Hearts and Sounds
BHAKTI YOGA & SOUND FACILITATION
A 7 Day Retreat + 30 Hour Yoga Alliance certified Training
NEW DATES FOR 2026 TBA
A playful exploration of sound, voice, devotion, mantra & movement
Dive deep into the realm of sound on the South Coast of the pearl of the Indian Ocean — Sri Lanka.
Where sound becomes a path to the heart and devotion lights the way. This unique co-creation offers you more than just the skills of a Sound Practitioner — together we will embody the wisdom of Bhakti, the yoga of devotion. In a private, lush setting, you’ll join Natalija & Jonny from Soulravel, with Pavan, the renowned founder of the Hanuman Project and Sarasvati Dasi Co-Founder of KIRTANIYAS to explore the healing power of sound and the devotion of Bhakti Yoga.
Known for their powerful Kirtan and Medicine Music, The Hanuman Project (www.hanumanproject.com) is not just a band—it's a movement. For over a decade, this groundbreaking ensemble has been dissolving boundaries and bringing the joy of devotional culture to the world. From headlining festivals such as Medicine Festival (UK), Bali Spirit Fest, Colibri Festival, and countless others, their uplifting chants and heart-opening melodies sweep you up in ecstatic song, immersing you in a deep well of devotional nectar.
Playfully we will dive into dive deep into the power of sacred sound, mantra, and Kirtan. We’ll explore in depth the art of sound healing, mastering instruments, techniques, and the skills of holding space. We will immerse ourselves in the flow of yoga asana, enriched by embodied and somatic practices.
But this experience is not just about mastering techniques—it's about awakening to the depths of your own heart and sharing that light with the world.
ABOUT
Discover the path of devotion and love through the sacred practices of Shravana (listening) and Kirtana (group chanting). Connect to your blissful essence through song and community.
Experience Bhakti Yoga
Highlights
Daily sadhana, chanting, and sound journeys.
Masterclasses & Workshops on Bhakti principles, sound healing, mantra, music, and facilitation.
Movement practices to embody devotion and flow with the music.
Opportunities to share and co-create in a supportive container.
Transform through Song & Sound
Reimagine your connection with voice and instruments as tools for service. Shift from performance to heartfelt expression in a devotional setting.
This retreat & training is open to everyone—from seasoned sound practitioners, yoga teachers, and musicians to complete beginners seeking to explore sound and bhakti. All you need is an open heart and a willingness to discover.
For whom is this Retreat / Training?
Dive deep into the Alchemy of Sound
Explore the vibrational energy of sound and its transformative effects on body, mind, and spirit. Learn the science of frequencies, vibrations, and the magic behind sound healing.
THE FLOW
We will celebreate life through Kirtan, Ecstatic Dance, free and authentic movement and expression. Together as a community to sense, feel, practice, and experience the true beauty of effortless being.
Celebration of Life
What you’ll get
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The unique Opportunity to live & study with Pavan, Founder of the Hanuman Project
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Skills to Facilitate Safe and Sacred Spaces
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Deep Insight into of Sound Healing
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Experience in Facilitating Kirtan + Sound Ceremonies
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A Comprehensive Course Manual
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Meaningful Connections with a Like-Minded Community
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Insight into Bhakti Philosophy, Mantra and Sacred Sound
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immersive Breath + Movement Practices
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Certification as a Sound Practitioner
Where devotion meets vibration, we learn, play, and rise together in harmony
THE PACKAGE
What’s included:
— 7 nights stay
— Daily immersive movement and other practices
— Sadhana, Rituals & Instructions, Sound Baths, Kirtans, Cacao, Ecstatic Dance
— Three delicious and wholesome vegan meals a day
— Daily healthy snacks with fresh fruit, teas, and water
— Access to the Yoga Shala, props, and all associated equipment
NEW DATES COMING SOON
NEW DATES COMING SOON
About your facilitators
What unites the facilitators is a profound reverence for the sacred, a passion for weaving the power of sound, yoga, and devotion into practices that touch the soul. Together, they wanted to create a space where hearts open, voices rise in unity, and the beauty of collective transformation unfolds.
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Founder the Hanuman Project
PAVAN (Patita Pavana Das) or Paul to his family in England ;) is the founder of The Hanuman Project and has been sharing Kirtan, Medicine music and Holding Space around the world for the past decade.
