Testimonials

Dr. Judith Hong – MD

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“I was relieved, grateful, and honored to find Manaar when I experienced so much grief and trauma after my house burnt down in a wildfire. She is so genuine, wise, grounded, and present. She is very attuned to a group and able to switch gears and go with the flow if needed. She makes everyone feel safe and welcome. She is an open and joyful presence and her circles offer so much healing. 

I loved the warming-up portion of her circles I’ve attended, to start by getting in touch with our bodies when we are still, breathing, and going within. Then through movement, drumming, or using percussive instruments and making vocal sounds, all to release tension and stuck energy. We are encouraged to “let it all hang out”, and to give up our inhibitions. No one has to share or participate if they are not comfortable doing so. When Manaar plays the harmonium, we are then free and comfortable to use our voice to explore and express what is there inside us, to get in touch with our spirit which we rarely take time to do. I am a singer and I have never had that much breath support and power to sing—to let go free of the constraints of sheet music and words. I have been in awe of what my voice does, channeling my higher self to come forth. Before leaving we all connect in the circle with our hearts newly open to going back into the world. 

I found her to be so generous with her time and pricing. She doesn’t rush things for sake of staying on time. She collaborates with other healers with different training from time to time. She has so many gifts to bring to the table. Even the wonderful vegetarian food that she makes is wholesome and delicious!    We are truly blessed to have Manaar here in Northern California. I continue to participate with Manaar in whatever endeavor she puts forth for the community or individually.”                  ~  Barbara Barling, 

1. Admin. Asst., Up Stage Napa Valley.  2. Founder & Singer, Silver Belles Caroling Group.  3. Reiki Master & Massage Practitioner, Chrysalis Healing Services

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“I arrived at Manaar’s circle, I’d like to say by chance, but then nothing is by chance.
For almost 3 years I’ve been in a lot of emotional pain on multiple levels.
I don’t know how I was continuing to function.
Manaar had me focus on my body, my emotions & my pain.
She asked me to try to vocalize what I was feeling.

I was scared but she gave me permission & the courage to do it.
I used my voice, which has always been timid and shy, to vocalize my pain.
I put my pain into my voice. It started weak, slow, soft, and timid.
Then it began to shift and became firmer, bolder, louder, and fuller.
I completely let go and surrendered. A raw guttural sound erupted from every cell & from the depth of my being.
It was a total & all-encompassing pain release. My sound went on & on…
long long, long. I didn’t realize I hadn’t taken a breath for an unbelievable amount of time.
I released! It was beyond any experience I’ve ever had… if that makes sense. I was completely drained but good drained.
I was relaxed, centered, and grounded in my body. I’ve been able to continue to carry this feeling with me. The day after, my birthday, I spent alone. I was ok & I am ok.
This experience has been transformational …”                                     Donna/ Santa Rosa, CA
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“ Manaar is both artist and conductor of the drum. Her unique and heart-centered style brings everyone in the circle, to the center of their soul. She embodies a “Safe Space” so that others can relax into their own unique, expressive talents and gifts. Everyone feels included and more rhythmic from the grounded direction of Manaar and experience to nurture your soul for sure ”.

Sequoia Lyn-James – Covelo, CA
Founder of Elevation Foods

 

 

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“ Manaar is a wonderful human Being; she is wholehearted and generous in body, heart, and Soul, sharing her gifts unconditionally with others. She brings aliveness to every situation. Her laughter lights up the darkest places of the psyche and her gift of song, dance, and music help others to connect with the natural rhythm of their soul ”.

Rajyo Allen, Founder of Alchemy of Awakening

 

 

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“ What a joy it was to drop into Manaar’s drum circle in the Temple at Harbin Hot Springs.
Her exuberant presence and steady holding brought many novice drummers into immediately centered harmony.
The way she created synchronized magic—drumming, voice, and dance—was a pleasure to behold and (even better) so incredibly satisfying to be a part of. She had me leading call and response chanting, something I didn’t even know I had in me. She is a true creator of surprise! ”

Bella Dreizier – Sacramento, CA
Founder of Body Joy

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“ I have been longing to find friends who love ecstatic song and dance as much as I do for many years. It is miraculous to me how the universe can create the perfect answer to the longings of my heart.

I am so grateful to Manaar and the other ecstatic musicians and dancers involved in this project for welcoming me and nourishing me so sweetly.
My experiences participating in and helping to develop this offering with Manaar have ignited a deep welling up of joy within me.
Finally, a place to sing and dance to my heart’s content. ”

Sama MorningStar – Middletown, CA – Womb Healing Specialist
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“ Manaar’s Music was spirit full and Divine. It gave me an opportunity to connect deeply to my inner rhythm and movement and be able to dance freely and joyously, going beyond the limits of body and mind. I would definitely like to go back to future events. Blessings”.

Nazila Hatami, MFT – Los-Angeles, CA
Psychotherapist and Sufi Dance Teacher

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“ Manaar is a wonderful leader who, with a soft touch, invited participants to explore sound, beginning with our own breath, with body awareness, with our hands as instruments. We moved to the song and then to drumming art at a pace that enabled each of us to explore without concern whether there was a “right” or “wrong” to what we were doing. By the end of the session, we were drumming, dancing, and freely expressing ourselves in song.

I appreciate the way Manaar brings her talent as a teacher, a musician, and a mentor to the process. She drew upon her multicultural background to bring us a sense of the cultures of the Middle East without limiting us to any one tradition. That, in itself, is healing”.

Nancy Margulies – Montara, CA
Consultant, Author, Instructo
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“ Knowing Manaar is an absolute blessing in my life, and I feel this work she is doing is divinely inspired. Listening to her sing has uplifted me immensely, moving me from distress to delight, and her integrity is impeccable. She is a true healer.”

Chetana J. Karel – Berkeley, CA
Voice Actress
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 “ I saw a compassionate teacher, Manaar, reached out selflessly and encourage and draw out the gold that was waiting to be worked into a crown of authentic being,… A song that was awaiting within, to be sung by a shy soul who afterward bathed in the sunshine of self-discovery. This same experience I witnessed at a similar event a week earlier, witnessed in my best friend Bill who was empowered by Manaar’s invitation to release the life song of his heart.”

Bruce Pearson – Santa Rosa, CA
Mind-Body Medicine Practitioner

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