Do you love to sing in the shower?

You’re not alone. One of the reasons so many of us sing there is the reverberation tiled spaces offer, and the invitation to listen with our entire selves.

We listen not only with our ears, but also with our skin, skeleton (ever felt your sternum vibrate at a concert?), internal fluid (from one point of view, we’re basically sacks of water), fascia.

The sound of your own voice reflecting back to you from your surroundings invites you to expand into that space. And in such a space, when you sing, you produce overtones or harmonics. So it’s as if you’re beginning to vocalize with your own personal choir.

Now imagine that experience with a small group of others, guided by the masterful composer David Hykes. David has made his life’s work the study of harmonics. I was lucky enough to do a two-hour workshop with him years ago at the Rubin Museum (now sadly closing—but that’s another story). My experience in that workshop has resonated and marinated as the years went by, especially in the past year when I began learning and practicing toning with Maryn Azhoff. But David’s never offered a retreat at a time when I could go.

This October, David is offering a retreat just because I asked. I’m beyond honored,

Now we’re inviting seven other folks to join us, near Paris, at his home and retreat center in the woods. I’m inviting you as a fellow participant: I’m paying too! :}

Does the idea of cultivating harmonic presence entice you? Then please come! Or share this with someone you know would love to come.

How to attend Harmonic Presence

To reserve your spot, email David Hykes directly at harmonicpresence at gmail.com.

The retreat cost is 750 €, which includes lodging and meals.
Deposit of 250 € to hold your place, and he accepts deposits via the Wise app.

Below is more info about the retreat.

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Harmonic Presence

Music of the Spheres of Being with David Hykes

Oct. 11-13, 2024 in Pommereau, France

Join us if you’re craving an opportunity to go deep with voice, listening, and contemplation through the masterful guidance of composer David Hykes. No previous experience needed.

Harmonic Presence work explores relationships between contemplative sound and practice, and the medicine of healing harmonization. It can help us cultivate the deepest fundamentals of being—compassion, sensitive listening, good will and attentive accompaniment in service to others.

Open to participants with any level of experience in musical, spiritual or contemplative practices, yoga, and healing arts.

COST: 750 € (Includes accommodations and meals)
Information and Reservations: Email harmonicpresence@gmail.com .
Deposit of 250 € to hold your place. Accepted via the Wise app.

The Harmonic Presence explorations of contemplative mentor and singer-composer David Hykes include a “music of the spheres of being,” Harmonic Chant, as well as contemplative, meditative and healing practices for awareness, attunement, and compassionate accompaniment in all spheres of life. Through these retreats and “harmonic meetings,” David shares the fruits of 40 years of creative work, contemplative studies and spiritualized music-making. As a long-time student of wisdom traditions, especially Tibetan Buddhism, he has offered music and programs in events with His Holiness the Dalaï Lama and other eminent spiritual teachers, the Mind and Life Institute, and in sacred, traditional and cultural festivals the world over.

Pommereau, the center in France, is a magic and tranquil site, bathed in quiet, with bird song, pure air, open views, and clear night skies, just 108 minutes southwest of Paris, by car or train, near the Loire Valley and its châteaux .