The Burlington Sound of Music Free Festival Sunday June 11th, June 15th- 18th, 2017 and the Restorative Power of Meditation: Bridging Science and Spirituality June 14th, 2017 are Free to the Public, Drop in Events that are good for your Heart and Soul

Burlington Pier, Ontario, Canada, captured musical notes, uncoincidentally, during the Sound of Music Festival-Photo by Paula Erskine

The Burlington Sound of Music Festival 2017 draws over 200,000 music fans from every corner of the globe including our neighbors to the south. It is Canada’s largest outdoor music festival, and never disappoints. There are many ways to enjoy the many bands that play along Brant street, the Burlington City Hall and three stages in Spencer Smith Park on Lakeshore Road overlooking lake Ontario. Many people liken Burlington’s Lake Ontario to a feeling of being near the ocean somehow. So just what is there to discover in Burlington beginning June 14th, 2017? Let’s begin with the hypothesis…

Destiny is in your hands, photo by Paula Erskine, Spain.

Of course, this connection is interwoven with the truth found in Canada’s original inhabitants, which were aware of its power as far back as 10,000 years or so. Before 150 years of Canada, there was a land of ancient, wise people who lived sustainably, respectfully, passing down stories and traditions and living with gratitude.

White Pine Dancers Family and Friends will perform at the Burlington Citizenship Ceremony at 1:45pm and Burlington Sound of Music Festival 2017

Sunday June 11th the White Pine Dancers perform as a group of First Nations Family and friends who share their gifts of story, dance and song at 1:45pm at the Sound of Music Festival 2017. Open your hearts and show your love for Canada’s aboriginal nations.

They have a story to tell, one that we can feel through our natural connection to mother earth. I had the privilege of capturing the images of the White Pine Dancers below from a Crawford Lake event.

facebook.com/whitepinedancers

Before White Pine Dancers, Valley http://www.officialvalley.com/ will perform at 1:00pm and Killin’ Time Band at 3:15pm, http://www.killintimeband.com/,  on Sunday June 11th, 2017.In fact, a great way to enjoy the music festival is to go the website, listen to the lineup at https://soundofmusic.ca/

The website offers music samples from the artists, not all of which I have heard of, but that never stops me from checking out their videos, doing a bit of research and going with bands that inspire me to be a fan and supporting Canadian artists.

Who can forget Burlington’s prides and joys, The Spoons, http://www.spoonsmusic.com/  from the 80’s hitting the stage at 4:30pm, and Walk Off The Earth at 7:30pm. Who of my generation doesn’t remember their songs on the radio? Go Burlington, Go!

Incidentally, Walk Off The Earth made humble passengers on a wintry flight of mine last year, so I was able to express my fanship through trolley offerings aisle-side. Their cover tune of Gotye “Somebody I used to know” seen here made headlines when actor and musician Russell Crowe tweeted about their video of the whole band playing one guitar right here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGIiYejABSQ which landed them a guest spot on TV show Ellen. Check out their cover of Adele and they have incredible original songs. Please support them and put Burlington on the map again and again! https://www.facebook.com/walkofftheearth.

Inbetween those Burlingtonians on Sunday June 11th is Tebey at 6:00pm and you can listen to him here, and rocks country with a great voice http://tebeymusic.com/jealous-of-the-sun-official/.

Stay tuned for some more great music and good vibrations as we explore Burlington Sound of Music 2017 and I formulate my playlist for this year. The only negative thing I can say is that, there are sometimes several great acts playing at the same time, so I do make a music plan and prioritize my free concert repertoire.

Here are some great moments I captured on film in recent years at the Burlington Sound of Music Festival..

Artwork in Burlington on Brant street…above…glorious birch trees…

Sean McCann formerly of Great Big Sea, performed last year at Burlington City Hall and was oozing talent and goodness. He is a champion of his own demons.

