Clair doesn't push the current, she dives in and flows with it. The warmth and serenity in her music is irresistable. Get a pair of headphones and give yourself a long deserved healing in the lap of the Divine Mother.
Wah!
CLAIR on her work:
"I am aware of the emerging, evolving "note" of our group and the music we do and it's purpose. I am pondering how best to articulate it but at this point I believe our service is to bring people to a state of joy - to an awareness of their own inherent joy - to a place of recognizing the Oneness of Consciousness through sacred sound and musical vibration, that quiets the incessant roar of the mind and allows one to experience the vast silence of the Self.
This is not new but as we evolve as a group of musicians working together and as conscious beings, I think our particular "flavor" evolves as well. To my knowledge, most chant bands are focused on the Bhakti or devotional aspects of the practice, but I don't feel that is our purpose - for the devotional aspects can indicate a dualistic viewpoint that doesn't resonate for me. I feel more resonant with the non-dual view that we are made of Consciousness itself - that We ARE THAT and therefore THAT is us and we are complete and whole in our beings and are meant to know this and to shine our light in this world. This is a subtle distinction but one that seems to need clarification.
The words/lyrics of the chants we do, could be mis-interpreted to mean that we are sending our musical prayers to something outside ourselves. In fact, my intention is to help people experience that it is all within each of us and that we are here to tap into that awareness, and to live from that awareness and therefore take responsibility to SHINE - to each do our part to raise the vibration of the planet - and to do so with loving recognition that when we serve others, we do just that.
At the end of a night of chanting - we have cultivated a palpable quality of Peace that can be purposefully and literally sent out as a vibration to change the world"
Clair Oaks
Welcome to Clair Oak's Music
CLAIR'S NEW KIRTAN CD KIRTAN EQUATION, IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW. Click the purchase link to hear clips and to purchase this new offering.
Exuberant, joyful, "make you wanna dance" music combined with Sanskrit mantra and names of the divine, for a true musical meditation experience!
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Clair's third CD, Relaxation Suite, includes instruction for yogic breathing, guided awareness and soothing music for asana (yoga poses) or meditation practice. The use of this CD is a wonderful preparation for deep meditation and relaxation because of it's mind quieting effect. Click Purchase Music for information.
On Tuesday, August 4th, 2009, Clair Oaks, musician and Lead Svaroopa® Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist found herself in the Big Apple, on the set of Eat, Pray, Love! in a scene with Julia Roberts (she plays Elizabeth Gilbert) and James Franco, (who plays David, her on again off again boyfriend) as a member of a kirtan (chanting) band!
In brief, Clair was visiting her son (Elijah Tucker, new CD available at www.generousmusic.com) in Brooklyn when his friend mentioned that he noticed on Craig's List someone looking for a kirtan band to be in a scene in a Julia Roberts movie. Clair says, "My mind began telling me how unlikely it was that I would get this part: '…really Clair, we are in New York City (quite a kirtan Mecca). Surely someone local had responded and gotten the gig already…' Still, through it all, I was aware of an inner urging, a quiet, persistent nudge, a whisper that said, 'Go for it Clair, this is an opportunity and anything can happen.'"
"That was Monday night July 27th. On Tuesday, I returned home just in time to check email and run off to my meditation class. The Craig's List ad [sent by my son's friend] was in my inbox. I laughed to myself as I responded as quickly as I could, collecting a few photos and answers to other inquiries from the ad. I sent it off and ran out the door to class.
"A little while after I returned home, I received a call from "Dave" at Central Casting in New York, who greeted me with enthusiasm, explaining that they had had a hard time finding a kirtan band and were thrilled that I had responded to the ad. He explained that it was for the movie adaptation of the best seller Eat, Pray, Love. My heart jumped — I loved that book! Again, my mind said, 'Are you kidding me?? Your casting company is in NYC and are having trouble finding a kirtan band to be in this movie!' This just had to be a special gift that I was being given and I felt a joyous surge of presence and love! Dave explained that they were looking for a kirtan band but that we probably wouldn't even play any music!? A little strange, but hey, it still sounded like fun to me!
"I didn't hear from Dave for a few days. My husband and I were traveling to Ithaca, NY that Thursday. I began thinking that it might not occur, and noted some feelings of disappointment. I recognized that my attachment to the idea had blossomed and this was a good opportunity to see that and to keep it in check. I pondered the situation and sat with my feelings, imagining the various possible scenarios. After sitting with it, I felt grateful for how fun it had been already, how special it had felt and realized that if it didn't happen, I 'd still feel joyful over what had already transpired. It just made me laugh whenever I thought about it! It was my own little cosmic thrill! I was filled with wonder at the adventure and possibility life can offer and gratitude that I was aware of this one!
"While Rob and I were in Ithaca, the numerous emails, phone calls and texts continued as I rounded up the group who would comprise the band…
About 4 PM on Sunday afternoon, as we drove back from Ithaca, I got the call…"
For the full story including the glorious outcome, read Clair's full account of the grace-filled events that landed her in movie land, click here.
Clair Oaks loves to create music. She grew up in a home where music was listened to and/or performed almost every day. From an early age, she learned to play piano and later guitar. As a teenager, Clair discovered yoga and meditation which helped to reveal her passion for experiencing what yoga calls the Self – the true, divine, essential nature of all things manifest. Since that time, her impulse to help others experience this "authentic" Self has catalized her life's work, along with raising her two sons (born 1981 and 1992) with her beloved husband, Rob. Clair has been blessed with many opportunities to inspire this awakening for others through her work as a yoga instructor/therapist, meditation teacher and through her music..