Last night's Unity of the Gardens Women Empowering Women's group proved to be a very special evening. Of course, it always is a special evening when we get to come together to play, dance, sing and share ourselves with each other, but the women who came last night to the event held some touching stories and I felt that the medicine that the Muse brought forth last night will be forthcoming for some time to come in their lives.
The Unity of the Gardens Women Empowering Women group meets once a month, and I had been selected to be the presentor for the May event.
The word got out about the drumming and in addition to the Unity Churh women who were regular attendees to this event, a group that wasn't at all connected to the church showed up from a home where women go to recover and rehabilitate from addictions and abuse. I was immediately touched by their openness and humble soft spirits. We talked about how the quest for God and divinity is the real driving force behind many addictions and they had a lot to ask me about meditation and other practices to work with the mind and body healing they were in the midst of.
These women are facing and moving through their darkness with a kind of courage and willingness that comes from the place of surrendering into new strength. Most of them had never experienced a drum circle, or anything like a Muse experience in their lives. They ranged in age from 19-50ish and I could feel that some of them had some pretty intense stories they were working to re-arrange in their own heads, hearts and selves and I felt so grateful that spirit had brought this group to be a part of this nite.
As always, the circle opened with intention, followed by some moments of quiet reflection to ground and relax, and just seeing them soften, their shoulders relax and their breathing unite was a gift to experience in and of itself. I know for a few of them the whole experience was like stepping into some bizarre field of whackiness, and I could feel the trepidation within them at the onset. In spite of it, they were brave enough to be open and I watched them soften, laugh, smile, and free themselves little by little, more with each excercise we did!
And seeing them after the circle closed, looking softer and more radiant, feeling how much more connected they were to each other, and the opening that I could feel and see in their hearts was the sweetest gift I could have and reminded me once again of why I love this work. I am so grateful and humbled to be sharing this in this world!
Thanks to the women of Unity and all who came last night for sharing yourselves and being brave and fearless in the great unknown.. and finding your joy there waiting for you!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Evolution of the Drum Circle: Jupiter, FL
May 13, 2010
Being back in Florida is such a sweet experience of homecoming, love, community and support and I feel so grateful for what is happening here. Clearly there is a strong current of consciousness, community and even sustainability that is emerging here which inspires me and warms my heart to it's depths.
Last night at the Corners Drum Circle, in Jupiter, I found myself surrounded by old friends from highschool, and my other visits and years in Florida, but also by a familiar energy of love that is common in drum circles around the world. Something about being together in this way, transparent, real, and exposed to the circle around us creates a vortex of love and connectivity that even if we don't speak, we share.
All ages of people from 15 to 65 were there, dancing, grooving, drumming and relaxing together. I am so inspired and so touched to see this circle as well as the Sheppard Park circle in Stuart which I was one of the original members of in it's early years almost 15 years ago. To see the committment of some of these people who I know have been holding it down for all of these years, and their inner personal growth through the process only adds fuel to my inspiration to continue to do the work I am doing and feel passionate about with community music making!
n talking with some people last night, I feel to share more about what this is, and why I'm doing it!
The Evolution of the Drum Circle workshops are designed to be a combination of discussion and the application of skill sets to help existing communities improve their circles, build more solid and interesting rhythmical and musical foundations and ultimately bring the individuals in the group together more as a collective whole functioning as one instrument played by many hands!
The idea is that the more we communicate openly about what is working, and what could or might be able to work better in the circle, the more we share, reflect and talk in a safe space with no judgements, the more we grow and evolve as a community. By sharing in concepts and dialogue and learning together some basic practical skills and applications of working energy and cooperating in the circle, the more exciting, rewarding and fulfilling our community drum circles can be for us as individuals and as a community.
Please feel free to email me with any questions. My sincere intention is that the community leaders and those who frequent drum circles will come to share and grow together, for YOU are the ones that the rest of the community looks to as the model of what is expected, possible and acceptable even. What the drum circle offers us as a model for the new paradigm is tremendous in scope!
Seeing what is going on here in South Florida is an inspiration for me to continue to share and learn and grow with this beautiful community sharing!
I am so humbled to participate and so grateful for the opportunity.
