The What and Why’s of a Sound Bath
I am excited to be participating in the New Moon Ceremony in March and bringing this new offering to the community. I have wanted for years to get singing bowls and offer a sound bath for my own clients and those in the community in need. The benefits of mindfulness and meditation practices have been a mainstay for the past 15-20 years and I’m sure you have heard of the many benefits mindfulness and meditation skills have for your body and mind. I have also worked with countless individuals who struggle with practicing meditation and mindfulness. They find themselves looping judging thoughts, fidgeting, and really struggling to remain in a mindful state. I am one of these individuals however, I can fully be present and sink into a mindfulness and calm state with the help of singing bowls.
Singing bowls are used together to produce what is called a sound bath. This bath does not require water or any nudity, fully safe and clothed activity! 😂 Participants lie or sit in the space and are surrounded by the sounds of the bowls being rung and played. Each bowl sends out a different note or tone and when played together makes a very lovely experience. This is a fully immersive activity as you can not only hear the bowls ringing you can feel the vibration deep in your body. There has been some research conducted on the benefits of sound baths demonstrating positive results. Studies have shown a reduction in tension, anxiety, negative moods, and anger after a sound bath. There have also been studies to show a reduction in pain after a sound bath. There were no reported negative side effects to a sound bath so it is definitely worth a try. If you also have found regular meditation practice to be difficult you might consider giving this style a go.
There are a few recommendations for making a sound bath more effective and experiencing the fullest benefits possible. One of those is to come to the sound bath with some set intentions. Think about what you want to gain from the sound bath not just in the moment but overall. During the sound bath, you will be in a state of relaxation with less tension and anxiety, meaning you will be in a good space to set goals and visualize how you see those coming to a successful conclusion. We will also be offering some intentions during the sound bath and time to set your intentions during the New Moon practices before the sound bath takes place. Sound baths move us away from a flight-fight state into a place of relaxation where we have increased access to our higher-order thinking. This is the perfect state of mind for planning, opening up creativity, and fighting burnout. Come to the sound bath with any mental blocks you might be experiencing and be open to shifts in your perspective as the meditative state and vibration of the bowls create brainwaves that promote healing and change. Physically come to a sound bath in comfortable clothing and fully hydrated. Coming to a sound bath after consuming a large meal or having alcohol can reduce its effectiveness and is not recommended.
I am really excited about our New Moon Ceremony and our first sound bath coming in March. Please come join us. If you are not able to attend with us please seek out this experience in your community and fully benefit from the effects of this treatment.
-Penney