Through chanting, teachings, Q&A, and story telling, these monthly kirtans intend to awaken the Heart of Love.

Sitaram Dass (he/him) spent several years serving his beloved teacher Ram Dass on Maui, where he was shown the path of Bhakti, the yoga of service and devotion to God. He is an author, teacher, kirtan singer, spiritual therapist, and lover of God. As the director of the Sacred Community Project, he works to provide affordable, free, and donation-based offerings as a praxis of Sacred Community. Learn more about Sitaram at sitaramdass.com or the Sacred Community Project at sacredcommunityproject.org

In a world full of noise, there are few places where we are truly heard. So often, conversations turn into interruptions, advice-giving, or stories that shift the attention away from our need to be heard. But when we are met with presence and empathy, something profound happens: we begin to soften. We feel less alone. The weight we are carrying feels lighter.

This 2-hour workshop is an invitation to experience the transformative power of deep listening—both giving and receiving. Together, we will explore:

• Principles of empathic listening — the do’s and don’ts of offering presence without fixing, judging, or criticizing.
• The wisdom of the heart — moving out of the mind’s habits and into the body’s natural capacity for compassion.
• Sacred space for practice — people will have an opportunity to share what is alive for them in the moment, while the group listens deeply in silence.
• Empathic reflection — mirroring back not just words, but feelings and essence.

Through this experiential circle, you will not only gain skills to bring more presence into your relationships, but you will also receive the healing gift of being deeply heard yourself. When we learn to listen with openness and compassion, we create ripples. Our families, friendships, workplaces, and communities begin to change. And perhaps, in a world that is aching for more understanding, listening might just be one of the most radical acts of love we can offer.

Luz Helena Florez has been a group facilitator and kirtan leader for over eight years, devoted to the spiritual work of connection, communication, and community. For the past six years she's lived in Amma’s ashram in India, where she taught Nonviolent Communication and led circles in authentic expression and deep listening. Along with hosting a long-term weekly group in deep listening, she also offers workshops as a way for people to gently step into the practice, receive support, and connect deeply with others.

To learn more about Wayne Marto and gong meditation, please visit: https://beneficialsound.org/

Join us in some gentle and restorative yoga to honor the full harvest moon. We will reconnect with our bodies and breathe and set intentions for the month ahead.

Amelia is an ERYT 500+hr yoga instructor who brings a trauma informed approach to yoga asana, along with breathing technique and a sense of calm and grounding to each practice.