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Health & Fitness

Kirtan: An Unexpected Gift

Kirtan can be an unexpected gift. Wah! is musical talent with lots of insight.

When we first arrive on our yoga mats we expect a few downward facing dogs, some warrior poses and maybe a backbend or an inversion or two. After we spend some time on the mat, we receive some unexpected gifts.

For me, one of those blessings if Kirtan. Kirtan is a celebration of music. A call and response chanting of hymns or mantras to accompanying musical instruments. Some instruments may include harmoniums, drums, cymbals, flutes and guitars. A community gathering of practioners who participate as the energy moves them. When you close your eyes and listen, it can be transforming.

Several weeks ago, I was fortunate to attend a Kirtan with Wah! She, Wah! is a bass player with an angelically, rich voice and a grounded sense of humor. She is a rock star in the yoga music scene with her spiritual, Eastern sound. Often compared to Sade and India Arie, Wah!'s sound is often youthful and electronic.

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She shared at The Karuna Shala yoga studio in Glen Ridge. I was thrilled to hear Wah! open with Ganesha. A rhythmic piece with the repetative chant, Om Gum Ganapate Namaha. Loosely translated: Salutations to the power of Ganesh, the Elephant God, the breaker of obstacles. To my happy surprise, one of Wah!'s band members added a little beat box keeping the energy young and fresh. The audience or participants, chanted and swayed to the music allowing the work week to melt away and the receiving to begin.

Sometimes between songs Wah! shares her recent observations of life. On this evening, she commented on how a year ago one wouldn't think our world could become any faster. And yet, our world is faster today. She was refering to our constant need to stay connected electronically. Wah! suggested, when you open your laptop send that one email and then close the computer. This was a couple days before it snowed and the majority of the East Coast lost power. Om.

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This beautiful evening closed with an a capella version of both the Lokah and Asatoma chants.

For me this was a special evening shared with friends, students, fellow yoga teachers, and my daughter. Kirtans is a community occassion that often feels like a family celebration.

Namaste.

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