Mindful Singing in Richmond & Kingston Upon Thames

Am amazing opportunity to gather for this critical day. :D The "dark half of the year" starts after the harvest is completed and we will hear stories from the celtic traditions and the middle ages, sing songs writen for this day and participate in a shamanic druming journey. We are so very lucky to count with the Reverend Proffesor June Boyce-Tillman as a special guest that will be run in tandem with Maria Soriano. Rev Prof June Boyce-Tillman MBE, is a noted academic, composer and performer whose outstanding work in the field of music, spirituality and theology, and her concern for the role of women in the church, has won her worldwide admiration. Founder of the Hildegard Network, she has lectured and published widely on aspects of interfaith dialogue, healing and reconciliation and Professor of Applied Music at the University of Winchester, has been an inspiration to several generations of students. June spent time in Canada visiting native American Shammans, from which she learnt shammanic jouneying and will perform some of her drumming for us that night. Dress for the occasion! Black and dark colours, anything your imagination takes you to. Bring an object to contribute to our ephemera art centre piece!

As we reach the depth of darkness of the year, the sun stops declining with a promise of light. Yule, or Winter Solstice traditions are many an varied, and as the sun is "reborn" it's a time for introspection. We will celebrate with seasonal songs of no specific faith, learned by memory (as in Natural Voice workshops) combined with movement, and ending the session in a meditation. Please bring yourself a pillow if you would like to sit on the floor to meditate (otherwise you can use a chair). Refreshments will be provided.