Six things to consider before offering a sound bath

Sound 'baths' are as they sound, playing instruments and "bathing" participants with sound.

Sound Baths or Sound Immersions are usually done in groups, with one or a few people playing instruments, while everyone else just relaxes and listens.

The purpose of a Sound Bath is to promote deep relaxation, fostering a sense of well-being and more expanded states.

Stresses and anxieties fade away as one merges with the many different frequencies that the instruments provide. Given that sound moves energy and that we are virtually 99.9999% space, the frequencies allow for the opportunity to open and let go within a safe and nurturing soundscape.

Sound Immersions do not need to be complicated. The simple power of the instruments is enough to allow people to relax.

One only needs to be familiar with the instruments that are being utilized and aware of how the sound is generated. Many who have limited musical experience have great success with instruments that are simple to play, but integral to creating a soothing and harmonic experience.

There are unlimited possibilities for sounds that can be generated and those sounds may cover a spectrum of frequencies from harmonic to dissident, from very soft to sharper, all within a range of volume that is consistent with a therapeutic sonic soundscape.

There is no set progress for how sound needs to be created in a sound bath. There can be an intentional progression through instruments and sounds, or sound baths can be led intuitively from one instrument to the next. Instruments can be used hard or soft; the tones made can be harmonic or dissident; what is important to remember is that sound works.

Playing instruments like crystal singing bowls, drums, gongs and shakers for people who are sitting or lying down to relax, will support those people in letting go and gaining greater spaciousness.

There are a few things that need to be considered for offering a sound bath.

What is your intention for this Sound Bath?

Conducting a Sound Immersion is simple, and needs little more than confidence in playing the instruments, and a clear intention for providing an environment of wellness for others.

Participants should be in a comfortable physical position either lying or sitting. An example would be a restorative yoga pose lying and supported with mats, pillows or any props that allow for maximum comfort including blankets to provide a warm and nurturing feeling. It is helpful if the outside environment can be quiet, but not necessary.

What will the participants be doing?

Will you just be asking the participants to relax, either lying down or in a chair, and let the sound of the instruments wash over them?

Or, will the participants be given active instructions for how they will attend and meditate? Will they attend to their breath, or be led through a more complex meditation? Basically, will the activity be passive or active for the participants?

Depending on how these questions are answered will allow you to consider how and when you would want to play different instruments.

If you are leading participants in a complicated meditation, then balance the experience by playing the instruments in a simple way.

Create a steady vibrational environment for participants to easily go through the meditation, without too much complexity that would distract them from the meditation. Play just one drum, one gong, or a few select crystal bowls, without a great amount of variation. Just creating an environment of coherent sound will support participants in focusing on the meditation at hand. If participants are meditating, and you are playing too complex of sound, the sound will be distracting rather than supportive. Even one crystal bowl droning consistently can be a great tool.

If you are not leading participants in meditation, then create more depth with complex sounds.

The complexities you create can maintain the participants' interest and enjoyment, which can allow them to continue the process of relaxing into spaciousness. With your instruments create a melodic symphony, and allow yourself and trust yourself to be led intuitively from one note to another, and from one instrument to another, feeling into the type of sound that can benefit the environment. Don't worry if it is perfect, or if it sounds right. Feel into what sounds right for you, for the environment you wish to create.

Stick to harmonies and the instruments you enjoy playing.

For those who do not have a lot of experience playing instruments, a good simple rule is to stick to harmonies and choose sound-healing instruments you enjoy playing. If you feel called to amping up your harmonic potential, we provide specific harmonic crystal singing bowl sets to create a beautiful harmonic soundscape. Harmonics are naturally pleasing to the ear, or any human being, and will naturally relax the nervous system. Harmonics will naturally lead clients into a state of spacious presence, where they can feel themselves unwind, and open up to transformation, catharsis, and joy. After 30-45 minutes, your participants will be naturally relaxed, focused and have a greater sense of ease and well-being.

Don't forget to include silence in a Sound Bath.

You can continue your sound bath for an hour, or even an hour and a half. The participants once relaxed, should be allowed space at the end of the meditation to just relax where they are, until they are ready to move. Just as sound is important, so too is adding a place for silence.