Author: brendamcmorrow

Bhakti Heart Fire: Kirtan Academy

November 2-7

London, Ontario, Canada

presented by DevaTree School of Yoga

“If you want to expand your heart and your voice, take this course!!!! The music, the instruments, the lessons, the people and the Angelic voice Brenda McMorrow…I am a novice singer and there was no judgement, only support. That was a big hurdle for me. It’s a safe space to explore.” – Elaine (2014 Grad)

photo by Marc Fortin

photo by Marc Fortin

Devotional Chant artist and teacher, Brenda McMorrow invites you to join her in taking a deep dive into everything Kirtan (a practice of Bhakti Yoga). Whether you have a desire to lead Kirtan, incorporate chant into your yoga practice or teachings, or simply receive its benefits in your own life, this immersion will guide you toward these goals.

50-hr Cross-Disciplinary Chanting Immersion With Brenda McMorrow, B.Ed, RYT

No Musical Experience Required

At its most basic and universal level, Bhakti can be defined as an expression of love or devotion. Anyone who has experienced the spontaneous heart-expandingeffects of chant understands that the Bhakti Bhav (mood) is a sweet, pure and expansive feeling not easily described in words. Like our physical yoga practice, devotional chanting has the power to create healing shiftsin the body, mind and Spirit. Acting like a tuning fork for the entire system, chanting can help us clear blocked energy and open us up to the Universal frequency of compassion, expansion, trust, and love.

Experience the benefits of mantra repetition as applied to chanting and meditation, and learn common Sanskrit & yogic chants and their meanings. Participants will gain insight into traditional deities, stories, myths and practices, and their application to our modern lives.

Learn about the typical instruments used for Kirtan, and explore creative chant composition and kirtan leading in ensembles at your own comfort level.

No musical ability and/or training is required for this program, as all students will have opportunities to nurture their own unique chanting voice in a supportive atmosphere of like-hearted others.

Brenda’s personal stories, humor and revelations from her own path and worldwide travels light up these six days of brilliant Bhakti bliss!

More words from Past Grads:

“This is the best ever!! If you are thinking to attend…just DO it!!!! You will be SO happy that you did!!” – Louise

“It changed my relationship with my voice. Do it!” – Julie

“Absolutely!! This week was life changing for me. Not only did I find my voice I made lifelong friendships.” – Jefferson

“Life changing event” – Betty and Bill

“It’s one of my favourite retreats! Wonderful soul rejuvenation!” – Kath

“JAI! JAI! This was such an amazing experience of open heart connections. Sing Laugh Love. I’m coming back for more!” – Lisa

“Each vibration creates a sound, and we are vibration and therefore sound. It’s an amazing and transformative experience. Brenda McMorrow shares the joy of Bhakti and music, and makes it accessible for all. Music is meditative to me and fills my soul.” – Gayatri

“This experience touched my soul 🙂 I am so ready to do it again and again and again. Love you, Brenda.” – Amita

“Great-o-goddesslike, ’tis! Your heart and throat chakras will never be the same!” Kristi

For more information and to read the syllabus:

http://devatree.com/calendar/event/317/

Your Investment: $925 CAD + tax

(does not include food/accommodation)

(For U.S. participants, your strong American dollar will provide you with a significant discount!)

Limited number of scholarships available

To register and for more information please email

lindsay@devatree.com

Bhakti Fest West, 2016! Join us! Discounted Tickets available through Brenda!

Hi Friends!

I sure hope you can join us for the epic, awesome weekend of Bhakti Bliss in the Joshua Tree Desert that happens each year: Bhakti Fest West!

I have 4 weekend passes available and would love it if you got in touch to buy yours from me!

Only $250 USD, a significant discount from the current price!

 

Please email me at info@brendamcmorrow.com

and to find out more about the fest, go to: http://bhaktifest.com/

 

Love and thanks, Brenda

MANTRA YOGA + HEALTH MAGAZINE: BRENDA MCMORROW – HER SONGS ARE A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE WORLDLY AND THE INFINITE

MANTRA YOGA + HEALTH MAGAZINE: Click here to read the Interview: BRENDA MCMORROW – HER SONGS ARE A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE WORLDLY AND THE INFINITEMantra13_Covers-3

KRIPALU RETREAT, Apr. 10-15 ’16 “Self Inquiry Through Mantra and Movement” with Brenda and Erica Taxin Bleznak

Our own self-realization RM

https://kripalu.org/presenters-programs/self-inquiry-through-mantra-and-movement

Registration is by phone: 866.200.5203

Dear Friends!

