TALKS, WORKSHOPS & COURSES DATES
Here are details of in person and online events.
Come and explore different facets of sound wisdom from various traditions.
Unless specifically stated, the events do not require any previous experience and are suitable for anyone interested in the transformative power of sound, song and music.
MAGICAL FOLK SONGS
Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Chilterns Lifestyle Centre, Chilterns Ave, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5AH
7.30-10.15pm
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
Paula is giving a performance talk about the magical aspect of British folk songs.
The performance talk takes place at the Beltane meeting of The Crone's Hearth. This friendly group exists to celebrate the cycle of the seasons and offer guidance and fellowship for both aspiring and seasoned craft practitioners. Newcomers in alignment with the group's values are always welcome.
£!0 on the door.
MANTRA MELA
MAKE THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF MANTRA PART OF YOUR LIFE
Online with Zoom
Tuesdays 6.45pm - 8.00pm UK
Join us for an introductory dive into nine Sanskrit mantras over the course of a year.
These workshops are for you if you are new to mantra, or if you already love chanting mantra, but would like to refine and deepen your practice.
Each session, we will chant the mantra together in the simple and accessible Vedic style. Depending on the mantra, we may also chant them devotionally, as Kirtan.
The sessions are standalone so come to as many or as few as you like. £12 per session.
WE WILL EXPLORE
The meaning and application of the mantra
The Sanskrit pronunciation, tongue positions and their physical and subtle effects
Understanding and reading Sanskrit transliteration
How to establish and navigate a mantra japa practice
Further aspects of mantra yoga for health and personal development
MANTRA YOGA
The workshops are spaced just over 40 days apart. This is to give you an opportunity to follow the workshop with a 40 day mantra japa practice, if you wish. However, this is in no way obligatory and you are welcome to attend the workshop simply to explore the mantra.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
18th January: Beginning Anew Auṁ Gaṁ Gaṇapataye Namaḥ Book
1st March: Being Peace Asato Mā Sadgamaya Book
12th April: Submitting to Truth Auṁ Namaḥ Śivāya Gurave Book
24th May: Shining Our Light Sāvitrī Gāyatrī Book
5th July: Energising Śakti Sarva Maṅgala Māṅgalye Book
16th August: Meeting the Indwelling Self Auṁ Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya Book
27th September: Harvesting Abundance Lakṣmī Gāyatrī Book
1st November: Liberating Health Auṁ Tryambakaṁ Yajāmahe Book
13th December: Savouring Completion Pūrṇam Adaḥ Pūrṇam Idaṁ Book
NATURE & THERAPY MASTERCLASS
24th February 2022
Online with Zoom
7pm
I will be one of two guest speakers for this evening's masterclass. My talk is about Songlines: incorporating sound, song and listening into nature walks.
The second speaker will be Will Secretan, Co-Director of the School of Environmental Arts Therapy. His talk will be about his art therapy and Psychotherapy work.
£8 Tickets from Nature & Therapy UK website.
THE SOUND OF THE SELF COURSE
Tuesdays 9th, 16th, 23rd February, 2nd, 9th March 2021
Online
7.30pm-9pm
LEARN THE ANCIENT ART AND SCIENCE OF INNER TRANSFORMATION THROUGH SOUND AND TONE.
During this 5 week course Paula Tait will introduce you to the ways in which the world’s wisdom traditions have used sound to deepen consciousness and unite with our true nature.
The knower of the mystery of Sound knows the mystery of the whole Universe.
Hazrat Inayat Khan
Come and experience a balance of history, background information and gentle practical exercises. Each week we will explore different sound-based practices, including listening and chanting together, along with a representative musical instrument. No previous experience is necessary.
This course is for you if you would like to become more aware of the potential of sound for inner transformation, whether that means establishing your own sound-based meditation or yoga practice or simply deepening your relationship to sound and music.
Week 1: The Sound of Nature
Deep Listening
The Great Song and Celtic Tradition
Rhythm and Entrainment
Medicine Songs
Sacred Drumming
Week 2: The Sound of Wisdom
Listening for Mindfulness
Sound Koans
Winnie the Pooh’s “Good Song”
Vedic Mantras
The Zen Bell
Week 3: The Sound of the Heart
Sama and the Sufi Tradition
Kirtan and the Bhakti Tradition
Hearing & the Bodhisattva of Compassion
Shanti Mantras
The Reed and the Bamboo Flute
Week 4: The Sound of the Spheres
Pythagorus and the Music of the Spheres
Sacred Geometry
Musical Harmonics
Overtone Chanting
Tuning Forks
Week 5: The Sound of Silence
Nada Brahman and the Unstruck Sound
The Sound Current
The Yoga of Listening
Meditative Toning
Gongs and Singing Bowls
This course will take place on the Zoom platform. You will need a stable internet connection and Zoom installed on your computer, tablet or phone. Zoom can be downloaded for free here https://zoom.us/download.
For further information, or to book your place, please contact us.
MINDFUL MUSIC & MOVEMENT
Friday 14th June 2019
Cookham Dean WI Hall, Church Road, SL6 9PD
6.45pm – 8pm
SIMPLE, FLOWING QIGONG, ZEN MEDITATION AND YOGA NIDRA, WITH CELTIC HARP
Jonathan Murphy of ZenYo will guide us through an evening of mindful movement and meditation, while my harp gently connects us to the moment.
Perfect for all levels and abilities.
To book contact Jonathan Murphy at ZenYo or book via Facebook.
ZEN OF ONE STRING
Saturday June 2019
Zenways Family Gathering, Gaunts House, Petersham Lane, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 4JQ
“The ichigenkin is empty. There is nothing there. It is full of this nothingness. The ichigenkin is full. Everything is there. There is nothing left to put in.” Yamada Sensei
.
The one-stringed ichigenkin is an extremely rare musical instrument, even in its native Japan. Paula Tait, a student in the lineage of Yamada Sensei, will recount its history as the chosen instrument of poets, priests and samuris and introduce us to its Zen aesthetics and philosophy.
More information at Zenways website.
BODY OF SOUND
Sunday 3rd November 2019
Coopers, Meter House, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow SL7 1LW
7 - 8.30pm
Taoist Yoga, Nidra and Sound Journey
With Jon Murphy of Zen Yo (Movement and Meditation) and Paula Tait (Chinese Zither and Gong Bath).
A mind and body expanding experience, soundtracked with therapeutic and uplifting live music on Chinese zither. Surf the subconscious with yogic sleep, enjoy flowing energy movement and finally relax into a restorative gong bath.
The perfect end to a weekend, Gentle, mindful and good for all abilities.
£12. To reserve a space mail or call: jon@zenyo.co.uk/07768806817.