Back to Basics Summer Retreat
June 27 - July 5
Ananda Kanan, MO




Children's Program

Aparna Devi and I headed up the Children's Program each morning, leading Circle Time, which included spiritual songs, kiirtan and a meditation story. Afterwards, the children enjoyed free play, art and crafts. We had a small group of chidren ages 3-5 y/o, and a few 2 year olds with their parents.

For the children's performance, Aparna Devi and I crafted a story from the Prabhat Samgiita, Raingin Pari Bale - a fairy song about service and 'moving towards the light'. In the adapted story, the fairy moves through the forest to find people and animals in need. She takes them around the light, while singing kiirtan, and tends to their needs.

We created a forest scene by using chairs and green saris. The home was constructed of cardboard boxes, painted red by the children and teachers. We were able to find the perfect costumes in the supply room, along with red and yellow fabric for the fire.

The sweet story characters were a fairy, a small boy, kittens, birds, and a baby deer. Two of the mothers dressed up with their two year olds in order to pull them in, less they run too far out of orbit! The fairy hid under the red and yellow silks. When it came time for her to emerge, the audience let out a breathtaking sigh, "Ahhh!"

Two older girls, Cirsamita and Priyanka, who have been studying Hindustani vocals, did a fantastic job accomanying me with the kiirtan and song. Young Anjali didn't miss a beat on the djembe, and played the 6 beat rhythm with great ease.

Performances and Kiirtans

A new devotee expressed how she was moved to tears during the final, etheric kiirtan of the Dhyana Workshop. I supported Rishi's groovin', gospel-inspired songs at the Cultural Evening Program; then sang a Bossa Nova-laced, original composition. Enthusiastic sisters joined me during Akhanda Kiirtan: Rekha on flute, Mukti on drum, Didi Ananda Ragamaya, Mokshadevi, and Didi Prema on vocals. The rhythmic kiirtans had everyone dancing in ecstacy!