Yusuf and Lynne are both spiritual activists, their life’s purpose is to facilitate transformation through music. With their unique, original and diverse sound, they take the participants beyond the conditioned mind into the realm of bliss, surrender and love. The Sound to Silence Retreats by Desert Rose include yoga, meditation, healing circles, theta, yoga nidra, sound journeys/sound baths and sacred dance.
There are many sound healing modalities, all serving different purposes. When combined, they have a deep impact on all aspects of ones being. Science has proven that sound has the power to increase immune function in cancer patients, to heal people of depression, to lower blood pressure, to assist in rehabilitation of stroke patients and more. These are just a few examples of the many benefits of sound healing, whether it is absorbing sound passively or generating sound individually and collectively.
Desert Rose explores all of these healing modalities in their Sound to Silence Retreats and includes various modules that makes up weekend retreats, 1 day retreats as well as shorter sound healing sessions. From using music to induce states of Deep Relaxation and Theta Brain Wave States through their original brainwave music to harnessing the power of sacred sound individually and collectively within sound healing circles.
With the strength of their own connection through a lifetime of Sacred Sound practice they are able to transport the listener beyond the limitations of this world and provide an experience of the unlimited.
The Power of Sound
The Power of Sound module lays the theoretical foundation of the impact of music on the mind, body and spirit at the Sound to Silence Retreat. These sessions are interactive and explorative. They specifically unpack the impact of music on the brain. Participants discover music as a universal language, the shorthand of emotion and so much more. Without this knowledge, one does not have the awareness to harness the power of sound in its fullest capacity. Although this module is theoretical, it is interspersed with sound healing exercises.
Lynne who has a degree in classical music has researched and practically explored the impact of music on the psyche for more than 20 years.
Road Map to Mantra
In the road map to mantra module, a clear outline of Sacred Sound is explored. The ancient Vedic layers of sound are discussed and our own awakening to the sound we as human beings generate consciously and unconsciously. Once we have awakened the awareness of our own harmonies and discords, we apply techniques to direct our own symphony of internal sound. We tap into the real power and science of mantra following the necessary respect and spiritual discipline of mantra.
In the Sound to Silence Retreat, we discuss and explore the criteria that separates Normal Sound (Music) from Sacred Sound. With this expansion of understanding and consciousness we can proceed with harnessing this gift, opening doors to higher consciousness through entraining the mind. With the practice of Mantra we direct the mind. We learn to surf the wave of Sacred Naad (cosmic vibration) through the repetition of Naam (Sacred Mantra). In this we move from the gross to the subtle, the subtle to the Infinite.
Healing Circles
In this session we harness the power of sound within healing circles. With the combination of kriya, mantra and breath we collectively raise our vibration and consciously direct this vibration or energy to assist one another on the journey of healing and awakening. These are transformative and powerful modalities to shift blocked energy within the healing circle.
Each healing circle is organized according to the mantra, the kriya and the intention. Desert Rose has developed its own unique expression of original music and mantras woven into kriya, creating a powerful and unique healing experience in these sessions. The power of the group energy is exponential in the healing circle, raising vibration for the part and the whole. The difference between the group as opposed to solo chanting is tangible. In the healing circle we are all healers, and with the intention of healing others, we heal ourselves. We shift from egocentric to altruistic states. The healing circle is sacred.
Sound Journey/ Sound bath
Desert Rose uses a combination of instruments and voice to lead the group into a sound journey or sound bath. Participants lie on the floor in a circle while different instruments are used to create a healing vibration. We explore the ancient Chinese sounds of the liver, pancreas, stomach, heart and lungs in the sound journey. The lyre, drum, voice and singing bowls are the subtle music therapy instruments used in the sound bath. The individual learns to tune into the organs of the body, feeling where the discomfort and blocks have manifested and allowing the vibration of the sound bath to move through the blocks and heal. The sound journey is both passive and participatory.
Sacred Dance
Sacred Dance is a unique module, allowing the group to harmonizes its movements to sacred mantra, experiencing the bliss of connecting to one another through sacred dance and form. The sacred dance is performed to the original music of Desert Rose.
Theta Healing And Yoga Nidra
Through guided visualization and original Theta music a state of deep relaxation is induced. While in this half awake, half asleep state, the spontaneous healing of emotional and physical disease has been recorded. Yoga Nidra is used initially to relax the body and mind. Yoga Nidra is known as sleep meditation, as it relaxes the body through the map of the bodies 61 sacred points. The subconscious does not filter the environment and external world, especially in the highly receptive Theta state. All healing happens in Theta. These sessions run daily as we strive to bridge the gap between the conscious and unconscious mind and build a bridge of communication through the power of sound. Desert Rose has composed unique and powerful Theta music for the benefit of those who attend these workshops.
Yogic Chanting
This is a special healing modality in sacred music. One has to LISTEN and PARTICIPATE. In this session, the leader puts out a call and the participants reply through mimicking the call. The participant has to fine tune his or her consciousness and really tune in to listen to the call in order to mimic the call and answer. It creates heightened awareness and creativity, combined with the vibration of sound in the form of give and take. This modality is very powerful, as mimicry is part of our genetic past, and has its roots deep in our memory of social cohesion and survival. As human beings, our creativity is what sets us apart as a race. Creativity through music is probably the highest form of this potential.
Silent Meditation
The ultimate purpose of sound is to lead us into silence. With the power of sound, yoga nidra and all the other practices that prepare us for silence, we clean the mind and wash away our critical mind. All sound work is a preparation for an experience of deep silence and meditation. This is when we experience the benefit of Naam (Mantra), we hear the echo of our Sacred Sound returning to us in the form of Naad (raised vibrational energy). A relaxed state of concentration through open eye meditation (Raj yoga) is practiced twice a day on retreats. In this time all the work done is consolidated in the powerful atmosphere of collective silence. Meditation is the aim of all yoga, to purify the body so that it is ready to move into a state of peaceful, blissful silence.
Desert Rose Concert
Desert Rose has inspired audiences all over the world with their Sacred World Music. Their retreats culminate in this musical odyssey. Words cannot adequately describe the mystical experiences of their concerts with Yusuf’s powerful Naad voice and Lynne’s unique compositions. The less said the better, one simply has to surrender to the Sacred Sound and allow the Divine to flow through, giving each and everyone the unique experience that is appropriate for them at that time.
Conclusion.
With Lynne and Yusuf’s unique set of skills, and a lifetime immersed in sacred music and meditation, their retreats are simply magical. All the music from day one to the final concert is original. With their dedicated compositions for breathing, kriya, yoga, yoga nidra, mantra, theta, meditation and sound journeys, one is treated to this unique and sacred journey. “The Rose” in ancient traditions symbolizes the opening of the heart and restoration of balance.
Their carefully crafted original music is what sets the Sound to Silence retreats apart from all other retreats, music that is streamlined and landscaped to take the participant on a journey inward, discovering ones spiritual DNA through sound and accessing divine love, bliss and peace.
Whilst Desert Rose has 18 albums available commercially, their retreat music cannot be bought and will not be heard anywhere else. It is kept Sacred for the retreats alone and for all those who participate.