“Chanting with an intention to open our hearts and minds to the presence of God in us helps us
to be quiet in the face of mystery and learn how to hear what it has to say to us.”
-Ana Hernandez, from The Sacred Art of Chant: Preparing to Practice
During this retreat, experience the sacred nature of sound and the contemplative practice of chant with musician, author and retreat leader, Ana Hernandez. Both in community and during individual time, participants will:
- Explore the ways sacred sound nurtures our spirit
- Learn sound spiritual exercises, chants and mantras from many traditions
- Experience the Sacred with and in our voices.
The purpose of our time together will be both to reflect at length on the nature of sound as prayer (In the beginning was the sound) and to discern new ways to open our hearts. We will create a sound community in which we will investigate the ways sacred sound nurtures our spirit; learn sound spiritual exercises and mantras to enhance our well-being in a unique way; and experience God with and in our voices.
There will be periods of deep listening and silence (being still and knowing that God is God and we are not), walking meditation, singing, and free time to enjoy the bracing weather on the water. If you think it’s time to be intentional about growing in compassion and love, you’re in the right place!
No experience with singing or formal music instruction is required. Based on her years working with individuals, choirs, retreat groups and church communities around the country, Ana believes that anyone can chant. “It doesn’t matter” she says, “if people have told you all your life that you can’t sing.” The invitations are to trust the desire, move with the hope and enjoy the opportunity to explore in a safe, joyful community of like-spirited seekers.
The chants and mantras will range from traditional scripture passages to the poetry of Sufi poet Rumi to lyrical celebrations of the Divine in the natural world. What will be learned in community, can also be engaged with in private prayer and meditation. The retreat will also offer time for deep listening and silence, walking meditation and simple enjoyment of the beauty of the natural world as it begins to transition from winter to early spring.
Friday, March 17, 2017, 5:30 p.m. to Saturday March 18, 2017, 4 p.m.; optional extended retreat to Sunday, March 19, 2017, 10 a.m.
Optional Saturday Lenten Evening Prayer
While the retreat ends at 4 p.m. on Saturday, there is an option for both commuters and overnight retreatants to stay for dinner and evening prayer on Saturday with Ana; guests may also stay the evening, and end their retreat after breakfast on Sunday.
Fees: Single occupancy, $250; double occupancy, $170 /person
(Includes program and overnight accommodations with private bath and all meals from dinner Friday evening through lunch on Saturday.)
With option for extended overnight retreat ending Sunday, 10 a.m., the total single occupancy fee is $365; double occupancy, $225/person (includes program, overnight accommodations with private bath, and all meals through Sunday breakfast.)
Commuter fee is $100 (includes program and dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday.)
With option for Saturday dinner and evening prayer only: $20 extra per person
Location: 167 Neck Road, Madison CT 06443