 

 

 

http://www.seanmccannsings.com/, photo Paula Erskine

The Sheepdogs played opening night and absolutely rocked it at the Sound of Music Festival 2014. One of the best of 100 free concerts held in Burlington, Ontario. Photo by Paula Erskine, http://www.thesheepdogs.com/

Jarvis Church soul singing at Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival 2014. Photographed by Alexis Lagos of http://www.lacedupimagery.com, http://jarvischurch.ca/

http://www.jullyblack.com/ (Photo credit: Paula Erskine)

The Burlington Pier 2013 Debut, photo by Paula Erskine

See you in Burlington, where we share borders with Hamilton via this bridge, Oakville, Milton and Halton proper. Let’s not forget our neighbors on the other side of the lake, in the good old U.S. of A. who are always welcome. And to all the tourists world-wide, plan your vacation around this Free Concert Extravaganza in Burlington. Stay tuned for more on this event this week 2017.

Winnipeg Festival & Pow Wow Sat. March 25th, 2017…Plus Free Meditation classes March 24th-28th 2017-Connect to Mother Earth

Don’t miss the First Annual Tribal Memories Festival and Pow Wow (only $5.00) and Free Sahaja Yoga Meditation Classes http://www.free-meditation.ca/archives/22225 ( that will help you to connect to Mother Earth, your spirit or higher self, everyone and everything…all happening in Winnipeg March, 2017, the Heart of Canada!

On Saturday March 25th, 2017, everyone, from everywhere is invited to the First Annual Tribal Memories Aboriginal Festival and Pow Wow at the Duckworth Centre, 400 Spence Street, at the University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The entrance fee is only $5.00 and you to get tickets you can call 204-615-7212, email pinefallsauction@gmail.com or at buy at the door, which opens at 5:00pm. The wonderful festival will start at 6:00pm and go to about 11:30 at night.

You can check out the Pow Wow official link with more event details and a chance to find out about more Pow Wows in your area.http://calendar.powwows.com/events/first-annual-tribal-memories-festival-pow-wow/

I had the pleasure of meeting Dakota, Marty and Cody who were inviting everyone passing through Portage Place in Winnipeg to their wonderful, powerful event. They were very warm and brotherly, and I am extending this invitation out to this Aboriginal festival, open to the public, it is a great opportunity to enjoy our oneness and connection with everyone and Mother Earth.

In addition, please join  Sahaja Yoga Winnipeg for Free Meditation Classes from March 24th to March 28th, 2017 to also connect to Mother Earth through a simple, guided meditation known as “thoughtless awareness”, with no hard poses, you can sit in a chair or on the floor, and feel the connection, joy and peace.

Achieving the yoga state is a great tool for students during exam pressures, relieving anxiety, emotional balance, harmony and better health. A great way to de-stress and connect to your higher self. All ages are welcome, and it is always free, in 100 countries, world-wide.

I encourage everyone to drop in! http://www.free-meditation.ca/archives/22225 for links to more classes and great articles celebrating oneness and respect for each other and this planet we share.

Sahaja Yoga also celebrated their R.A.I.N. (Realize Awareness in Nations) to Heal M. E. (Mother Earth) events in Ontario, Canada, with Aboriginal Prayers and many cultural traditions of many backgrounds that are rooted in the truth and essence of our beings. We salute the light in all of you, namaste, miigwetch, thank you.  http://www.free-meditation.ca/archives/20920

FREE Meditation Classes in Winnipeg Continues March 2017-Drop in tonight! March 16th-28th free classes in “The Heart,” Winnipeg, Manitoba

http://www.free-meditation.ca/archives/22225 Please check out the link for more information about Sahaja Yoga and subscribe to enjoy fresh new articles! Namaste Everyone. We salute the light in all of you.

Winnipeg Free Meditation Class Continues on Sat. Feb. 18th 2017 from 12-4:30pm, St. Boniface Library

For a third season, Sahaja Yoga free meditation classes will be held from January to April 2017 at rotating locations offered for free for this non-profit class offerings to the public of Winnipeg at large. We sit in a chair or the floor, and there are no hard poses, we learn how to connect to our higher self, and go on a journey to find out who we are at the core of our being and experiencing the Yoga state. The next session will be as follows:

Saturday February 18th from 12noon to 4:30pm at St. Boniface Library, Salle de Marie Bernard, second floor (yes, there is an elevator).

