1. The Pilgrim of Love – A journey into Al-Ándalus
Rebecca inter-weaves stories and music in this version of the “Pilgrim of Love” collected by Washington Irving during his stay at the Alhambra, Spain. Rebecca’s research and experience of living in Arab and Muslim countries informs her re-telling of this beautiful tale sprinkled with music (flute and frame drum), verses from Andalusian poets in Arabic, Spanish and English, and ‘Muwashahat’ songs (poems written during the times of Al-Ándalus and put into music in North Africa). Rebecca takes us on a magical journey to the times and lands of Al-Ándalus and bring us back to the timelessness of our own Heart. https://youtu.be/D44abbQTAMw?si=-cF7rpVTWg7tYIOy
Optional for this session: Rebecca may be accompanied by classical Spanish guitarist Jose Vilchez who plays compositions known as ‘Music of the Alhambra’ and accompanies Rebecca’s voice throughout her telling with delicate sounds https://youtu.be/iQB5aEktjyA?si=Qjs5yfqJoJlGgUCX
2. Life, Love and Freedom in Iberia
Rebecca (storyteller) and José Vílchez (guitar and poetry) interweave stories, music, and poetry in an exploration of what it has meant to be human on the Iberian Peninsula—from the era of Al-Ándalus in the 8th century to more recent times in Spain and the Alpujarra, passing through the Civil War and dictatorship. These folktales, legends, songs and poems speak of love, life, death, and slavery; of laughter and art; but above all, they are stories about people. The men and women from these stories choose to honour their humanity—their right to dignity, and their right to live and die on their own terms.
https://youtu.be/iQB5aEktjyA?si=Qjs5yfqJoJlGgUCX
3. Echoes of Silence, the Yoga of Sound
Rebecca weaves stories, legends and music (percussion, bansuri flute, tampura and voice) in this session about Indian music and sound as a spiritual path, exploring mystical themes of inspiration, and expression, music and silence. Rebecca tells legends, folktales and myths taught by masters in India, which are full of adventure, laughter, suspense and love for music. Rebecca’s retelling of these stories is inspired by her life in India during 8 years when studying yoga, meditation and music. https://youtu.be/89HyW5UM0uI?si=NnEGrVV0RXLqEViY
A classical music concert with sitarist Etienne Bartholomew after the stories is optional.
4. Heart Warming Stories from Around the World – Love, Light, and Joy.
A storytelling and musical journey through the lands that live in Rebecca’s memory and heart: from Ireland and Belgium to Andalusia, passing through India and Arabia. Woven from traditional tales, the performance blends word and sound (tanpura, flutes, drum and voice) and takes the audience on a journey filled with joy, love and light. An inspiring session interweaving humour, inner reflection and ancient wisdom.
5. Stories of the Heart – A Journey into Dying and Living.
Life-affirming stories to welcome light and healing on the journey into dying and living. Rebecca tells these traditional stories from around the world with humour and gentleness, encouraging a reflection on what it is to die and live, grieve and love. Rebecca plays some tunes in between the stories for the audience to remain in a meditative state. Most stories she tells in this session are from her book ‘Stories of the Heart’ published in 2024. https://youtu.be/U0t_W1tYTsY
An optional sharing circle about the messages of the stories may be included (45 min + 45 min).
6. Meditative Stories
Stories from different spiritual traditions (Sufi, Buddhist, Hindu) that make you think, or stop thinking. Stories that reveal human nature and at the same time, take us to the Silence, Stillness, Joy and Love that is the background of life and everything that is.
The general theme(s) of the session may be discussed with the retreat leader to fit the theme(s) of your retreat. The storytelling session is accompanied by soothing sounds and chants (tanpura, tibetan bowls, daf, bansuri flute, and voice played by Rebecca and with optional participation from the audience for mantras)
An optional sharing circle about the effect of the stories may be included (45 min + 45 min)
About Rebecca I have been telling stories for as long as I can remember and studied El Arte de Contar Cuentos with Numancia Rojas for three years in Barcelona. I have also done shorter workshops with different teachers from different backgrounds, including Jan Blake (UK) and Marta Escudero in Barcelona. My experience studying, practicing and teaching Reiki, Yoga and Meditation for over twenty years, brings depth and inner knowledge to these ‘meditative storytelling’ sessions. My experience guiding groups into exploration about death and grief allows me to create a safe space for sharing. (More information about Rebecca here www.rebeccalemaire.com) |