Fall Equinox Singing Ritual

As the Fall Equinox approaches, we gather to honor the balance between light and dark, a time of reflection, release, and gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season. You are invited to join us in a community singing ritual where we will weave together song, meditation, and ritual through the framework of the Work That Reconnects (Joanna Macy). This powerful practice nurtures our deep connection to each other and the Earth, invoking a sense of joy, belonging, healing, and interconnectedness with all living beings.

Led by community song leader Sarah Bentley, this ritual is an invitation to sing yourself home, embracing the parts of you that yearn for joy and hope. We will sing songs that arise from grief, curiosity, remembrance, and the honoring of our ancestors. As we resonate with these melodies, may we feel our hearts and bodies as one, reconnecting with our shared humanity and the Earth that sustains us.

This singing ritual is a sacred space where we come together as a community to free our voices, nurturing our hearts, bodies, and spirits. Through song, we find strength to remain conscious and engaged in these uncertain times, expressing our joy, sadness, desires, and dreams.

Our community singing circles are open to everyone—intentionally inclusive and family-friendly. No need to be a "good singer"; all voices are welcome! This is a supportive space to explore your voice in a group setting, fostering a true sense of belonging as we learn and sing together.

Please bring a bottle of water, and perhaps an item for the altar.
Plan to arrive by 5:45 to get settled in the sanctuary so we can start on time.

Energy exchange: by donation $66-22 suggested; 10% of proceeds will go to Indigenous Cultures Institute.

Co-facilitators:

Sarah S. Bentley, founder of Heart Body Song, is a song catcher, song carrier, and community song leader, based in Austin, Texas. She gracefully weaves the art of embodied singing, mindful movement, ritual, and communal prayer into her circles. Sarah started singing as a child and has performed as a singer/songwriter. Sarah incorporates qigong and meditation, as well as practices to build community resilience to provide a rich and healing experience. She has a beautiful way of creating a space where everyone feels safe expressing their voices. Sarah is a certified Sisters in Harmony song leader and offers regular women's and inclusive singing experiences around Austin and online.

Gregory Alexander on vocals and multiple instruments. Gregory Alexander is a lifelong singing musician straddling the spaces of multiple genres of music (including choral, solo, theatrical, sacred, groove-oriented pop, rock, country, and dance.). A practitioner and devotee of the improvised moment, Gregory is also a trained bodywork practitioner, Reiki Master, and Oneness Blessing giver dedicated to fostering wholeness wherever possible. He has been recognized as a “deeply gifted vocalist” and a “magician.”

Carolyn "Gahana" Bonnington came into deep resonance with the Native American flute many years ago when she began studying with indigenous teachers and opening to allow spirit and nature to play through her. Gahana is also the founder and facilitator for the Avalon Mystic's Circle http://www.AvalonMystics.com, a community dedicated to deepening our connection with nature, the natural cycles of Earth, and the mystical gifts of life.

Gahana is part of the musical duo known as Heartistry. Her music partner, Beckie Forsyth, plays alchemy crystal bowls, and they have released a CD called Inner Sanctum ~ A Soundbath Journey. Gahana is honored to share her flute medicine at memorials, ceremonies, rituals and celebrations.

Dianne Preston on percussion.

Statement of Solidarity: Heart Body Song strives to create a safe space for all and in order to do this must acknowledge the harm that people of color have experienced and in some cases still endure. For community singing to be fully inclusive and safe for marginalized people, Heart Body Song is committed to standing/singing in solidarity by taking an anti-racist stance in organizing and facilitating all of our events. Community singing is a form of collective healing and without intentional action, the white supremacist inertia of our society will continue to perpetuate harm to those who are most oppressed. Without this stance, the community singing movement's aspirations for a peaceful, loving, and sustainable world will only remain a reality for the people living in white skin.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Trinity Church of Austin, 4001 Speedway, Austin, United States