Song of the Heart
Aims of the Morning
1. To reflect on the symbolism and meaning of Anahata Chakra.
2. To sensitize the Heart Chakra through practice, reflection and visualization/ drawing
3. To refine sensitivity and awareness in asana and pranayama
4. To explore heart - centred practices as a means of dealing with negative emotions
Objectives
1. Working on asanas to sensitize the heart space
2. Working with mantra chanting, drawing, visualization to sensitize the heart chakra
3. Reflecting on, and refining, our understanding of Heart/ Bhakti thorugh sharing and discussion
4. Opening the heart through singing and chanting
Aims of the Afternoon
1. To explore the importance of feelings such as appreciation, kindness and forgiveness in our daily lives
2. Exploring heart intelligence in the context of our emotional landscape
3. To sensitize the heart chakra/ space through Yoga Nidra
4. To explore the concept of the Inner Witness in the context of heart-centred meditation
Objectives
1. Working in pairs, sharing and discussion
2. Deepening understanding of our emotional landscape through the exploration of heart-centred techniques
3. Developing a heart-centred meditation practice
Teaching Material Used On The Day
Hand-outs, flip chart, harmonium and electronic tanpura. These will be used throughout the day.
Drawing and colouring material will also be used.
Methods of presenting the subject
Short lecture, demonstration, discussion, woriking in pairs, group work, experiential, self-discovery
About the Tutor
Rajesh David trained at The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, India. He is also a composer and singer, with a background in Indian classical music. As a professional singer he was an A- grade artist for All India Radio & Television.
Whilst living as a resident of Mandala Yoga Ashram in Wales for four years, he conducted kirtan and chanting sessions, gave concerts and taught regular Nada Yoga courses. His three courses on the subject of Nada, Nada Yoga the Yoga of Subtle Sound, From Sound to Silence and The Music of Om - chanting and reflecting on the Mandukya Upanishad, together with two others, Bhakti Yoga Through Love to the Self and An Introduction to Adi Shankaracharyas Bhaja Govindam are all recognized as IST by the BWY.
He has been teaching these courses in the UK and abroad for several years.
He has also taught with Swami Nishchalananda on a one year course of Kriya Yoga at the Mandala Yoga Ashram.
His many CDs include collections of devotional music, such as Mantram Music for Relaxation and Meditation, The Music of AUM - The Mandukya Upanishad and Kabir - mystic poems, and practice CDs, such as Nadopasana, for practitioners of Nada Yoga.
Rajesh has trained as a coach with HeartMath UK, which focuses on heart intelligence as a means of building resiliance and managing stress.
Outline of the Day
10am Opening of the Heart: a short meditation practice
10.20 am Heart and Bhakti – an introduction
10.40 am Heart and Hatha – Asanas focusing on the Heart
11.40am Heart Chakra - Working on the Anahata chakra:
Exploring it’s symbolism, meaning
Drawing and colouring the chakra
Sensitising the chakra through mantra chanting
Anahata Chakra meditation
12.50pm Q&A for morning session
1 – 2pm Lunch break
2pm Working in pairs –
Exploring appreciation, kindness and forgiveness
Explore heart intelligence and develop a heart centred practice
3.10pm Yoga Nidra – opening the heart
3.30pm Heart and the Inner witness – a meditation
3.45pm Q&A, Evaluation and conclusion
4pm End of course
Other information
Love and compassion are innate; they only need to be given the opportunity for expression. Song of the Heart focuses on the Heart Centre as a way of deepening our meditation practice. The course explores the symbolism and meaning of Anahata Chakra. Through visualization, mantra chanting, drawing, colouring and meditation practice, we will deepen our understanding and open our heart to intuition and insight. Practices will be suggested for awakening the joy and wisdom of the heart, and exploring our emotional landscapes, including feelings such as appreciation, kindness and forgiveness. Such practices have the potential to heal the heart and transform negative emotions such as fear and resentment into friendliness and free-flowing love.
A practice of meditation will be developed based on the concepts and the techniques covered during the day, opening the heart and focusing on the Inner Witness.
Working on heart-centred practices has the potential to lead one to a state of deep relaxation, expanded awareness and inner stability.
The course will focus on:
• Reflecting on the meaning and symbolism of the Heart Chakra
• Working with asanas, mudras and pranayama to sensitize the anahata chakra
• Sensitizing the heart chakra through mantra chanting, drawing/colouring and meditation
• Working in pairs, exploring feelings of appreciation, kindness and forgiveness
• Exploring Heart Intelligence for a deeper understanding of our emotional landscape
• Reflection on the Heart Chakra through the practice of Yoga Nidra
• Developing a heart-centred meditation practice with emphasis on the Inner Witness
• Appreciating the sensitivity of heart-centred techniques in our meditation practice
PS
Participants are requested to bring drawing and colouring materials as well as paper or a sketch book.