October 3-6, 2024
"Weaving Sound"
with Ann Sensing
Deep Listening as Transformation
“Music calms the savage beast”. An ancient phrase that points to a modern need. However, music, Sound Therapy, does much more than just calm discordant static.
Toxins that enter our being can be transformed. Turmoil can become harmony. We are made primarily of water. Our brain tissue in particular approaches 80% water. Sound waves travel in water in ways that science is just beginning to grasp; but what is clear: it transforms stagnancy to vitality. Sounds waves touch our skin, create a sensing through our inner ears that travels through the liquid of our being creating a vibration that promotes a physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, cognitive rewiring , a mental clarity within. Chanting mantra, kirtan, humming, hymnal singing, live instruments, singing bowls, laughter, the sound of a waterfall: the list nears infinite of the ways sound can bring resonance.
Being out of harmony creates imbalance. We would love to help you restore the clarity that healing with sound can bring. Gray Bear has the backdrop of silence; of nature’s symphony, which lends itself to this cutting-edge art form of sound healing.
Ann Sensing will utilize a variety of instruments and techniques to instill the harmonic balance achieved with healing sounds therapeutic applications. Your job will be to relax and receive. No activity needed. The natural entrainment created with this process encourages a cellular matching of the internal frequencies to “merge” with the external sounds and stimulations. Change occurs. Transformation. An ancient practice for modern times; we do hope you can join us.
- Sacred circle and ceremony sessions
- Multiple yoga, mediation and sound bath sessions with Ann
- Forrest bathing & deep sound ritual
Open to all levels; all are encouraged to attend. Some expertience in meditation is helpful, but not required.
Full retreat price is $655 if paid in full by Sept 1 2024. After Sept 1, price increases to $735. To reserve your place please register by sending your full payment to: Gray Bear Lodge, PO Box 682, Hohenwald, TN 38462. Price includes tuition, shared lodging, all meals and full use of facilities. A limited number of private cabins are also available for an upgrade; please inquire if interested. Payment: Mailing a check, PayPal, Venmo or MC/Visa all accepted. Space is consciously limited; first come, first serve basis. Confirmation letter and additional information (including directions to Gray Bear) will be sent following registration.
We’ll begin with guests arriving Thursday between 4 to 6. Dinner served at 6:00; followed by orientation and opening circle. We finish our retreat on Sunday with brunch ; checkout at 2:00. (*) Gray Bear is a two hour drive from the Nashville airport, so please plan arrival time/ departure time with this in mind.
Hi, I’m Ann. I like to think I’m here to remind you of how beautiful you are – that your life is precious and that your gifts are just awaiting your discovery, right beneath the surface of how society tells us to live. It feeds my heart and soul to be with you on your journey into deep listening, and to witness the transformative qualities sound can have on one’s life is what I enjoy most about my work. It’s like watching a flower bloom for the first time.
What’s most important to me is living a life of authenticity, and the way I do that is always by listening first. I incorporate mindfulness, deep relaxation techniques, and somatic-based guidance as the basis of my approach to working with others. As a student, mother and teacher, I practice to uncover the fire of liberating wisdom in everyday experience.
Gray Bear is home to 400 acres of rolling hills, thick forest, natural springs, and even a waterfall. You can experience the wonders of nature while sitting in a hand-built wood fire sauna; hear the silence of nature's symphony lying on a hammock while curled under a blanket; and revel in clear air and water while using shower outdoors.
With all of this nature we have some suggestions to consider when packing:
- Working flashlight ...it gets dark with only the light of the stars to guide you!
- A bathing suit ... good for the hot tub, sauna, and Watsu massage pool
- Water bottle ...Gray Bear does not use disposable cups. Purified water is available in the Main House and the Yoga Room
- A bath robe/sarong
- House slippers or socks to wear indoors ...no shoes inside please
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals for an inspired nature hike
- Warm clothing ...mornings & evenings can be cool
- Comfortable clothes for exercising/yoga
Please do not bring any drugs, alcohol, or pets. Gray Bear is a non-smoking, pet-free and alcohol-free facility.