"Beauty is a heart that generates love and a mind that is open" 

Thich Nhat Hanh 

Sonic Meditation is the meeting point of sound and Mindfulness.  Sonic Meditation helps bring relaxation and unity to the body, mind and heart helping us to fully 'arrive' into the present moment. Sasha offers mantra and meditation classes, workshops and retreats in the Brighton and the Sussex area. 

Mantras are dynamic and easy to learn as they are simple and repetitive.  You can join in whatever your level of experience. Sasha gives a brief explanation of each mantra which are in the beautiful and ancient Sanskrit and Pali, singing will be accompanied by the harmonium (Indian reed instrument).  

Singing mantras helps quiet the chatter of the mind, it ‘tunes’ us up, creates ease and a sense of openness, it can relieve stress, increases mindfulness and helps us embody our experience in the here and now.   

We can rest in the silence that follows - sound and silent meditation flow and support each other. The silence after a mantra can be naturally meditative and be beautiful to rest in.  Singing mantras can give rise to meditative absorption and concentration (known as Dhyana and Dharana in Yoga and Samadhi or Samatha in Buddhism). Through this practice we can nurture and immerse ourselves into positive qualities of the heart, such as calmness, compassion, kindness and joy for ourselves and others.  

In singing a mantra to Green Tara we can connect with her loving attention and devotional care to people across the world, with the Medicine Buddha we wish that those in pain may be free from suffering, with Shiva we can sing a love song to our deepest selves and in singing the Peace Prayer we can wish everyone well.

Sasha encourages us to let our voices be free, exactly as they are, to quiet self-judgement.  In this allowing we soften into what is real for us and into the present moment.  

Your voice is your unique signature — imprinted with your most authentic expression of love, creativity and inspiration.

It’s the truth of your soul, waiting deep inside you to emerge…

Chole Goodchild, singer and teacher of The Naked Voice

In singing in a group our voices are unique, but also melt into a co-created sound.  Our body, mind and heart can unite through our the open presence of our voices - Sonic Yoga or meditation.

With our hearts nourished we can be more present and loving for others.

People have been chanting mantras in various spiritual traditions for thousands of years. Sasha shares her practice of chanting Buddhist and Hindu mantras she has learnt over the last 20 years, including some that she has composed. 

Only in the reality of the present can we love, can we awaken, can we find peace and understanding and connection with ourselves and the world.

Jack Kornfield

Mantras can help connect us to the awakened and positive qualities of the Buddhas and deities, nurturing them in our own hearts.  You do not have to be of any particular belief to join in - just a willingness to be open to singing together with an attitude of kindness.

Chanting will be accompanied by the harmonium, an Indian keyboard reed instrument, alongside periods of sitting and/or movement/walking meditation.

Sasha will offer guided meditation in Mindfulness of the breath, body, mind and heart, as-well as loving-kindness practice and inspirational readings.

Anyone is welcome to attend, regardless of singing or meditation experience or of religious belief. 

During classes/workshops we sing mantras and meditate together to nurture positive qualities of the heart, such as compassion, kindness and joy for ourselves and others.  In singing a mantra to Green Tara we can connect with her loving attention and devotion to people across the world, with the Medicine Buddha we wish that those in pain may be free from suffering, with Shiva we can sing a love song to our deepest selves.

"So nice to chant and fill the space with beautiful sound.  It transported [me] to a timeless spacious place.  Thank you."  Graham

"I haven't done much mantra before so I was quite nervous before I arrived, but the whole session was incredibly welcoming and put me at ease."  Vicky