of New York as well as and one of Integral Yoga’s foremost international teachers.
DRUMMING with Dr. Arvin Scott, a multi-award winning percussion artist, youth program developer/coordinator, and educator with over three decades of national and international experience Dr. Scott was on the faculty at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, and was guest faculty at The New England Conservatory before relocating to his present home in Athens, GA. where he has taught at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music since 1991. He is the founder of Drumming for Success.
Bring your questions, bring your percussion instruments, bring your friends!
Cost: Donations gratefully welcome.
