For centuries, yogis, traditional healers and wellness practitioners have been using the power of sound and vibration to induce relaxation, meditation and a state in which our bodies can heal.
Many people experience a deep sense of calm and relaxation, while for others it can be an emotional journey.
Sound Meditation is the practice of using live music to clear your mind and bring you into a deep state of meditation.
What is a Sound Meditation event like?
During a Sound Meditation a musician will play a range of instruments, providing a live soundscape for you to relax and meditate to. Instruments may include their voice, Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums, tuning forks and more. These live sounds produce a vibration that taps into our body’s natural vibrations allowing us to experience a profound state of meditation and relaxation. It’s in this state that our body inhibits the release of cortisol, our stress hormone, and allows the body and mind time to rest and repair.
What does the session actually involve?
It could not be easier to participate in a Sound Meditation, all you really need to do is be present. You might start the session seated on a yoga mat, and depending on your facilitator, you may start with Pranayama (gentle breathing exercises), or a visualisation meditation. After this you will be invited to lie down on your mat and get comfortable, for most sessions a blanket and a bolster are provided. Once comfortable, all you need to do is close your eyes and experience the soundscape.
What should I expect to feel?
People’s experiences of Sound Meditation can vary greatly. Many people experience a deep sense of calm and relaxation, while for others it can be an emotional journey. Some people report having out of body experiences, others a deeply spiritual occurrence and some simply relax and fall asleep. Many people arrive at a session with a question, or an idea they’ve been thinking about and gain a sense of clarity.
Who can benefit from Sound Meditation?
Everyone! I think it can be really fascinating just going along to see how you respond. Many people who find other meditation techniques difficult find that having music as a point of focus is a great starting point for building a consistent meditation practice. Numerous scientific studies have shown that music and meditation have positive effects for people dealing with stress, depression and anxiety.
If you would like to experience Sound Meditation, join Steph for her Yin & Sound Meditation Workshops or her in-studio or online classes at Kula Yoga. Bookings online: www.kulayoga.com.au/workshops
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PRO TIP: Are you keen to try creating your own sounds? We recommend starting with a ‘Singing Bowl’. Not only do they sound amazing, and have beautiful healing vibrations, they are also an easy option to learn to play. Click through to get inspired.
About the author: Stephanie Jackowski is a classically trained opera singer, yoga teacher and Sound Meditation practitioner. Stephanie provides her yoga students with a small taste of her Sound Meditations as they relax in Savasana at the end of class. To stay up to date with her events you can like Original Soundscapes on Facebook or follow @stephj_yoga on Instagram.
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