Whats on in London
Tried & Tested
Free your inner voice at one of Nikki Slade’s chanting sessions, says Chloe Nevett
What it’s not. Get rid of any assumption that chanting is about religion — put the image of Hare Krishna devotees intoning along Oxford Street out of your mind. You will not be expected to get religious if you chant with Nikki Slade though you may feel as ecstatic about the experience as our friends in orange do. The hour and a half of chanting ancient Sanskrit mantras does make most people feel really good and Nikki Slade has built up a loyal following of appreciative clientele.
What’s it like? Our tester went along to one of Nikki’s regular venues in North London at Triyoga where, in attractive first floor studio, bolsters and blankets were placed in large circle around flickering candles. About eighteen participants took their places on the floor, some sat on chairs, Nikki with her harmonium and tabla player completed the circle. As the evening light flooded through Triyoga’s signature coloured glass, windows Nikki reassured those new to chanting that they had nothing to worry about — as indeed they didn’t, her warm presence helped create a truly supportive environment. We were to intone three different chants each consisting of a few easy to remember Sanskrit words. Nikki would sing a line that we would repeat. This call and response technique gained gusto as the harmonium and tablas were added and soon our collective voices were singing out like seasoned chanters with Nikki’s interjections sounding deep and resonant. As the sound crescendoed people clapped and swayed in time, sometimes participants like to get up and dance. The harmonium’s sonorous sound trailed away at the end of each chant and the participants stretched their legs.
What are the benefits? The benefits of mantra repetition have been known for millennia Legend has it that ancient sages, reputedly attuned to higher levels of consciousness, used combinations of sounds derived from the Sanskrit alphabet to set up specific vibrations. The resulting mantras vibrate certain nerve centres in the body and have the power to affect physical or mental changes. For whatever reason, many of Nikki Slade’s diverse clientele are regulars who find great benefit from the experience. One member of the Triyoga group described the effect as better than meditation. Someone else said it beat going to the gym or having a massage. Our tester felt so peaceful and calm after the session that she vowed to explore it further.
Is there a CD? If you listen to Nikki Slade’s CD Nectarine you will get a good idea of the type of sound to expect at one of her chanting sessions. Incidentally, Talvin Singh found it an inspiring listen and we’ll second that.
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