Announcements

Poetry, Presence and Remembrance

Join Jilani and Friends for another Rumi Cafe Night at the Soul Wellness Hub, Friendly, Sowerby Bridge

Sunday 15 February 2026, 7-9.30 pm

Poetry, Music, Sohbet, Chanting and Zikr

The Soul Cafe will be open serving drinks and cakes

£10 in advance or £15 on the door.

Advance tickets can be purchased here.

Contact Jilani with any questions.

Jilani Cordelia and friends are back for another Rumi Cafe Night, after the first one in December was so well received.

Jilani will share readings of Rumi’s mystical poetry, accompanied by beautiful live music, on guitar, viola and percussion. There will be times of Sohbet, or Sufi teaching through soulful conversation. Jilani will also lead the group in chanting Zikr and other sacred phrases in Arabic from the Sufi tradition. 

Zikr means ‘remembrance’ and refers to the Arabic phrase La illaha il’llah, which could be translated as “no God but God”, “no reality except Unity”, “all separation is illusion”. In practicing Zikr, we practice remembrance of our inherent unity with the Divine, recognising our human tendency to forget. Chanting Zikr can be a powerful and heart-opening experience, unifying a group and harmonising the atmosphere in a vibration of grounded, sacred, loving connection.

The chants are simple and easily learned, not unlike kirtan or bhajan, but rooted in the Sufi tradition. Even if you don’t understand all of the words, you will have an embodied experience, which many describe as inducing feelings of joy, inner peace and a deep sense of connection to the Beloved. 

The Zikr journey can pass through times of high energy and ecstasy, usually ending in a space of stillness and silence, resting in awe-filled experience of Unity with All-That-Is.

The gorgeous Soul Cafe will be open, serving hot and cold drinks and delicious, healthy cakes, and providing a friendly and welcoming cafe atmosphere for this sacred time of sharing together.

Jilani is a member of the teaching circle of the Sufi Ruhaniat International, a Universal Western Sufi Order in the Chisti lineage. She travels widely, teaching in many countries including Australia, New Zealand, India and the USA as well as across Europe. Resident in the Calder Valley for nearly 30 years, she is happy to be able to share her work near home as well. Jilani will be supported by a group of talented musicians.

Sufi Camp 25-31 August 2026, near Usk, Wales

The Sacred Manuscript of Nature

Come and immerse yourself in the beautiful Welsh countryside and ‘the Sacred Manuscript of Nature, the only book which can enlighten the reader’ (in the words of Hazrat Inayat Khan, the Sufi mystic). For these days we will live together close to the land and deepen our connection to Mother Earth through many different heart-opening practices. There will be beautiful live music, times of sharing, and simple practices to develop our understanding of ourselves and our connection with each other and with Sacred Unity. There will also be space to sit by the camp fire and chat, or walk in the local nature reserve. You can find your own balance between safe, friendly connection and peaceful solitude.

There will also be opportunities for training for dance leaders, including circles where new or more experienced dancers, dance leaders and musicians can explore the dance leading journey, with guidance and supporting practices held by Jilani, who is a very experienced mentor and trainer of dance leaders.

This event is offered in association with Khankah of the Heart, a UK Sufi community based not in bricks and mortar, but in the loving hearts of everyone who feels part of it. Through Khankah of the Heart we may be able to offer some bursaries for those who would otherwise be prevented from attending this camp by the cost. Please ask!

Rissa of Yew Tree Camps has this to say about the site:

‘Meadow Ground overlooks the gorgeous Welsh Valleys and enjoys dramatic views and spectacular skies from its position on the hillside. The Stone Circle is a formation of English and Welsh stones, which came together serendipitously to create a deep and mystical place for the dances. We are immersed in nature amongst the hedgehogs, owls, buzzards, bluebells, orchids and new and old trees.

The land has been lovingly tended to and developed to create the beautiful and magical setting for these camps. We are blessed by the full range of weather that Wales provides; beautiful sunny days, misty rainy days and everything in between – it is therefore good to pack for all seasons!

