Meet Canens, this month's featured goddess!

Canens is a Roman goddess whose mother was a sea nymph and whose father was Janus, the god of gates and doors. Her beauty was surpassed only by her magical voice, which could quiet wild animals and storms, as well as move mountains and heal wounded hearts. Her name gives us the root for cantare, "to sing", as well as chant and incantation.

For each newsletter, I feel into the energy that is currently presenting herself as a theme. Lately I have been chanting more and more, so I googled an image for "goddess of song". Above is the very first image that came up in the search! In addition,  she is created by my favourite artist, Emily Balivet. I love synchronicity!

For me, singing is a transmission of energy. It feels like a spiritual practice that weaves together breath, intention and movement through the vehicle of sound vibration. It travels through space and time; it loosens places that are stuck; it connects us in our deepest places. When the songs are centered on devotion and inspiration, transforming energies wake up within us and begin to flow.....

Here are three opportunities to sing together!

All levels of ability are welcome, and newbies will feel very comfortable. When it comes to chanting, remember that devotion always trumps skill. We sing from the heart to soothe the soul.

Sunday Kirtan: Singing With Our Souls
Sunday April 10, 4-6pm in the Amenity Room of KML condos at 21 Nassau St. By donation. Light refreshments will be served.
Location details: Doors are west of the main entrance, and signs will be posted to help you find us. TTC at Spadina and Nassau; green P parking one block south on Baldwin. 
Devotional Call and Response Singing with roots in the Yoga tradition. Ana Shanti Bodnar and I are delighted to be co-leading this event. I met Shanti in 1998 when I joined the lineage of guru Baba Hari Dass. Kirtan has always been a central part of our practices. 

Hanuman Chalisas for Hanuman's Birthday!
Tuesday April 19, 7:30-9:30pm in the Amenity Room of KML condos at 21 Nassau St. (see directions above). Donations of flowers and sweets are welcome.
We will be singing rounds of the Hanuman Chalisas, which are forty verses about the miracles of India's beloved monkey deity. No obstacle can block his love, strength, fearlessness and devotion. Through chanting, we invite his vibration into our hearts, so that we too may become servants of love and light in this world. All materials supplied, all levels welcome.

Hanuman Chalisas 101
Friday April 29, 7-9pm at Ayurvedic Rituals, 1081 Bathurst St, just south of Dupont. Investment $25. Sliding scale available.
This is an interactive workshop to introduce you to Hanuman and chanting through stories, song, play and study of key verses. We will also chant the whole hymn so you can get the feel for it. Whether you are a seasoned chantista or a newbie, you will leave with a bigger heart and deeper understanding of the Yoga of sound, energy and devotion. And our monkey friend Hanuman!