A sound bath is a modality of vibrational sound therapy that uses the concept of music/sound/vibration as a way to bring the body, mind and spirit back into balance, harmony and peace. Utilizing tuning forks, crystal singing bowls, Himalayan singing bowls, Quartzophone, gongs, chimes, drums, and other instruments, even toning and chanting, can bring the energy fields of the body back into a state of homeostasis. Many people report that they feel lighter and more relaxed after a sound bath. Some let go and allow emotions to arise and release.
We suggest bringing a yoga mat and blanket to lie on during the session, giving your physical body the ability to relax and let go even more deeply. Some people even like to use eye pillows or some other way to block out light during the session.
Each sound bath is unique to the individuals participating. When I've been lucky enough to be the recipient of a sound bath, I've had several different experiences. Some have taken me to very relaxed states of being. Others I've drifted asleep and don't remember what took place, other than coming out of it with the feeling that a deep healing occurred. Other times I've experienced what some call a journey, or mental/spiritual experience of going somewhere or drifting off to a different dimension. Others have been guided meditations which can also be helpful if the mind is rather chatty. Each has its own gift to offer.
Sometimes I go into a sound bath with an intention to give healing energies to others and the planet. Other times I go with the intention to get an answer to a question or to gain guidance about which path to follow or specific actions to take. I've also gone to a sound bath looking for a physical healing. As I mentioned, each session is unique to the individuals participating and to what is happening in the peoples' lives at that moment in time. I've also joined with no specific intention or goal, but with the knowing that I'm being guided to participate at that time with that specific person leading the session.
As I was participating in the 15 month sound apprenticeship that I completed, the notion that silence is a sound was introduced. At first I thought that this was odd. How can silence be sound? Yet, silence, especially within the sound bath, can be very profound.
Silence.
It gives space for the mind to travel, to drift off, and sometimes to join in the silence.
Silence.
It may also give space for new ideas to be revealed such as those answers to questions that may be on the mind. Or actions to take to bring about the healing, whether on a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual level.
Be open. Be an explorer, whether this is your first sound bath or you're a regular attendee of sound baths. Treat it as your first time and see what appears. Allow yourself to be a kid again and see where the sounds and vibrations take you.
Breathe. Allow. Be Aware.