I hope you are all staying warm and well wherever in the world this may find you!

I have been enjoying some quiet rest time in Toronto, Ontario after many months of touring and am so grateful for it! New creations are being inspired and I’m excited to be sharing them with you soon!

I wanted to invite you specifically to a very special retreat that I am co-facilitating this April with my dear friend, Erica Taxin Bleznak at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Western MA, USA. Erica is one of the most gifted yoga teachers I have ever encountered and she is an inspiring writer and a guide to many as they travel the spiritual path. It is a deep honour to be presenting this retreat with her.

Self Inquiry has been the central practice in my life since 2003 and it has changed my life in ways that words could never describe.  I have assisted and facilitated self-inquiry retreats and workshops in Canada, the U.S. and Switzerland and it is with great pleasure that I now have such a beautiful opportunity to bring my two loves together: Devotional song and Self Inquiry!

 Please consider joining us for this transformative retreat, where you will have the opportunity to connect deeply with yourself and others, take part in deeply healing and transformative yoga, sing and enjoy the powerful vibrations of mantra and, most importantly…immerse yourself into a space that nurtures you in uncovering the Truth of Who You Are!

Love, Brenda

“5 Ways Chanting Heals Us” by Brenda McMorrow for DevaTree School of Yoga

When people ask why I chose to dedicate my life to chanting mantra, I’m always inclined to answer “I didn’t – it chose me!” If you’ve chanted before, you too may have felt an inexplicable pull towards this uplifting and healing practice. See More…

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New Album Celebration Kirtan Dates in CA, ON, QC, NY, MA, NH, Argentina

Dear Friends,
I hope this finds you happy and well!
I am thrilled to announce that my new album “My Heart Bows Down to You”, which was funded by over 300 of YOU, will be released on September 18, 2015 by White Swan Records!
You can get a copy by pre-ordering HERE or by attending one of my upcoming CD Release Kirtan Concert Celebrations(California, Ontario, Quebec, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Argentina – details below!)
If you have contributed to the fundraising campaign, you will be receiving more info very shortly about your advance downloads/copies of the new album as well as info about the fulfillment of other “perks”! I have such gratitude for each and every one of you!

SPECIAL PRE-RELEASE EVENT
Thursday, September 10
2:00 pm.
Joshua Tree, CA
(albums will be available exclusively at Bhakti Fest in advance of the release date!)
CD RELEASE CELEBRATION EVENTS
September 19
Morning Kirtan (10:30 A.M.)
with Kathleen Gillis
Priceville, ON
September 25
with Morgan Doctor, Chris Gartner
and Shannon Kingsbury
Toronto, ON

September 26

with Morgan Doctor, Chris Gartner
and Shannon Kingsbury
Guelph, ON

September 27 (1:30 p.m.)

Aeolian Hall
London, ON
September 27 (7:30 p.m.)
Kirtan
with Morgan Doctor, Chris Gartner,
Shannon Kingsbury and Allison Menegoni
London, ON
October 1
with John de Kadt
Montreal, QC
October 4
with John de Kadt
Windham, NY
October 8
Keene, NH
with John de Kadt
October 9
Gloucester, MA
with John de Kadt
October 10
Barnstable, MA
with Charlie Shew
(Cape Cod)
October 17
with Morgan Doctor, Shannon Kingsbury
and Tannis Slimmon
Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
Stay tuned for November European tour dates…
See below for upcoming workshops and retreats…
Notes from our Toronto and Guelph, ON producers:
“Sacred chant artist Brenda McMorrow is back in Toronto for one night only — fresh from the studio recording her fourth CD.  Hear the Hanuman Chalisa and be transported into joy at an evening of devotional call and response chanting”
“Join us for us for Brenda’s concert celebrating the release of her new CD “My Heart Bows Down to You”. Brenda’s musical gifts have been experienced with growing celebration worldwide as her concerts draws hundreds. Her unique blend of original folk-inspired melodies, world beats and sacred Indian devotional chants bring the power of sound to the hearts of her welcoming listeners.
Don’t miss this awesome performance of Brenda’s latest work!”