We have various sheltered spaces for workshops, lovely compost loos (including a new accessible compost toilet) and a mains water supply for drinking, hand washing, cooking, showering and bathing. We will maintain an open fire which marks the centre of our camping circle. 

Please ask us about alternative accommodation and any other access needs you may require. Our field may not be suitable for everyone as the ground is uneven in places, but we would love to accommodate you as much as we can. We have options available to help you attend more comfortably if you aren’t able to camp or don’t wish to. If you need to travel light, we can help with some basic supplies like tents or bedding, however these are limited. See below under Accommodation Options.

We have three cats who love the freedom of the field. Therefore we are not able to accommodate other peoples pets on the field.’

More Details

This exciting event is designed to be affordable, and please do enquire if you need further help to be able to attend. Conversely, if you find the price is reasonable or cheap for the value which is being offered, please consider offering a donation to subsidise those who are less well off.

Bring anything you need to be comfortable, including special food. You might also like to bring teas/coffees and delicious snacks to share. Our meals will be suitable for vegetarians, with vegan and gluten free options, and are included in the price you pay. We will all offer our karma yoga or Seva services in turn to chop wood and vegetables, wash up and clear away.

Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment! Last year the camp sold out. Contact Jilani with any questions prior to booking

Accommodation Options

The cost of the camp includes three meals a day and the charge for a camping (or camper van) space. For a small additional fee, you can enjoy a range of different accommodation possibilities if you can’t, or don’t want to, bring your own tent or camper van. We have a few tents with cosy bedding for hire, and there are also some comfy beds in different spaces, including a yurt, the former stable block, a caravan and a camper van. There are 18 such spaces altogether. Some are shared, some sole occupancy, and the prices range from £60-£170 for the week. Please enquire if you would like to book accommodation. There is also the possibility of nearby AirBnBs if you prefer more luxurious lodging.

Click HERE for the booking form

Spring Retreat in Belgium

RETREAT from March 6 to 8, 2026

with Jilani Cordelia Prescott, guide of the Dances of Universal Peace for 25 years and Sufi guide.

As spring approaches, take a moment to pause…

Dance and sing for peace for yourself and for the world.

Dances of Universal Peace

Simple dances and chants that celebrate all spiritual traditions.

Possibility to join the open evening on Friday, March 6, 2026

Belgium, at Monastère St André

de Clerlande, Ottignies

Information and registration:

Marie-Françoise and Inge

www.dansesdelapaix.be

Accommodation available on site.

Dance When You’re Broken Open

Rumi Cafe Night with Jilani and Friends at the Soul Wellness Hub, Friendly, Sowerby Bridge

Saturday 13 December 2025

7-9.30 pm

In honour of Rumi’s Urs

Poetry, Music, Sohbet, Chanting and Zikr

The Soul Cafe will be open serving drinks and cakes

£10 in advance or £15 on the door. Advance tickets can be purchased here.

Contact Jilani with any questions

Join Jilani Cordelia and friends for a Rumi Cafe Night, to celebrate the Urs of the mystic Sufi poet Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi. 

In the Sufi tradition, the Urs, or ‘Wedding Day’, marks the moment when the Lover dissolves into the Beloved, the Soul’s return to Bliss and Divine Union. 

Jilani will share readings of Rumi’s mystical poetry, accompanied by beautiful live music, on guitar, viola and percussion. There will be times of Sohbet, or Sufi teaching through soulful conversation. Jilani will also lead the group in chanting Zikr and other sacred phrases in Arabic from the Sufi tradition. 

Zikr means ‘remembrance’ and refers to the Arabic phrase La illaha il’llah, which could be translated as “no God but God”, “no reality except Unity”, “all separation is illusion”. In practicing Zikr, we practice remembrance of our inherent unity with the Divine, recognising our human tendency to forget. Chanting Zikr can be a powerful and heart-opening experience, unifying a group and harmonising the atmosphere in a vibration of grounded, sacred, loving connection.

The chants are simple and easily learned, not unlike kirtan or bhajan, but rooted in the Sufi tradition. Even if you don’t understand all of the words, you will have an embodied experience, which many describe as inducing feelings of joy, inner peace and a deep sense of connection to the Beloved. 