For more information http://www.free-meditation.ca or http://www.freemeditation.com are great official websites where you can peruse videos, music and presentations with great vibes.

Inner peace and pure joy are two of the many health benefits you will receive as a free gift from the all pervading power of the universe. Everyone is welcome to these guided meditation sessions with plenty of short clips, Q & A, going deeper sessions, clearing the chakras (energy centers) and more. Learn the benefits of foot soaking and connecting to mother earth. (photo by Paula Erskine)

FREE CONCERT with Winner of The Voice in Oakville, Ontario Thursday May 19th, 2016

Who? -Yoann FreeJay is the Winner of The Voice France

What?- He will perform Free Public Programs on May 19th at 7pm in Oakville and in the GTA on May 27th, in addition to many high schools to spread Inner Peace, Oneness. Also will perform in the GTA on May 27th, North York

Why? -To spread Inner Peace, Re-Connect with Mother Earth, Harmony and Outer Peace through R.A.I.N. to heal M.E. movement and local initiative.

-R.A.I.N. TO HEAL M.E. stands for Realize Awareness In Nations to heal Mother Earth.

-Shulin Zhang, a local teen, and dynamic volunteer for a non-profit group, promotes inner peace in schools and is also part of R.A.I.N. to heal M.E.

-May is Mental Health Awareness Month, many schools have already benefited from participating in the inner peace workshops, gaining tools to deal with    stress and depression, with many appreciation letters, thank you letters and testimonials.

How? Yoann FreeJay studied Musical Therapy and his music can touch the heart and soul, and help people of all ages, especially youth.

Where and When? Poster at top of page Thursday May 19th, 7-9pm, Regional Municipality of Halton Auditorium, 1151 Bronte road, Oakville

Friday May 27th, 7-9pm, North York Centre, Council Chamber 5100 Yonge st. Toronto, and many high schools to spread inner peace.

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 http://www.literacyforincarceratedteens.org/
Robert Galinsky introduced Shulin to a group of incarcerated youth age 18 – 23 through “literacy for incarcerated youth” To teach meditation on behalf of R.A.I.N. to heal M.E.

http://www.free-meditation.ca/archives/21206

Teen Shulin from “Life De-Stress with Meditation” Classes … http://www.free-meditation.ca

Here is a brand new video from the main TV channel in France, aired on “The Voice” TV show this last Saturday in France (7 millions viewers) – giving news about Yoann’s shift to USA and his up-coming English album.: https://www.facebook.com/YoannFreeJay/videos/1221527374539131/ 

http://www.facebook.com

“THE VOICE” NEWS: YOANN FREEJAY IN USA! [English subtitles] On partage? 😀 Tellement hâte de pouvoir vous en dire plus…! L ♥ V E you ma…

• Yoann FreeJay -> Winner of The Voice of France (Garou‘s team!)

• (video) Yoann FreeJay at C40 City Awards in Paris, 2015 – Invited by former Mayor Bloomberg

• Established in LA, USA -> ‘Individual with Extraordinary Abilities & Achievement’ visa
• He is currently working on his new album and collaborating with some fantastic musicians

• More info here  + facebook  + youtube channel + 35 EN subtitles interviews here

Yoann is supporting our team’s initiative for 2016 that is dedicated to Earth, People, Spirituality:

Yoann Freejay is promoting this  initiative that was born in Burlington, Ontario, Canada — and that is led further by selected Global Youth Leader 2016 — Shulin Zhang (18 years old, gr 12 student in Oakville)

·         Awarded with Peace Maker Certificate at Just Peace Summit 2016 in New York by “We are Family” foundation -> Three Dot Dash international youth movement

