Exploring Kirtan and why it is important.

I began practicing kirtan many years ago, when my voice was still under construction, if I can use this term. I had no idea how to work with it, but I knew that I wanted to sing, desperately.

Maybe you can relate to this feeling, knowing that something is there for you but not knowing how to approach it.

Antaratma leading nada yoga session at the Zen Center.

The role of the teacher

I was extremely lucky to have Antaratma as my teacher, which of course was also challenging since my teacher was also my boyfriend, back then. I was amazed by his voice and his talent to create beautiful melodies and strong rhythms. It took a lot of patience from his side and some determination from my side, because it was not at all pleasant for me to move out of my comfort zone!

Why Kirtan?

Why kirtan? It was much more accessible to me, since I didn't know music, I wasn't trained in music.

What was, and still is more mportant than this, is that my heart was opening each time, revealing something new and making my desire to sing even greater. Maybe if I hadn't found kirtan I wouldn't have done music after all. It opened the door for me.

Alexandra leading nada yoga and chanting during the retreat in Serifos.

The benefits

After telling you a bit of my story, I would like to say a few things about the benefits. There are so many, and I would like to share some with you.

1. Spiritual Connection

Kirtan builds a feeling of belonging and of spiritual connection, making it a really deep experience.

2. Meditation

The very act of chanting is meditation itself. It encourages mindfulness, which can help release anxiety and stress. When we chant together, we can let go of our worries, our anxieties, and all those things that cloud our mind.

3. Community

We are so many, but we need a purpose to become one. Kirtan creates this purpose and brings us together, so we can finally let go of our armor and connect to each another.

4. Creativity

When we sing, chant and dance, we tap into the creative aspect of our being. We are artists, all of us, although we may not be aware of it.

5. Accessibility

Kirtan is open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or spiritual beliefs. This creates so much freedom to explore, to feel, and to forget all about should and shouldn'ts.

Kirtan in Athens

More and more people are becoming interested in participating and playing kirtan in Athens. Satyanandashram Hellas, and Swami Shivamurti especially, is the main inspiration and teacher to all of us. She is the reason why Antaratma, myself, and so many others have found and continue this beautiful practice.

To finish this small sharing, I would like to remind that there are many groups that share kirtan, like Adi Shakti (our group), Bhakti Age, and many more, so feel free to explore, feel free to sing, dance, and transcend the mind and senses.

Alexandra Sotiropoulou