Being back in Florida is such a sweet experience of homecoming, love, community and support and I feel so grateful for what is happening here. Clearly there is a strong current of consciousness, community and even sustainability that is emerging here which inspires me and warms my heart to it's depths.
Last night at the Corners Drum Circle, in Jupiter, I found myself surrounded by old friends from highschool, and my other visits and years in Florida, but also by a familiar energy of love that is common in drum circles around the world. Something about being together in this way, transparent, real, and exposed to the circle around us creates a vortex of love and connectivity that even if we don't speak, we share.
All ages of people from 15 to 65 were there, dancing, grooving, drumming and relaxing together. I am so inspired and so touched to see this circle as well as the Sheppard Park circle in Stuart which I was one of the original members of in it's early years almost 15 years ago. To see the committment of some of these people who I know have been holding it down for all of these years, and their inner personal growth through the process only adds fuel to my inspiration to continue to do the work I am doing and feel passionate about with community music making!
n talking with some people last night, I feel to share more about what this is, and why I'm doing it!
The Evolution of the Drum Circle workshops are designed to be a combination of discussion and the application of skill sets to help existing communities improve their circles, build more solid and interesting rhythmical and musical foundations and ultimately bring the individuals in the group together more as a collective whole functioning as one instrument played by many hands!
The idea is that the more we communicate openly about what is working, and what could or might be able to work better in the circle, the more we share, reflect and talk in a safe space with no judgements, the more we grow and evolve as a community. By sharing in concepts and dialogue and learning together some basic practical skills and applications of working energy and cooperating in the circle, the more exciting, rewarding and fulfilling our community drum circles can be for us as individuals and as a community.
Please feel free to email me with any questions. My sincere intention is that the community leaders and those who frequent drum circles will come to share and grow together, for YOU are the ones that the rest of the community looks to as the model of what is expected, possible and acceptable even. What the drum circle offers us as a model for the new paradigm is tremendous in scope!
Seeing what is going on here in South Florida is an inspiration for me to continue to share and learn and grow with this beautiful community sharing!
I am so humbled to participate and so grateful for the opportunity.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Returning to the Roots Tour: Florida Fun
The Muse is flowing thru me once again and after much transition and life changing intention driving me forward, I feel supported, nurtured and blessed to be back out in the bigger world with friends, family and new connections carrying me forth into my joy!
The kickoff for Returning to the Roots Tour last night was an electronic ambient groove show with Rhett Johnson of Manteis Productions and Red Shift Mantra. Also the producer of my album Visions of Reality, Rhett's super yummy blend of textured grooves with live musicians is courageous and trancey to the core. And some of the best belly dancing I've ever seen as a warm up to the show! Wow!
Such a sweet treat and I am excited about the rest of the May tour here in Florida to bring newness, reconnection and magic into the lives of many!
The Muse Network is being worked on diligently and I am hoping to launch that within the next 4-6 weeks if all goes well! You can get a basic idea of what the Muse Network is about by visiting my website: www.cherishanti.com
The kickoff for Returning to the Roots Tour last night was an electronic ambient groove show with Rhett Johnson of Manteis Productions and Red Shift Mantra. Also the producer of my album Visions of Reality, Rhett's super yummy blend of textured grooves with live musicians is courageous and trancey to the core. And some of the best belly dancing I've ever seen as a warm up to the show! Wow!
Such a sweet treat and I am excited about the rest of the May tour here in Florida to bring newness, reconnection and magic into the lives of many!
The Muse Network is being worked on diligently and I am hoping to launch that within the next 4-6 weeks if all goes well! You can get a basic idea of what the Muse Network is about by visiting my website: www.cherishanti.com
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Muse Community
Hand in hand, around the fire we stand
together as one
From all over the world,
young, and old alike
Ticos, Israeli's, N Americans, Europeans, Irish...
The colors of the world merging under the soft fading of day
Into one rainbow of love and light
United by a desire to share, to play, to sing, to celebrate life
In harmony with nature
The circle opens with deep breaths giving way to the sounds of the ocean
The turning of day into night
Magic emanating from the intention to touch it's sleeve
And the Muse is on...
Moving the bodies
Pulsing the rhythms of life
Shared magic is felt by all present
My gratitude for this path
Always bringing me back to sweet surrender
Soft return
Open hearts
Kind spirits
And uniting hearts..
