SOUND BATH WHAT IS IT?: A Sound Bath is a sonic meditative experience for people of all ages and inclinations. It generally lasts 30-90 minutes. A variety of singing bowls are rung in different speeds and combinations to create the Sound Bath. Participants are invited to allow these orchestrated sound waves to wash over and through them.
Since the sounds have no melody, rhythms, or lyrics, the mind is able to relax.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Typically a grouping of metal or crystal singing bowls (and possibly a few other percussion instruments) are set up. The sounding of the bowls, one at time or in combination, creates a kind of sonic stream.
Some people report hearing water or feeling that they are actually floating in a stream. Others may feel as though they are dreaming or being carried into heightened states of awareness.
The experience is most often described as restful, calming, a stress-reliever. It is not uncommon to feel emotional release, to connect with memories, mental clarity, or even a "bit of bliss”. It’s also possible to feel more energetic after a Sound Bath.
It’s different for everyone, because, everyone is different!
WHAT TO BRING TO THE EXPERIENCE: Lie down or sit comfortably, ideally with eyes lowered or closed. Notice how you’re feeling. Turn off critical thinking, breathe, be curious, and allow the vibrations to wash over and through you.
As the session progresses you may find yourself noticing a resonance within your body. Some sounds may feel particularly soothing, while others might feel momentarily discordant. Note those responses but try not to focus on them. Breathe. Relax into the experience. If you find yourself drifting off to sleep, go with it. The end of the session will be gently signaled.
AFTER A SOUND BATH: At the end of the session some folks notice feeling a bit more relaxed or energetic, having new clarity or a sense of calm. Savor that experience. Give yourself a few moments before getting up and moving around again.
If you can, have a glass of water or something salty to eat. Move slowly. Consider journaling about the experience.
IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING: In the days following a sound bath it is not uncommon for people to have dreams that feel significant. If you’re open to gaining more insight into your own experience, try reconnecting with the details of your sound bath experience before you go to sleep. As you welcome sleep, bring curiosity to the shifts that you noticed in your body, in your emotions, or in your mind during and after the sound bath. Keep a journal nearby so you can jot down whatever feels meaningful to you.
A BIT OF HISTORY: While no one knows the exact origin of singing bowls, for millennia sound vibrations have been valued for their ability to build community, evoke memories or shift consciousness, to express praise, to cleanse spaces, signal danger or grief, to ease pain, as well as to soften, heal, or inspire hearts.
Every culture, whether through drums, bells, organs, flutes, chimes, singing bowls, trumpets, or the human voice, whether as part of a religious or social frameworks, affirms and contributes to the importance of music and of sound vibrations – both of which unify us as nothing else can.
Some systems, like those centered on “chakras”, draw attention to the energy systems within the human body which can be activated and aligned through sound vibrations.
One version of the full body chakra sequence is Root-C, Sacral-D, Solar Plexus-E, Heart-F, Throat-G, Pineal-A, Crown-B.
Kabbalists teach that both human and divine energies can be activated and aligned through sound vibrations. Medical professionals affirm that certain sound frequencies can lower heart rates, blood pressure and anxiety. Physicists track the ability of sound vibrations to influence physical reality, while poets visualize golden threads woven of the rhythmic fluttering of hummingbird wings, the beating of human hearts, the cyclical movements of the stars, and the rise and fall of tides and civilizations. Social scientists and theologians of all stripes urge us to remember that every being and every moment matters; being present and attentive to our values and the “ripple effect” of our choices can help shape a more beautiful and just world.
The most important thing is to be open and attentive to your own experience.
CRYSTAL SINGING BOWLS: Crystal singing bowls are a relatively new phenomenon. Urban legend says they originated right here in Silicon Valley. It is said that crystals for computer circuits were grown in bowls that were then discarded. In the 1980s someone discovered the clarity of their tones and that they could be used as singing bowls.
Is that true? Nothing is certain, but today crystal singing bowls are treasured worldwide as potent meditation tools.
REIKI LIFE FORCE ENERGY Life is defined in part by a mysterious “animating force” that has fascinated theologians, scientists, and poets the world over. While there is controversy over precisely when flesh becomes animated, we do know that our health (and our lives) depend upon it. Even though it can’t be seen its presence and absence can be perceived. While it can’t be heard (by most) its frequencies have long been envisioned in trance states and raised by shamans, healers, etc. through a variety of means including what has come to be called “laying on of hands”.
Being sensitive to energy is not at all unusual. Try rubbing your hands together and then holding them over a flower or animal or person for a few moments, noticing what you feel. Then try rubbing your hands together and holding them over an ordinary inanimate object like a tea kettle, a book, or stapler. Chances are you will notice stronger sensations in the former situation!
WHAT IS Reiki? Reiki is a “modern” method of energy work that allows trained practitioners to connect with and balance/reinforce that life force energy in others. Reiki was made popular in the West by Mataji Kawakami, who developed “Reiki Ryoho” in 1914. He authored Reiki Healing and Its Effects, published 1919. Variations of Reiki are now taught worldwide and applied in many clinical settings, hospitals, etc. to reduce anxiety, ease pain, and facilitate healing.
While it is possible for anyone to train themselves to feel lifeforce energy, it is advised to undergo formal training to become a Reiki practitioner – in large part because training focuses on ethical standards in addition to teaching the protocols found to be most helpful both to the recipient and to the practitioner.
WHAT IS IT NOT? Reiki is non-invasive. It does not require removal of clothing or non-consensual physical contact. It does not require privacy. It does not require that the practitioner to know “what ails you”. It is not a diagnostic tool. It does not replace or interfere with conventional medical practices. It does not require that the recipient be a “believer”. It does not transfer energy from the practitioner to the recipient. It is not an intoxicant. It is not addictive.
WHAT TO EXPECT Reiki can be offered in a variety of ways: laying down, seated, for individuals, or for groups. Advanced practitioners can even offer what’s called “distance Reiki”.
All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Much depends upon the Practitioner, the recipient, the setting in which it is offered, and the time available.
The experience is most often described as restful, calming, a stress-reliever. Some people report feeling a localized tingling sensation or a shift in temperature. It is not uncommon to feel emotional release, to connect with memories, mental clarity, or even a "bit of bliss”. It’s also possible to feel more energetic after a Reiki session.
It’s different for everyone, because, everyone is different!
WHAT TO BRING TO THE EXPERIENCE Lie down or sit comfortably, ideally with eyes lowered or closed. Notice how you’re feeling. Turn off critical thinking, breathe, be curious, and notice if anything starts to feel different.
Notice these responses but try not to focus on them. Breathe. Relax into the experience. If you find yourself drifting off to sleep, go with it. The end of the session will be gently signaled.
AFTER A REIKI SESSION At the end of the session some folks notice feeling a bit more relaxed or energetic, having new clarity or a sense of calm. Savor that experience. Give yourself a few moments before getting up and moving around again.
If you can, have a glass of water or something salty to eat. Move slowly. Consider journaling about the experience.
IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING: In the days following a Reiki session it is not uncommon for people to have dreams that feel significant. If you’re open to gaining more insight into your own experience, try reconnecting with the details of your experience before you go to sleep. As you welcome sleep, bring curiosity to the shifts that you noticed in your body, in your emotions, or in your mind during and after the sound bath. Keep a journal nearby so you can jot down whatever feels meaningful to you.