” Music is the voice that tells us that the human race is greater than we realize “ -Napolean
This quote was read by Carlos Ivan Caloff who spoke at a concert this week in NYC at the Baryshnikov Arts Center as an alumnus from a special community of musicians from Musicambia.
Musicambia develops music education programs and performances inside prisons throughout the United States. Through working closely with incarcerated people on songwriting, performing, instrument lessons, and music theory, their teaching musicians and programs cultivate artistic communities that nurture the humanity of all involved in the programs.
Musicambia uses the power of music to build supportive communities where incarcerated individuals can build meaningful connections, engage in learning, and rebuild their lives starting while incarcerated. This Non- for profit organization believes music is a powerful tool for developing positive self-image, greater self-confidence, and effective communication skills. By sharing their skills, musicians grow as teachers and citizens committed to humanizing the criminal legal system. Not to mention the lives touched on the inside … this inside and outside and outside and inside connection to humanity not separated by walls or barbed wire is the heart space that is the yoga exists.
Musicambia transforms lives! As music feeds the soul. Being present in this concert hall transformed me into a space of collective spirit strung together by every note and momentary pause of silence as the presence of sound resonated inside and out, like a Kirtan lead by Krishna Das. The different types of instruments in this ensemble from Bassoon to Piano, the different types of music composed and performed were a blending of colors like a rainbow of sounds and melodies all uniquely present with one purpose to represent humanity- uniquely different but yet the same – all wanting to love and to be loved, be seen and heard, and a way to express our selves with a souls’ purpose. There was a deep place of presence connected through creativity, song, self-expression, support and love. This Music is powerful and transformative and active. It got me thinking about the parallels of my yoga practice and Heartful Yoga Art making process … the need to be creative and the place for the soul to be safe to sing, dance, drawn, soar and create and be quiet.
Men at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and now other Correctional facilities in the US create and perform music with visiting artists though Musiccambia. Incarcerate people have an opportunity to be part of a series of workshops focuses on developing composition and instrumental skills, while several concerts for the facility’s general population feature original works written and performed by the artistic community. After returning home to New York City, these alumni meet regularly to support each other, inform the program as an advisory committee, and continue to make music.
Check out this moving performance written and performed by singer-songwriter Kenyatta Emmanuel, “Holding Out Hope” in Carnegie Hall .
“Holding out Hope” is described as recognition of where we are—a reminder of why we’re here. This performance of all moved me so much that I cant get it out my mind and I had to share it and share this fine work that Musiccambia is doing with a forgotten population that can use healing.
Please check out this performance from Carnegie Hall
Seeing, knowing and taking action to help others move towards self- healing and the shifting of perspective to help remove the veil of our own ignorance to get to the side of knowing our true Self as unbound love and potential is the yoga. Now that’s transformative!
We learn through our own yogic practice on and off the mat and through studying of the Yoga Sutras that this yoga is a deep study of the mind to free the soul. Once a Yogi experiences the Self, they becomes aware that it is not individual but the substratum of the entire existence, of all that is.
For it is in the mind that we are bound and trying to be unbound by. Sometimes it is through classic Raja (yoga of the mind), Karma (yoga of action ) , Jnana (yoga of knowledge & wisdom ), Bhakti (yoga of devotion) , Mantra (yoga of primordial sounds), Tantra (yoga of energies) ,and Hatha (balance of our bodies both gross & subtle )yoga or … and sometimes it is through music, art, words and dance – that we find the yoga= union so naturally . Whatever vehicle we can use to to raise the vibrations of our spirit towards peace inside ourselves so we live an ethical, balanced life of human existance - so be it. Then we can collectively move outward as a steward for all of humanity. I am for it !
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela
Join me this summer season out side on the river banks of the Hudson River for some outdoor POP -UP YOGA classes where a portion of the donation will go to support Musicambia.
Outdoor POP- UP YOGA
It’s a great way to connect with community outside on the magnificent Hudson River in a very homegrown way. Bring a friend . We are practicing old school style … community style … no pomp and circumstance … no mic (just my cheerleading voice cheering your on as your spiritual cheerleader through your asana and pranayama to connect to your spirit) … maybe a picnic basket to watch the sunset … and you can help others transform their lives through music
Bring your mat, your props, a blanket and don’t forget your water bottle.
Let’s breathe, move, explore and restore an sing together too!
Mark your calendars and join me in the parks Thursday nights in JUNE (weather permitting -updates will be on insta #heartfulyogabydani)
OUTDOORS POP- UP YOGA CLASSES
Thursdays 6:30pm- 7:15pm
These classes are for everybody!
Suggested donation $15 per class - or pay what you can
THURS 6:30- 7:15pm
June 2 West Point Foundry Preserve, Cold Spring
June 9 Foundry Dock Park, Cold Spring
June 16 Scenic Hudson Park at Peekskill Landing
Fri 6:30-7:15pm
June 24Foundry Dock Park, Cold Spring
“Music is not in the notes but in the silence in between “ Mozart