·         Co-founder of RAIN organization; inspirational speaker and mental health ambassador (inner peace meditation/yoga workshops)

·         Recognized by the Government of Canada with a certificate offered at “RAIN to heal ME” event dedicated to International Women’s Day on March 12, 2016

Mentored by Cora Neumann — USA, founder of Global First Ladies Alliance

Star Guest:

 

Yoann FreeJay (Freget)

– Speaker, Live Performance

 

Winner of The Voice of France (Garou’s team!) (video) Yoann FreeJay at C40 City Awards in Paris, 2015 – Invited by former Mayor Bloomberg Established in USA -> ‘Individual with Extraordinary Abilities & Achievement’ visa More info here  + facebook  + youtube channel + 35 EN subtitles interviews here

 

Special Guest

Shulin Zhang – Student Facilitator / Global Personality Inspirational Speaker

 

 

As A Citizen Reporter of Winnipeg

My experience as a citizen reporter for Winnipeg’s Community News Commons has been one of mutual respect and professionalism in journalism. I want to thank Noah the editor for recognizing that Winnipeg’s population may be interested in Free meditation classes offered at local libraries. His edits are actually in tune with the material presented, and I really appreciate this opportunity to express my gratitude for having published two of my articles towards helping seekers of truth, better mental health, yoga enthusiasts, and the need for everyone on this planet to connect and heal with their higher self, each other and mother earth. Thank you for recognizing that local solutions can have global impact on neighboring brothers and sisters and change the quality of our lives, for the better. Please read below an informative article on the real meaning of the word Yoga and the impact this newly-felt inner peace is having on the community of Winnipeg. Free classes as being offered in February for the second month in a row, but this time, at the St. Boniface Library.

CNC is an online news hub authored by you, your friends and neighbours, sharing stories to make our world a better place. By creating CNC, The Winnipeg Foundation believes a more informed and engaged community is a more caring and giving community, building the capacity needed for stronger, healthier neighbourhoods.

Browse: Home / Our City / Education / Connecting to higher self and to deeper sense of purpose

Connecting to higher self and to deeper sense of purpose

By Paula Erskine on February 2, 2016

Posted in Charitable Organizations, Downtown, Education, Health & Safety, Religion & Spirituality

“I finally feel a sense of peace,” said one woman.

“I feel the life force all throughout my hands,” said another.

“I look forward to it all week, I am so excited and feel this amazing connection!” one more person exclaimed.

These are just a few reactions to the most recent Winnipeg Free Meditation classes held in January at Millennium Library.

Beginning Feb. 8, these sessions will be held for the second consecutive month with added daytime classes at a new location – St. Boniface Library, 100-131 Provencher Blvd, on the second floor, Salle Marie-Lynn Bernard (room).

Many attendees confirm enthusiastically each class builds upon that new sense of being connected to their higher self, as well as feeling a deeper sense of purpose. The casual observer can witness curious participants and deep seekers transform from class to class, and after just three sessions, are beaming.

“It is both relaxing, and energizing,” one man said in describing this new-found awareness as a source of joy and peace.

Between the two thoughts generated by the past and future is a space that can be widened in the present, known as “thoughtless awareness.” This inner sense of satisfaction transforms a person’s perspective and improves one’s health on every level.

Sessions are great for beginners or for those seeking inner peace and tools to deal with every day stress. Classes require no special clothes or exercises or previous experience. One can sit in a chair or on the floor if they prefer.

Included in the class is a guided meditation that is easy to follow – gentle chakra (energy centres within our subtle system) cleansing workshops, helping attendees gain their self-realization, the Sanskrit definition of the word Yoga, which means union or connection.

Once one has achieved and established a connection with one’s higher self, a new vibratory awareness reveals very simply the state of a person’s energy centres and how someone can correct them on their own, becoming a more balanced and more joyful person.

There is a belief one should not pay for this state of yoga because it is everyone’s birthright to access and to gain this new, pure knowledge of the higher self. Climbing the Himalayas is not necessary to receive enlightenment in these modern times, due to this unique discovery.

