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Listen to the Natural World: The Secret Songs of Plants
With Jean et Frédérique Thoby
August 28 - 30, 2026
Listen to the Natural World
The Secret Song of Plants
From 28 to 30 August 2026
Lectures, workshops and concert.
A special weekend
with Jean and Frédérique Thoby
In the yoga tradition, nature is not merely the environment in which we live: it is an expression of the living that we learn to observe, respect and contemplate. Developing a more conscious relationship with the world around us is an integral part of our path.
The ashram’s extensive grounds — with flowering gardens, a vegetable garden and orchard cultivated using permaculture, a small wood and century-old trees — are much more than a place to live: they are a space for contemplation, practice and learning. Over the years we have felt a growing desire to deepen our relationship with the plant world, to learn to observe it better, to understand it and to listen to it.
We also wish to offer this opportunity for discovery to those who care for these spaces day to day and contribute to their beauty and balance. The experience and research of Jean and Frédérique Thoby will be a valuable occasion for gardeners and groundskeepers, as well as for members of the community, to broaden their view of the plant world and to explore new ways of relating to it.
It is in this spirit that we invited them to share their work with us, and we are pleased to offer ashram students and visitors the chance to take part in this exceptional weekend.
Jean Thoby, author of the book The Secret Song of Plants, has for many years been studying how plants react to their environment and the electrical phenomena that can be converted into music using specific devices. His approach, at the crossroads of scientific observation, sound experimentation and a deep sensitivity to the plant world, invites us to look anew at the relationship between human beings and nature.
Over the course of these three days, Jean and Frédérique Thoby will share their experience with us through several meetings:
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Friday 28 August at 8:00 p.m.: introductory lecture. An overview of their work and research, their background and their approach to the plant world.
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Saturday 29 August 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: interaction workshop on our relationship with plants. A time of experimentation and exploration to deepen our listening and sensitivity to the living. (Possibility to book workshop only)
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Sunday 30 August 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: concert with the plants. A unique experience in which the electrical variations of plants are transformed into sounds, offering a moment of discovery and contemplation. (Possibilité to book concert only)
Whether you are passionate about botany, a yoga practitioner, a nature lover or simply curious to discover another way of relating to the living world, this weekend will be an invitation to slow down, observe and listen differently.
We look forward to sharing this exceptional meeting with you at the ashram.
Arrival/Departure:
- Check-in: 2pm-8pm, on first day. First event is 4pm yoga class on arrival day
- Check-out: by 11am, on last day. Last event is the one-hour afternoon lecture on departure day
If you would like to choose different dates for your stay, please click here.
About the Teacher
Jean et Frédérique Thoby
Jean Thoby, author of the book The Secret Song of Plants, has for many years been studying how plants react to their environment and the electrical phenomena that can be converted into music using specific devices. His approach, at the crossroads of scientific observation, sound experimentation and a deep sensitivity to the plant world, invites […]
Learn more about Jean et Frédérique ThobyCategories : All programmes, The Secret Music of Plants, Yoga Retreats - theme calendar