My voice is for devotion, not performance
My name is Richard, and chanting is how I return to what lights me up…. connection to the divine.
I came to this practice not as a musician, but as someone searching for presence — for something honest enough to hold joy, sorrow, longing, and love without trying to fix any of it.
Mantra became my anchor. My prayer. My way of remembering what is already whole within me.
Over time, this private practice became something I felt called to share — gently, openly, and without pretense. Not to teach from a stage, but to sing from the ground I’ve walked.
I hold devotional chant spaces that are welcoming, trauma-informed, and rooted in the bhakti tradition.
You don’t have to be perfect to participate. You don’t even have to chant aloud.
You are welcome exactly as you are.
I Was Scared to Lead a Chant … and Did It Anyway
I was scared to lead a chant.
Not just stage-fright nervous—heart-thudding, voice-trembling, what-am-I-doing-here kind of scared.
But beneath the fear, there was something deeper calling me forward: devotion.
When I led kirtan for the first time, I didn’t feel ready. But I began anyway. I let go—imperfectly, vulnerably—and allowed the love I felt to come through my voice. What happened wasn’t about performance. It was about presence. Offering. Connection.
That moment became the seed for everything I now share here.
Upcoming Events I’ll be Chanting At
Saturday, June 21st, 5 - 6:30 PM,
Unity of Charlottesville
Kirtan Lead By Gabrielle
Address: 2825 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Friday, June 27th, 6 - 7:30 PM
at Martha's House
Community Kirtan Jam
All are welcome and are encouraged to lead only if felt called to
Charlottesville, Va
From The Heart Blog
Let’s stay connected
I send occasional emails from the heart — usually a chant, a reflection, or an invitation to gather.
No pressure. No noise. Just soft offerings when they’re ready.
If you'd like to receive new chant recordings, event invitations, or gentle words to support your practice, you're warmly welcome to join the list.