Not coming from a musical background, and in fact overcoming a speech impediment in childhood, Pavan has been unravelling what can happen when we truly follow our heart’s calling. Dissolving blockages around expression and unlocking the magic of being in service with music, chant and sound.
In addition to sharing with “The Hanuman Project” at festivals, yoga halls and stages around the world, Pavan also co-founded a sound healing school “The Yoga of Sound” and chocolate and has led a number of trainings, retreats & immersions building up a wide toolkit of skills, practices and nudges to help everyone get out of their own way and into their devotional potency.
Pavan Sings, Plays Guitar, Harmonium and some percussion too, along with a bit of flute these days… and will be happily sharing knowledge, sadhana and songs on these, along with ancient and contemporary nada yoga practices to open the voice and beyond…
With a full global schedule, this is a rare opportunity for upclose & intimate moments and transmission, with often the deepest magic, potent drop ins, and sweetest kirtans happening around the fire, by the pool & just before lunch.
Expect lots of big hearted devotion and coming home to your sweet-hearted self..!
https://open.spotify.com/album/62DIL0BR3yf4Snrjzs0UEE?si=ZEKhWLClREyShDMS2hPVIw
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Co-Founder of KIRTANIYAS
Multu-instrumentalist / singer / DJ – grew up in a Vedic culture of song, yoga philosophy, and devotion between temples in Europe and India.
In 2009 she co-founded renowned musical collective KIRTANIYAS and toured for the next decade sharing traditional mantra music at festivals around the world.Sarasvati Dasi's artistry comes to life in her live hybrid DJ sets, where she effortlessly merges the raw energy of live performance with an eclectic tapestry of beats, creating immersive experiences that ignite the dance floor.
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Co-Founder Soulravel
Jonny has been a dedicated yoga teacher for 10 years, sharing his expertise at retreats, festivals, and trainings around the world.
Before discovering yoga in 2009, he was deeply immersed in music and sound. Growing up in a musical family, he recognized at a young age the incredible healing power of sound and aspired to use it to help others as it had helped him. However, as a young musician, he became disillusioned with the egos and toxic lifestyle of the music industry, losing sight of his purpose and passion. Injured and confused, he turned to yoga. Through healing his own body and experiencing the profound, transformative effects of yoga on every aspect of his life, he knew he had to share these gifts with as many people as possible.
Having worked with thousands of students, Jonny has witnessed how deeply personal each healing journey is. While he uses his extensive knowledge of the body to support his students, he believes that curiosity, exploration, and personal discovery are more important than achieving perfection. Beyond the physical practice, he excels at creating safe spaces where people can feel and express themselves freely. It brings him great joy to share his years of experience and training in sound in a more meaningful way, through sound healing ceremonies and trainings.
With deep reverence for the teachings, Jonny brings a lighthearted approach to life, empowering others to live fearlessly, forgive generously, and love unconditionally.
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Co-Founder Soulravel
Natalija is a passionate Yoga Teacher with over 500 hours of RYT certification and a certified Sound Practitioner whose journey has always been guided by a deep commitment to healing and human connection. With a rich background in social work, where she spent years making a difference and earned her Master’s degree, Natalija discovered in yoga a profound path of devotion. This path not only deepened her own spiritual practice but also allowed her to bring powerful tools of healing to others.
In her teaching, Natalija merges the timeless wisdom of traditional yoga with innovative practices that invite students to dive deep into the full spectrum of yoga. She is devoted to creating holistic and accessible experiences that encourage curiosity, self-compassion, and a profound connection to the present moment. For Natalija, yoga is a journey into the heart of being, where the true essence of self is revealed.
Music has always been the heart beat of Natalija’s life, a constant thread that weaved through her experiences and passions. Natalija's exploration of music has led her to a deep connection with healing instruments. The transformative power of sound captivated her leading her to explore its ancient healing modalities in India and its modern applications. These sacred sounds have brought her healing on multiple levels, serving as guides to a profound sense of homecoming. Her work as a sound practitioner reflects a deep connection to sound, using it to harmonize the inner and outer worlds and activate the inherent healing energy within.
Guided by a spirit of continuous evolution, Natalija remains inspired by the resilience, strength, and beauty that emerge when we tap into our inner wisdom. Through her work, she honors the sacred journey of self-inquiry and exploration and it is her greatest joy to share this path with others.
FAQs
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Yes! Everyone with a genuine interest in sound is welcome. Come as you are. No prior knowledge is required—this training offers an easy access point for people from various backgrounds. No preparation is needed from your side.