Pavones, Costa Rica
together as one
From all over the world,
young, and old alike
Ticos, Israeli's, N Americans, Europeans, Irish...
The colors of the world merging under the soft fading of day
Into one rainbow of love and light
United by a desire to share, to play, to sing, to celebrate life
In harmony with nature
The circle opens with deep breaths giving way to the sounds of the ocean
The turning of day into night
Magic emanating from the intention to touch it's sleeve
And the Muse is on...
Moving the bodies
Pulsing the rhythms of life
Shared magic is felt by all present
My gratitude for this path
Always bringing me back to sweet surrender
Soft return
Open hearts
Kind spirits
And uniting hearts..
Pavones, Costa Rica
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Muse Power Feedback
"I have been reading your book each night, I am in awe, and you have created a new spark for me! It is funny how many of your philosophical insights into traditional rhythm and ceremony hold their place and are very important for cultural significance and the passing of history, lore, and tradition, etc., yet you also strongly emphasize the importance of creating music based on the unique energy of the group, the mesh of energy from a variety of individuals creating new music that is dynamic and based the combination of the individuals that are present. This is also what I believe. I know that often structure is important, but I have also heard and participated in some amazing circles that were grounded in no specific foundation; thus, Recreational Music Making, and allowing each individual to reveal their being, giving them the space to play, and honoring their effort, not judging their performance. The train must run away before it can find it's rhythm!"
Feedback from Mark Gibson, Western State College, Gunnison, CO
Natural Music Making
Here in Costa Rica, natural music is surrounding us all the time. The songs of the birds, and the cicadas, the constant pulse of the ocean roaring softly in it’s own groove, the wind rustling the palms.. The ever-changing orchestra of sounds and expressions emanating from the jungle and the sea are one of the true joys of living here for many people, both Tico’s and others. Nature is such a clear example of free expression and non-judgmental inclusion of all life, and for me provides a beautiful model for music making being able to encompass the infinite potentialities for expression thru the human being.
The “modern”/“developing” worlds typically define music as "an art form whose medium is sound. Common elements of music are pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture." In my experience, thinking of music solely in this way feels unnatural, exclusive and limiting. It validates only part of the whole.
The treatment of "music" and "dance" as separate art forms is pre-dominantly a European idea. Most tribal cultures are more like nature in their understanding of what music is: all inclusive of all expressions. For example, in many Bantu languages, there is one word for both music and dance; they are inseparable parts of the whole. In Kiswahili, the word "ngoma" may be translated as "drum", "dance", "dance event", "dance celebration" or "music", depending on the context. Kala is the art of music in the East and has three aspects, vocal, instrumental and the expression of movement. In seeing music as more inclusive of all parts of itself, it becomes a much more whole expression and creates more equality amongst all those who share in it by validating all parts of the same equally. Music then becomes the entire experience of how we are relating to each other and moves beyond just the technicality of the sounds. It becomes the spirit of the Muses: poetry, movement, sound, expression, environment, nature and divine inspiration combined. It becomes more like Nature: harmonizing, wild, and beautifully free.
The “modern”/“developing” worlds typically define music as "an art form whose medium is sound. Common elements of music are pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture." In my experience, thinking of music solely in this way feels unnatural, exclusive and limiting. It validates only part of the whole.
The treatment of "music" and "dance" as separate art forms is pre-dominantly a European idea. Most tribal cultures are more like nature in their understanding of what music is: all inclusive of all expressions. For example, in many Bantu languages, there is one word for both music and dance; they are inseparable parts of the whole. In Kiswahili, the word "ngoma" may be translated as "drum", "dance", "dance event", "dance celebration" or "music", depending on the context. Kala is the art of music in the East and has three aspects, vocal, instrumental and the expression of movement. In seeing music as more inclusive of all parts of itself, it becomes a much more whole expression and creates more equality amongst all those who share in it by validating all parts of the same equally. Music then becomes the entire experience of how we are relating to each other and moves beyond just the technicality of the sounds. It becomes the spirit of the Muses: poetry, movement, sound, expression, environment, nature and divine inspiration combined. It becomes more like Nature: harmonizing, wild, and beautifully free.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Jungle Grooves: Music Making in Uvita
Here's a small Article I wrote for Montana Al Mar to promote Recreational Music Making in Uvita
As a lover of the Muses, in all their beautiful and entrancing forms, I have been delighted to find many opportunities to gather with others in the celebration and sharing of life thru music making here in Uvita. Music is often called the “universal language” and indeed it is. I have played music with people all around the world whose languages are foreign to me, but in music, we can understand each other’s hearts and truly connect in profound ways. Making music together strengthens a community in so many ways and it’s fun, so come on out to one of the many local open jams this week and bring a drum or a shaker or tamborine, or even just your smiling face and dancing feet! And please, bring a Tico or Tica friend to play too!