November 4-9, 2015
Join us in London, Ontario for the 3rd annual
6 day Immersion

Devotional Chant artist and teacher, Brenda McMorrow invites you to join her in taking a deep dive into everything Kirtan (a practice of Bhakti Yoga). Whether you have a desire to lead Kirtan, incorporate chant into your yoga practice or teachings, or simply receive its benefits in your own life, this immersion will guide you toward these goals.
50-hr Cross-Disciplinary Chanting Immersion With Brenda McMorrow, B.Ed, RYT
 

February 2-11, 2016
Join us in Auroville, South India for our 3rd annual
“The Joy of Being retreat in Auroville India was profoundly beautiful and a life changing experience for me. Fabio, Julia, Brenda and Rafa managed our retreat and city excursions so entirely, that the bliss of having all responsibilities taken care of essentially allowed me to open and deepen in a rare opportunity to connect with my true self, and the pure joy of simply…being…and I now have 14 new beautiful friends from all around the world. I am forever grateful for this experience.”  Louise M.

Friends Doing Fabulous Things!
This is sure to be an incredible opportunity to dive deeply into Truth with two magnificent teachers:
And another of Rajeshwari/Gretchen Carmel’s amazing
On-line Supported Mantra Practices!

Songs From the New Album #8:
Acapela/Singing Bowl version of one of the new songs from Brenda’s new album “My Heart Bows Down to You” which will be released September 18, 2015 by White Swan Records.
“Way Down Low/Om Namo Bhagavate”
I look forward to singing with you again soon!
photo by Jeremiah Hill
 
 
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Join Our Mailing List

Album Campaign continues – now 9% goes to Love Serve Remember!

brenda and ram dass banner

 

 

I’m still in awe at the success of the campaign and the incredible outpouring of love and support!! The Campaign is now “In Demand”, meaning that you are still able to contribute and purchase all of the many perks that are available including pre-ordering your copy of the album! And 9% of any additional contributions to the campaign now that the goal has been met will go to the “Love Serve Remember” Foundation, which continues and supports the teachings of Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba!

Thank you again from the expanses of my heart for bringing this dream into reality with me!

Infinite Love and Gratitude,

Brenda

http://igg.me/at/brendamcmorrow/x/1173731

New Album Fundraising Campaign! 2 Days Left! New amazing Perks added!

195 amazing souls have already contributed to my Indiegogo Album Fundraising Campaign!
Would you like to join us?
NEW PERKS JUST ADDED!!
 
And don’t forget that you can ask me about designing your own personalized PERK! Email me at info@brendamcmorrow.com! FUN!
New Perk #1: $1008

Attendance at Brenda’s Bhakti Heart Fire Kirtan Academy! (was sold out but one more has been added! Thank you DevaTree School of Yoga!)

Attendance at Kirtan Academy: 6 day Bhakti Immersion in London, Ontario, Canada (November 4-9, 2015).  (Does not include housing and travel).  A Private Kirtan Mentoring Session or QA hang out with Brenda via Skype or in person at a mutually convenient location pre or post Kirtan Immersion. Advance copy of Brenda’s new album (CD or Download, your choice) + a download of “Ameya”, “Love Abounds” AND “Igniting the Beauty”
New Perk # 2: $171

Star in a Hanuman Chalisa Video!

Would you like to share your own super-charged devotion and admiration for Hanuman?! Join Brenda in this special re-make version of her Windblown Hanuman Chalisa! You will receive your own Verses to sing/rap, you film it on your iPhone or video camera, send it to us and we edit and present to the world! Also receive an advance download of the new album!
New Perk #3: $270

Notes From the Road

Remember the days when we used to get postcards in the mail? Ever wanted to know what life’s like on the road? Let Brenda be your penpal and send you at least 6 handwritten postcards from her tours around the world! She’ll tell you about her adventures and send them to you from various cities over the next 2 years of touring. She’ll look for the coolest postcards she can find! Plus: advance copy of Brenda’s new album (CD or Download, your choice) + downloads of Brenda’s other 3 albums!
New Perk #4: $500

Sponsor Your Own Song!

Be able to point to the title of your song and say “I helped create that!”. Your name appears in the liner notes. Plus! A Private Kirtan Mentoring Session or QandA hangout with Brenda , 1 Guest Pass to a live Concert, advance copy of Brenda’s new album (CD or Download, your choice) + downloads of Brenda’s other 3 albums! (Requests for specific songs will be accommodated whenever possible.)

Special Offer from Erica Bleznak: $30 or more
New Perk #5: $126

Original Flower of Life Painting by Clair Oaks

My super talented friend, Clair Oaks has made the generous offer of one of her beautiful paintings- for a donation to my campaign of $126 you will receive this original 6″x6″ Clair Oaks Flower of Life painting!

