Make a Joyful Noise
A weekend of Sacred Chant and Meditation
February 16-18, 2024
With Kaita Bliffert, Fred Bliffert and Ron Moor
Offered in person and online!!
Sacred Chant, beautifully enhancing our capacity to open to Source, God, Spirit. Join us for a joyful weekend of exploring, expanding, deepening and healing through sacred chant and silent meditation.
Much of the weekend we will follow the ancient Bhakti Yoga tradition of Kirtan – sacred chanting of call and response led by Kaita and Fred. We will learn the origin, meaning and use of each chant and be supplied with phonetic pronunciation guides. The chants are quite short, usually two or three lines. Each chant session will be followed by a 30 minute silent meditation. One enhancing the other.
Kirtans were originally written in Sanskrit, the sacred ancient language of India. The Sanskrit alphabet has a strong energetic and vibrational component—it is said that the words, when chanted, create a powerful vibration in the body, affecting every part of our being – body, mind and spirit. Be prepared to go deep into the meditative state of unitive consciousness.
We will learn some basic chants in Sanskrit and one or two in English. Chants of sacred earth, for healing of our body, for releasing and letting go, for opening to higher realms. Chants you can take home with you to enjoy and to enhance your own spiritual practice.
In addition, you will learn a chant of the Seven Chakras, bringing together sound, movement and imagery. On Saturday evening we will embark on a sonic journey enhanced by a large Tibetan temple gong, Tibetan singing bowls, tingshas, chimes and other devotional instruments. These sounds of creation will bring you into a deeper state of silence and stillness. On Sunday morning we will learn the Heart Sutra Chant and meditation to complete and bless our time together.
No prior experience of chant or even of meditation needed.
Come as an empty bowl, open to being filled in this ancient and profound way.
Your Guides for the Journey
Fred Bliffert is a well known R&B singer, songwriter and musician who has added Kirtans to his repertoire. His daughter Kaita has led Kirtans for years in the Milwaukee area as well as organizing and facilitating the monthly Meditate Milwaukee gatherings. Ron Moor is an energy healer, teacher and frequent presenter at The Christine Center who often uses sound for healing and guided meditations.
Fred and Kaita singing together at their Blue Lotus Farm and Retreat Center: Love Took Me By Surprise
Kaita and Fred at Kirtan Fest 2022 in Milwaukee: Wholly Holy
All Inclusive Retreat Pricing Options
Listed pricing includes all housing, meals, and program fee
Online Participation:
$150 (Early registration). After February 4 the fee is $200
Lodging Options:
Single Modern Hermitage
$540 (Early registration). After February 4 the fee is $590
Single Guest Room in Main Building
$478 (Early registration). After February 4 the fee is $528
Single Cabin Bedroom
$478 (Early registration). After February 4 the fee is $528
Single Rustic Hermitage
$384 (Early registration). After July 11 the fee is $434
Please contact our main office to make your reservation for any of the following (715-267-7507 or welcome@christinecenter.org):
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- Shared lodging options
- To reduce the number of meals you would like
- If you need to make special arrangements
- If you would like to reserve pet friendly accommodations
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Modern Hermitage: One room cottage with anywhere from 1 to 3 beds; living area; kitchenette; bathroom and shower.
Cabin Bedroom: A private bedroom with 1 to 2 beds located on the property in a shared cabin; shared kitchenette; shared bathroom and shower.
Guest Room-Main Building: A private bedroom with 2 beds and private bathroom located in the main building.
Rustic Hermitage: One room cottage with anywhere from 1 to 2 beds; living area. No bathroom or kitchenette. Modern bath and shower facilities are located on the property.
