National Foundation for Giving Voice
6th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH, October 4th - 6th 2004
JILL RAKUSEN
WHAT SONG TRULY OFFERS THE LISTENER AND THE SINGER:
An Alchemical Process Facilitating Integration of Spirituality into Everyday
Life
This presentation is based on exciting and profound discoveries Jill has made over many years, prompted by the challenge of illness. It will include illustrations from her own constantly developing integrated practice and from countless others, whether 'singers' or not, who have claimed extraordinary benefit through using her approach. Called Giving Voice (GV), it is rooted in:-
- Jill's on-going silent meditation and retreat work with Pamela Corin
- Her own spiritual and whole health GV practice
- The practice of those involved in the National Foundation for Giving Voice, including trainee GV teachers
GV is informed by a sophisticated understanding of the nature of 'holism' and of 'healing', of the nature and purpose of much song, and of what it means to 'matter' in a unitive context. It can facilitate in each individual the generation of a personal philosophy which is rooted in experienced integrity, and has been used in more advanced training to develop understanding in relation to Wholeness, Unity and Peace. It recognises how we can enhance or disrupt the organic process of which we are all a part, and offers the means to learn how to do more of the former and less of the latter - depending on how willing we are to embrace new paradigms, and the alchemical process that song can offer.
Depending on the interests of participants, some of the following will be addressed -
- choice of song(s)
- Our role as listeners or singers
- GV in the context of other traditions and approaches, including Karlheinz Stockhausen's writings
- implications eg concerning spirituality, relationship (including with music), and how we (can) function (better)
There will be an opportunity for participation and exploration/experimentation during the conference. A worktape will be available. Lack of perceived ability to sing could be an advantage.
Article now in print
This talk has now been published as an article entitled "Using Song As A Means Of Connecting With Truth: An Experiential Approach involving the Whole Person". It's in Spirituality and Health International 2004, Volume 5, Number 4, page 228. The ISSN is 1743-1867.
JILL RAKUSEN
Widely known as a sound and inspiring writer and health educator, Jill
is increasingly becoming recognised for Giving Voice - which fuses
these talents and expertise with that of music. Her training in unitive
awareness with Pamela Corin informs all Jill's work and enables her to
fill her life with infectious, ever-expanding joyfulness, ease and delight.
Bodies for which she has done presentations/seminars/ courses include
the United Religions Initiative, MIND, the UK Health Education Authority,
BACP and the Unitarian Church. Increasingly, Jill is developing her capacities
as a Griot. She lives in awe and gratefulness for what Giving
Voice teaches her - and others - and has recently set up a Foundation
to further its work.
© National Foundation for Giving Voice 2012
Reg Charity number 1140266