 

SPECIAL OFFER BY ERICA BLEZNAK 


A very special offer from my dear friend Erica Bleznak:

“If you donate at least $30 to the remarkable Brenda McMorrow fundraising campaign for her new album I will put your name in a raffle to win a free private yoga session and one foot reflexology session –I live near Philadelphia so you will need to be nearby or if you are at Bhakti Fest West I can offer a session there too! This is a $260 value for both sessions! Just inbox me (email Blezyogi@gmail.com) and let me know you have donated and I will enter your name–Let’s support musicians like Brenda McMorrow who are sharing conscious music with the world-link to donate is http://igg.me/at/brendamcmorrow/x/1173731

SPECIAL RESTORATIVE YOGA CLASS NEAR PHILADELPHIA BY JUDY CURIEL

And another very special offer by another sweet Philadelphia friend!

Receive a private restorative yoga session with Judy Curiel in West Chester or Downingtown PA- 30 mins west of Philly if you make a donation of $90 to the campaign! Just email me atinfo@brendamcmorrow.com to let me know you are interested!

Infinite Gratitude for your loving support!!

 

It’s Fun to Fund in Crowds! 🙂

Brand New Perks for Brenda’s Album Fundraising Campaign!

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Dear Friends!

I have so much gratitude  for all your support and love! The campaign (http://igg.me/at/brendamcmorrow/x/1173731) is going beautifully and we have raised 43% in the past couple weeks! Only 57% to go! I’m very excited to announce that we have just added 3 new, awesome (if I do say so myself 🙂 “Perks”! There is also a beautifully generous special offer for our Philadelphia friends and those going to Bhakti Fest from Yoga teacher/Reflexologist Erica Bleznak! All the details are here:

New Perk # 1: $171

Star in a Hanuman Chalisa Video!

Would you like to share your own super-charged devotion and admiration for Hanuman?! Join Brenda in this special re-make version of her Windblown Hanuman Chalisa! You will receive your own Verses to sing/rap, you film it on your iPhone or video camera, send it to us and we edit and present to the world! Also receive an advance download of the new album!

New Perk #2: $270

Notes From the Road

Remember the days when we used to get postcards in the mail? Ever wanted to know what life’s like on the road? Let Brenda be your penpal and send you at least 6 handwritten postcards from her tours around the world! She’ll tell you about her adventures and send them to you from various cities over the next 2 years of touring. She’ll look for the coolest postcards she can find! Plus: advance copy of Brenda’s new album (CD or Download, your choice) + downloads of Brenda’s other 3 albums!

New Perk #3: $500

Sponsor Your Own Song!

Be able to point to the title of your song and say “I helped create that!”. Your name appears in the liner notes. Plus! A Private Kirtan Mentoring Session or QandA hangout with Brenda , 1 Guest Pass to a live Concert, advance copy of Brenda’s new album (CD or Download, your choice) + downloads of Brenda’s other 3 albums! (Requests for specific songs will be accommodated whenever possible.)

Special Offer to our Philadelphia Friends or Friends who will be at Bhakti Fest West: $30 or more

A very special offer from my friend Erica Bleznak, in her own words:

“If you donate at least $30 from today thru this Sunday, July 12– to the remarkableBrenda McMorrow fundraising campaign for her new albumI will put your name in a raffle to win a free private yoga session and one foot reflexology session –I live near Philadelphia so you will need to be nearby or if you are at Bhakti Fest West I can offer a session there too! This is a $260 value for both sessions! Just inbox me (email Blezyogi@gmail.com) and let me know you have donated and I will enter your name–Let’s support musicians like Brenda McMorrow who are sharing conscious music with the world-link to donate is: http://igg.me/at/brendamcmorrow/x/1173731

 

 

NEW INDIEGOGO ALBUM FUNDRAISING PERK ADDED: STAR IN HANUMAN CHALISA VIDEO!!

STAR IN THIS SPECIAL RE-MAKE VIDEO OF THE WINDBLOWN HANUMAN CHALISA!!

JAI HANUMAN! A brand new, amazing PERK has just been added to my Indiegogo Fundraising Campaign!

Scroll down and see this new offering!!

Here is the original: HANUMAN CHALISA WINDBLOWN VERSION VIDEO

“Brenda’s Windblown version of the Hanuman Chalisa is fast becoming a phenomenon in both India and the West! Join Brenda in making this special “remake” version video!
We need 10 featured performers to sing/rap specific verses of the Chalisa. We will send you the track, with words to learn and a music track (without the words) for you to listen to on earbuds while you sing/rap along and film! Film on your smart phone or video camera, send to us and our wonderful video editor Alyssa will create a wonderful video for us to share with the world!! ”
hanuman

photo by Jennifer Mazzucco jennifermazzucco.com