Exceptional Events
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” With thousands of people gathered at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on October 8th, Chant4Change attendees were ready to echo Lincoln’s advice and stand firm for “conscious action” to “heal the soul of America.”
There is something to be said for the benefits gained from convening with individuals in a consciously connected community. While community can be defined as a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals, we are in fact in community each time we find a place where we belong.
Despite the cold rainy weather which eclipsed the event, the sincere intention to hold a high vibrational space for unity, peace and harmony was not deterred. Many from across the social, political and religious spectrum demonstrated a willingness to “weather the storm” and the uncomfortable external conditions to stand firm as instruments for real societal change.
Chant4Change opened with an Episcopal blessing from Rev. Alan Gates and a beautifully encouraging letter from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which was read by Rukmini Walker. The letter from His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be read in its entirety on guaravani.com.
With an inspirational line-up of various speakers, artists and musicians which included exemplary musical performances and noteworthy talks, here is a list of the presenters: MC Yogi, Radhanath Swami, Juggernauts: Gaura Vani & Visvambhar, David Newman, Tina Malia, Mikey Pauker. Fanna-Fi-Allah, Ajeet Kaur, Yona FrenchHawk
Kabir Helminski, Mannabliss, Kirtan Rabbi, Andrew Tanner of Yoga Alliance, Sweet Honey in The Rock, Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan and Ayaan, Rev. Alan Gates, Howard Ross, Fantuzzi, Conscious Living TV, The Art of Living, Linda Larkin, Vineet Chander, and Kerri Kelly.
Although each presenter who took the stage did so with a compelling interest for peaceful change in the socio-political environment and world beyond, and gave voice to topics around the importance of a personal spiritual practice and building communities, how a voice can make a difference, and voting as collective care, here are five highlights from the event:
1. Vivian DeMille of Mannabliss spoke on the importance of operating as a conscious business. It is known that “…many businesses generate financial wealth at the expense of social, cultural, environmental, intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being. They are extracting value rather than creating value.” The philosophy of a conscious business is that every business should have a higher purpose that transcends making money, and actively cultivates conscious leadership and culture. “They empower people and engage their best contribution in service of a higher sense of purpose.”
2. Kerri Kelly of CTZNWell and The Catalyst Collective presented a compelling perspective on the “emerging movement to mobilize people into a powerful force for well-being for all.” With many people who live in financial “survival mode” of trying to make ends meet, well-being is not often in the forefront of concern. “Wellness is much more than merely physical health, exercise or nutrition. It is the full integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.” The positive societal transformations we aspire to, as noted in Kelly’s presentation, remind us that we are not only spiritually responsible for ourselves, but also for each other.
3. Gaura Vani, who “believes in promoting kirtan through thoughtful and conscious media,” founded the first ever Chant4Change kirtan-festival in Washington, DC during President Obama’s inauguration. Gaura Vani and the dedicated team of volunteers erected tents in the rain, prepared and maintained audio equipment, engaged with attendees and presenters with kindness and worked tirelessly with a joyful attitude throughout the entire day to ensure that Chant4Change unfolded in the highest manner. Talk about lead by example; the ongoing efforts of the volunteers demonstrated what it truly means to be of service to a vision that is larger than the individual self.
Chant4Change 2016
MANNABLISS MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL
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