sound bath meditation

Sound is a powerful tool to promote wellness and relaxation, with profoundly positive therapeutic effects on the body and mind. If we consider the very base physical particles of our bodies, we are all made of the same stuff, and we are all affected by vibration. We are all essentially collections of particles navigating our way through space and time.

I facilitate sound bath meditations using premium crystal alchemy singing bowls and other sound-producing objects and instruments as appropriate. My aim is always to help people connect back to themselves and the natural rhythms of the earth. I may incorporate guided meditation as well as gentle breathing and stretching exercises into the experience, depending on the needs of the participants. Individuals of all backgrounds, identities and lifestyle preferences are welcome to participate in these sessions and have the potential to benefit from the experience. Check out my Serenity Lab and Focus Lab courses which examine sound as a wellness tool, or see my upcoming classes and events.

Deborah facilitating a meditation session with participants laying on in a circle with their heads towards the center of the room — photo @blueberrypony

Sound Bath FAQs

What if I'm not good at meditating or am new to sound baths?

You’re in the right place! Sound baths require no previous experience and are a great learning tool for calming the racing thoughts in your mind and encouraging your body to relax on command. It can be hard to control the mind with the mind, which is why the sensory stimuli of a sound bath can be helpful for reaching a relaxed state. Modern humans have been trained all through life to spring into action and be active on command, which is why intentional relaxation is a vital counterbalance to all that activation. Sound baths are a perfect way to make conscious relaxation a regular part of your wellness routine.

What are the benefits of a sound bath?

One of the most commonly reported benefits of sound baths is relief from stress and anxiety, which in turn allows for deep relaxation and restoration. Benefits can be experienced on the physiological level, like lowering high blood pressure, slowing rapid heart rate, and boosting the immune system, as well as mentally and emotionally, like feeling calm and centered with improved focus and creativity. Some participants find it spiritually enriching, though the experience is not bound to any specific philosophy or dogma. Some people report that even just 20 min of a sound bath feels as restful and restorative as several hours of quality sleep.

Will your sound bath be like other sound baths I've been to?

There is no universal standard for sound baths, and each sound bath facilitator has their own way of conducting sessions. While the specific proceedings and instruments may differ, the most common intention is to provide a supportive container so that participants can deeply and fully relax. Each session is unique, and all are invited to attend with open minds and open hearts for the best experience.

voice

I speak on various topics online and live in person at events spanning community celebrations and artistic performances to classes and conferences at educational institutions and for professional associations. I also enjoy recording voice over and narration.

Audiobook samples: The first is an exceprt of a children’s story about a mythical creature called the Psammead taken from the book The Story of the Amulet by Edith Nesbit. The second is from a guidebook to flower identification named Wild Flowers Worth Knowing, adapted by Ada Don Dickerson from Nature’s Garden by Neltje Blanchan.

Following are audio samples from a podcast created for a Latin American audience. The goal was to provide small bites of daily inspiration using famous quotes.

Here is the English translation of the script:

Have you ever made up your mind about something, but then you talked to someone about it and started doubting yourself? Maybe you changed your mind, only to regret it afterwards? Today's quote helps us think about the influence that we allow other people to have on our own thoughts and decisions. This quote comes to us from the great Mahatma Gandhi:

"I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet."

I love this quote because it reminds me that I have control over what I think about. Do you notice when other people leave dirty footprints in your mind? Is it possible that you walk through your own mind with dirty feet because of negative thoughts and false beliefs? With so many voices in the world, some screaming or shouting and some whispering, it can be hard to know what to do. I believe that the best thing to do is to follow the thoughts that feel good. When we operate from a positive mindset, we are our most creative, productive and confident selves, and we’re able to see our goals and desires clearly.

I like to think of thoughts like products on a shelf at the store. I can choose what I want to bring home with me and what I want to leave on the shelf. We have a choice in what we think and believe, and too often we forget, or we let other people or circumstances take over our minds.

Which thoughts will you take home with you from the market today? Can you leave what you don’t need behind you at the store? Write to me in the comments; I’d like to know what you think!

Thanks for spending these moments with me today. Until next time!