The Zikr journey can pass through times of high energy and ecstasy, usually ending in a space of stillness and silence, resting in awe-filled experience of Unity with All-That-Is.

The gorgeous Soul Cafe will be open, serving hot and cold drinks and delicious, healthy cakes, and providing a friendly and welcoming cafe atmosphere for this sacred time of sharing together.

Jilani is a member of the teaching circle of the Sufi Ruhaniat International, a Universal Western Sufi Order in the Chisti lineage. She travels widely, teaching in many countries including Australia, New Zealand, India and the USA as well as across Europe. Resident in the Calder Valley for nearly 30 years, she is happy to be able to share her work near home as well. Jilani will be supported by a group of talented musicians.

Light of Renewal, Light of Rebirth

A Day of Dances of Universal Peace in Wales to Celebrate the Spring Equinox

With Jilani and Robert

Saturday 28 March 2026

10.30 for 11 am start, 4.30 pm finish

Cilgerran Village Hall SA43 2SQ

£40 full day (£35 if paid by 16 February) £22 half day (ask if you’d need a concession)

Please bring vegetarian food to share for lunch.

Jilani will also lead a Sufi Zikr on Friday evening at 7.30 pm at a venue near Newport

For bookings and practical information about the Saturday workshop, please contact Sally Davies: saldavies@hotmail.com or 07766 213606

If you would like to join us for the Zikr, please contact Emma: emmaoftheearth@hotmail.com 01239 821118 or 07887 622188

Winter Solstice Celebration

20 December 2025

At Om Yoga Works, Farsley, Leeds

Dance the Prayers of your Body, Heart and Soul!

Jilani and Salik invite you to join us for our heart-warming celebration of the returning of the Light, at the Celtic festival of the Winter Solstice. Come together with like-minded friends in the beautiful, welcoming space of Om Yoga Works, from 5-8 pm to include time for a Solstice Feast. (Please bring a contribution of something delicious to share!)

Using chant and movement, ritual and feasting, we invite you to open your hearts to the light and to each other.

The Winter Solstice can be a time to look back and reflect, but also to look ahead, to dream into the coming year, and to rejoice in the light returning. We will feel into and explore the nourishment and regeneration of this time of fertile darkness, and we will rejoice in the rebirth and returning of the light. We will work with simple sacred chants and movements, beautiful live music, powerful breath practices, and sharing; and the power of ritual and ceremony. We offer the opportunity to meet one other, fully embodied, in the heart-space of deep meditation and devotion.

Everything will be clearly guided and held. All are welcome, whether you are new friends or old.

5-8 pm on Saturday 20 December 2025

£25 (£22 if booked and paid by 30 November)

Email Jilani to book

Om Yoga Works

Springfield Commercial Centre
Unit 15D (1st Floor)
Bagley Lane
Farsley, Leeds.
LS28 5LY

Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with Jilani and Salik

Dancing with Balance and Harmony at the Autumn Equinox.

Dance the Prayers of your Body, Heart and Soul!

Simple sacred chants and movements. Beautiful Live Music. Powerful breath practices, and sharing. Ritual and ceremony. The opportunity to meet ourselves and each other, fully embodied, in the heart-space of deep meditation and devotion.

Everything clearly guided and held. All are welcome, whether you are new friends or old.

These dances could be called body prayers: simple, gentle yet powerful movements with chants drawn from many world traditions, all celebrating Unity.
Moving, chanting and breathing in rhythm together we begin to harmonise ourselves as individuals and as a group. Our bodies and hearts can realign with the rhythm of our souls. The results can be wonderful: we may experience sensations of peace and joy, heart-opening connections with others and a sense of oneness with all-that-is.

Everything is taught as we go along, so anyone can join.

If you’d like to join us for a shared meal afterwards, please bring a contribution of something delicious to share.

Time

5.00pm – 8.00pm including a shared feast (please bring a contribution of something delicious to share)

Investment:

£25 (£22 if paid by 14th August)

Contact:

Please use the contact form below to book and for payment details