Open Jam’s Happening Weekly in Uvita/Dominical
Sunday Nite: 9:30 PM Open Jam, Maracatu Dominical
Tuesday Nite 6:30 PM Muse Jam: dominical Bamboo Yoga Play
Wednesday Nite 7 PM Cascada La Tica
Thursday Nite 6 PM Drum Circle/Open Jam: ConectARTE
Saturday Nite 6 PM Facilitated Artist Showcase & Jam: Tucan Hotel
Coming Soon:
*The Muse Experience: Music making modeling the New Paradigm:
For drummers, dancers, poets, storytellers, and musicians of all kinds. (8930-5830 for more info)
As a lover of the Muses, in all their beautiful and entrancing forms, I have been delighted to find many opportunities to gather with others in the celebration and sharing of life thru music making here in Uvita. Music is often called the “universal language” and indeed it is. I have played music with people all around the world whose languages are foreign to me, but in music, we can understand each other’s hearts and truly connect in profound ways. Making music together strengthens a community in so many ways and it’s fun, so come on out to one of the many local open jams this week and bring a drum or a shaker or tamborine, or even just your smiling face and dancing feet! And please, bring a Tico or Tica friend to play too!
Open Jam’s Happening Weekly in Uvita/Dominical
Sunday Nite: 9:30 PM Open Jam, Maracatu Dominical
Tuesday Nite 6:30 PM Muse Jam: dominical Bamboo Yoga Play
Wednesday Nite 7 PM Cascada La Tica
Thursday Nite 6 PM Drum Circle/Open Jam: ConectARTE
Saturday Nite 6 PM Facilitated Artist Showcase & Jam: Tucan Hotel
Coming Soon:
*The Muse Experience: Music making modeling the New Paradigm:
For drummers, dancers, poets, storytellers, and musicians of all kinds. (8930-5830 for more info)
Divine Inspiration
Your beauty is like wine to me
Intoxicating and always divine
Sensual
Stirring to the core of my being
Your waters heal and sustain me
Your magic unfolds eternally
Reminding me of your infinite presence
You never leave me
I wander often
Yet you always remain
teaching me grace
Allowing evolution
in passion's play
Your voice comes to me
In moments of stillness
"Seek me until you find me
And when I am revealed
Rest in me and seek no more
Then you will know
I have been inside you all along
I can never leave you
Foollish are those who continue to seek
Even after I have arrived
addicted to their neurotic quest for more
Stay with me
Here
Always
I AM the infinite eternal always present"
Monday, January 18, 2010
Muse Power Review in Conscious Dancer
"Craving something deeper?" asks Cheri Shanti. "Music heals us; music brings us together; music builds community; music is the universal language of all time, all space. This is your invitation!" In Cheri's eyes, each of us is capable of being a musician, and by doing so we can experience a greater sense of community, feeling of belonging,and the ability to overcome depression, anxiety and deep seated fears.
As shown throughout Shanti's own story and those shared in this book, the experiences of playing music, dancing, drumming and participatory music making can create mysterious openings and transformations in our lives. These opportunities allow us to explore our longing for human connection in ways that modern culture does not: Western society's usual space for tribal experience-the bar or nightclub-may capitalize on the vital human need to be together, but it capitalizes equally on disconnection, depression and anxiety. There is indeed a hunger for a deeper community sharing in a place more sacred than a bar.
Shanti offers insight into how to overcome our fears and "I can't do it" programming around the sacred and magical play of music-making so that we can bring it into our lives as a daily practice. No matter your experience level, "Muse Power" is likely to touch something in you and entice you to play, dance, sing and share.
Conscious Dancer, Volume 8, Fall Issue page 38
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