You can bring your favorite items, crystals, notebook, or whatever is part of your own practice and altar. If you already own instruments you can, of course, bring and practice with them as well.
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No, you don’t need to bring any instruments, but feel free to bring your "soul instrument" for the week if you’d like to share or explore it during our practices. There will be a lot of time to jam.
If you’re interested in purchasing singing bowls beforehand, we work directly with a trusted manufacturer from India. We can offer you a free consultation to help you find the perfect set and arrange for the bowls to be shipped straight to you before the retreat.
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Yes, you will receive a certification of participation (30 hours). This training is Yoga Alliance certified and can be added to your account.
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While there are no requirements, it’s recommended you be up to date on the hepatitis A and B vaccines as well as tetanus and typhoid vaccines.
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You will fly to Colombo Sri Lanka, and then shuttle approximately 2 hours to the beautiful south coast. We can help organize a ride but the flights and trip to / from the airport will not be included.
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A journal, sunblock, comfortable clothing for movement, lounging, and for the beach. We will take care of all the mats, props, and beach essentials. You can bring anything else you’d enjoy to have with you. If you have your own instruments, that you’d like to practice with, you’re welcome to bring them.
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Absolutely, taking a retreat solo can be a very powerful and rewarding experience. Sometimes removing ourselves completely from our current surroundings can lead to transformative insight. You will also undoubtedly end up with more friends by the end of the retreat anyways.
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Of course. You can make lasting memories forever with out the need to worry about making plans. We’ll take care of everything so you can just focus on enjoying your trip. If you come with a group please let us know so we can try to room you together.
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While everything at the retreat space will be included, you may wish to explore some of the local shops and restaurants at times. The only cash accepted will be the local rupees. There are ATMs available near our location, if you’re exchanging currencies the best rate and opportunity would be at the airport when you land.
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100% refund (excl. deposit) till 31.01.2025 and 50% till 28.02. Cancellations after 01.03.2025 are bound to pay the full price. By transfering the downpayment the participant agrees to the general terms and conditions. We highly recommend a cancellation insurance in case of cancellation or non-completion.
Testimonials from our Students
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"I completed the sound training with Natalija and Jonny in January 2024. I am now a 500+HR Yoga Teacher and benefit deeply from all of the wisdom they shared. They shared thorough perspectives on both the science and spiritual side of sound and how it works as a healing modality. The deep dive into both the science and spirituality has not only aided in my teaching career, but also in my personal life. Understanding sound in a deeper sense has helped me manage different styles of yoga classes/offering a lot more effectively. I’ve managed to gain confidence in adding crystal sound bowls and experimenting with other instruments and my own voice to foster a deeper experience. Highly recommend this training!" — Simon, Yoga Teacher from Melbourne
Simon, Yoga Teacher from Melbourne
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The training with Nati and Jonny was prepared with a lot of love. You could tell how much energy they put into everything and how much passion they have for what they are doing. It was well structured and a perfect mix of theory and hands-on experience with the instruments. We had plenty of time to go through the instruments and try everything out under their guidance and learn how to hold our own space. They took the time to answer all our questions. Nati and jonny are very warm people who create a beautiful space. I am so happy that I have done this training and am now ready to create something beautiful of my own. Thank you so so much Nati and Jonny!
Jenny, Zurich Switzerland
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Dear Natalija & Jonny I find it hard to express just how deeply grateful I am right now. You’ve opened a whole new world to me. When I started the teacher training, I came with no expectations. For most of my life, I didn’t consider myself a musical person. I struggled with playing the guitar as a child and thought that part of me was closed off. But you guided me to reconnect with my creative, intuitive musical side. And I've fallen in love. The space you created was so magical. You welcomed us into an environment that was inspiring and safe, sharing your deep knowledge of sound healing with such warmth, wisdom, and humor. I could feel how nuch work, effort, and love you put into this cours. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Chiara, Zurich Switzerland
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The training was a wonderful experience – heartfelt, informative, and truly enriching. Jonny and Nati are not only fantastic hosts but also incredibly knowledgeable and experienced teachers. What truly makes this training special is their genuine love and dedication. They not only shared their knowledge and techniques but also encouraged us to bring what we learned into the world with joy and passion. I felt welcome and inspired throughout the entire experience. The combination of theory, practice, and a supportive atmosphere gave me a lot of confidence to embark on my own journey as a Sound Practitioner. Thank you, Jonny and Nati, for this unforgettable journey!
Monica, Zurich