This is the second year of this meditation marathon that has attracted interest of seekers of truth from all walks of life.

In last month’s sessions, attendees enjoyed a guided meditation and learned about the wonderful qualities inside every human being. Several attendees felt sensations in their hands, indicating they achieved the yoga state in just one session. The questions were insightful and specific. The genuine smiles were priceless.

It is clear many people recognize there is more to life than materialistic pursuits; such as, learning how to balance emotions and incorporate techniques to heal depression and anxiety.

In an effort to cover more material and explore this new-found peace, a total of nine sessions are slated for February 2016 which include several daytime and evening classes.

Three daytime classes will be held on Feb. 8, with two more daytime sessions to be offered free to the public on Feb. 24.

Evening classes are Feb. 10 starting at 7:15 p.m., as well as on Feb. 22 with three classes starting from 5:30 p.m., one hour each.

Participants are invited to join as many classes as they like, with new presentations and short clips to watch for each session. There is no limit to how many classes one can attend; in fact, people are encouraged to take advantage and stay for more than one.

Drop in guests can join in anytime for even more meditation. There is always a brief review for newcomers. One is never early or late, as the invitation is to pop in anytime and slip into a chair.

Attendees’ hands are kept open on their laps to enjoy this refreshing new dimension that can be felt from within, and can enhance happiness and reinforce a joy of life. Removing one’s shoes, if comfortable doing so, is a simple way to connect to Mother Earth and feel more relaxed. Many great tips have been shared so far, with more to come.

Indeed, anyone can learn to use this power within to become more detached from problems and stresses, and more in tune with the joy of their spirit. It is believed a person can evolve their personality only when they are in the present, and have achieved self-realization.

It is a spontaneous, living process, by which one can experiment, like a scientist, and find out what is the truth of one’s being. It can be felt as it rises along the central nervous system as a “cool river” or “cool breeze” that has been described in many traditions throughout history.

A by-product of this new awakened energy inside is improved physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing. The idea of separation is a myth, because all humans are connected to everyone and everything.

Please contact sahajayogawinnipeg@gmail.com for more information, or join the Facebook page, Winnipeg Free Meditation.

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About Paula Erskine

Paula Erskine is a Winnipeg Free Meditation Instructor and flight attendant, enjoying her crew rest teaching meditation in Winnipeg in between her flight travels down south. She received her self-realization more than eight years ago and has a pure desire to spread this joyful state to others.

 

Raise Awareness in Nations to heal Mother Earth: In harmony with Indigenous Teachings

Thank you Phyllis for being part of the Raising Awareness In Nations to heal Mother Earth initiative that is a wonderful, Burlington based initiative based on the teachings of Sahaja Yoga which is very in harmony with Indigenous teachings and that of the true messengers that appeared throughout history. Your awe inspiring talk was extremely beautiful, relevant, positive, empowered, you matter, everyone on this earth matters, you have a deep understanding and compassion and message of transformation through connecting with your spirit, through self-respect, respect for others, and living in harmony with mother earth and it’s peoples. You are a highly respected member of the Sahaja Yoga community. The collective attention of the entire room was enjoying the vibrations of what you spoke which was well researched and from your heart and soul. You are glowing with the light of the spirit, may the force be with you. Namaste. I salute the light in you.

We all are enjoying the oddly warm winter we are having this year. Although it feels like a blessing we need to be award of the effects it is having on other parts of the world as well as our home cities.

I must admit that I am rather fond of this weather but this is very damaging to our future sustainability. R.A.I.N to heal M.E (realize awareness in nations to heal mother earth) is a grassroots initiative to come together as ALL nations to look at ways to bring awareness and make changes to heal our planet. I have been deeply involved in the free 12 month programs across Ontario to come up with solutions, and to meditate collectively to bring awareness within each and everyone of us. http://www.free-meditation.ca

This proposal was created by the Sahaja Yogini’s of the Halton region. These volunteers have committed there time, talent and…

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