Listening Hymns | ILYICH

Listening Hymns is a performative spoken word archive inviting you to explore the practice of listening through the voices of artists, musicians, poets, writers, educators, athletes, meditators, and activists.

It celebrates listening through sonic and somatic practices, music, culture and politics, anti-fascism, critical theory, spirituality, intersectional feminism, and community building. The archive unfolds through radio shows, university lectures, sound meditations, listening sessions, exhibitions, and musical performances under the various names of the artist.

Today's episode is recorded far from Refuge Worldwide's studio as part of ILYICH's artist residency.

This episode gathers the voice of artist, choreographer, dancer, and director Ligia Lewis, elaborating on quietness and listening amidst the beauty, noise, and chaos of history, and the terror of violence inflicted upon racialized bodies. It amplifies the voice of Felicia Rose Chavez, award-winning educator, proposing how anti-racist writing workshops for young people foster deep listening, trust in one's voice, and learning from one's own love. Parvathy Baul, performer and teacher of the Baul tradition, reminds us of contemplation and that songs and sound carry all the teachings. Finally, Shunyamurti, founder and director of the Sat Yoga Institute, hands us the key to deep listening.

This show connects politics with heart, urging us to keep learning and loving simultaneously.