Spiritual responses to the mental health crisis: Reclaiming traditions and community
Spirituality and faith traditions have ancient roots that offer connection with a community, a sense of intrinsic worth and purpose, and opportunities to make meaning of suffering – many things that are now recognized as protective factors in maintaining good mental health and building resilience. Yet this connection is often overlooked or misunderstood.
To hear more about the rich and complex intersections of culture, spirituality, sacred music and tradition in mental health maintenance and trauma recovery, join us in conversation with Jasvir Kaur on Zoom as we broaden the view on responses to today’s mental health issues. This discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Juss Kaur (MORSL's Sikh liaison) and Carlene Gardner (MORSL's Director).
Jasvir Kaur Rababan MBE, honoured with a Queen's Award for her work in the field of Sikh Music and wellness is a renowned musician, academic, and lecturer who is helping lead a global renaissance in Sikh spiritual music. She is considered the leading female rabab player of our time. As CEO of Raj Academy, Jasvir educates public audiences and trains students in the sacred art of traditional Sikh music. For 18 years, she has worked at the forefront of research, education, and preservation of original Sikh musical instruments, including the rabab. Her current focus is teaching Sikh music as a form of music therapy that cultivates healing and wellness in both musicians and listeners. Her mentor and teacher is Professor Surinder Singh. Based in London, Jasvir is also a film maker and the executive producer of the multi-award winning documentary ‘Sikh Musical Heritage - The Untold Story’. Jasvir Kaur Rababan is a talk show host as well as a radio presenter on the worlds number South Asian Radio station, Rukus Avenue hosted on Dash Radio.Â
Jasvir is also the founder of Kaur Voices and the #metooSikh movement. Kaur Voices is a space to evoke the Core Voices within us and around us, to give power to those who have been silenced and to empower each other through sharing our stories. The heart of Kaur Voices is to give every voice a choice to be heard in a space that is welcoming and non-judgemental.