The Power of Sound; An Interview with Shonali Banerjee

Today, I am sharing a conversation with a friend, colleague and teacher - Shonali Banerjee.

Many years ago, Shonali led a Mantra Circle that I was a part of, and in it, I learned so much about the power of sound and voice. To this day, one of my strongest memories is chanting the Gayatri mantra along the banks of the Ganges river on a trip to India. And even now, I warm up my voice and set my intention through mantra before teaching live classes.

Shonali is a yoga teacher, singer, ritualist, death doula, and all around Wise Woman. Together we talk about mantra meditation and the power of reclaiming our voices, walking labyrinths, political resilience, the cycle of death and birth, and so much more.

At the end, Shonali guides in a powerful practice of chant and reflection. She shares - 

"To The Surface"

I adapted this version of the song from the original, written by an unknown author, honoring Pachamama, the Earth Goddess. The original has been sung by hundreds of women and men in Baja Mexico and is spreading around the globe. Gather Together and Sing!

To the surface she rises. From the fearful ways, we see her face

To the surface she rises. Let the women breathe, again today

Today we pray, in the honor of her way. Today we sing her name.

Today we pray, in the honor of her way. Today we sing.

Rise Up Women, Protect Women, Rise Up Women, Protect Women. 

You can watch Shonali perform this chant here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFAEMTM-ec8

Learn more about Shonali and her work by visiting www.wisemawellness.com

And, be sure to check out the  work of Threshold Choirs. Threshold Choirs sing at the bedside of the dying with and for all people. Threshold affirms the beauty, dignity, and wholeness of all people and believes that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness from their first to their last breath. https://thresholdchoir.org/

Learn more about my Awakened Heart Meditation Community: https://www.merylarnett.com/awakened-heart-meditation-community

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