Sound our Souls

Stemming from the complex trauma I experienced throughout my childhood, I struggled with depression, anxiety, insomnia and addictions in my teens until my thirties. I tried many modalities to support my healing and development. Every time I tried to meditate I found that it triggered my mind to become even more over-active and and so concluded that I was just a person who ‘could not meditate’. One day I had an experience with sound which put me into a state of consciousness I had never experienced. I then trained to find out more both to further develop myself and so that I could bring this modality to others.

My trauma was very obvious and extreme, however, everyone has at one time or another experienced something that was overwhelming, triggering a nervous system response without a successful outcome. Our psyches and bodies are interconnected. What affects us emotionally affects us physically and vice versa. We all hold the effects of our experiences within us. On top of this, modern society promotes spending more time in our heads, disconnected from our bodies.

Sound therapy initiates the body’s innate capacities for self-healing. The sound waves entrain the brain waves into the patterns associated with relaxation, meditation, creativity and even the release of feel good hormones resulting in pain relief.

What is special about group sound experiences is that each individual will receive their personal medicine. While one person will feel the sound vibrating very physically in places in their body, another will go off on a journey. There is no right or wrong way. Let go of all expectations and welcome all possibilities.

• Regularly reported benefits include:
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Better sleep
• Physical restoration and pain relief
• Improved mood
• Emotional processing/release of emotional blockages
• Improved focus and clarity
• Creative insights
• Deep feelings of peace/calm/joy
• Spiritual experiences

Preparation

Avoid alcohol, try to avoid sugar and caffeine, and drink plenty of water on the day of the gong bath. Avoid heavy meals within two hours beforehand.

What will happen

We will start the session in a seated position for a breathwork and meditation practice for around 15-25 minutes to prime our bodies for the gong bath. Then you will lie down if this is comfortable for you while I play the gong for around 45-55 minutes. Please make your comfort your utmost priority as this will affect what you get from the experience. For sitting comfortably, a block or pillow to elevate the hips so that the knees are lower than them can be helpful. There are also chairs available. The typical lying down position for sound baths is the yoga pose savasana, lying on your back allowing the legs and arms to drop open. It is the position for total relaxation. However, 45 minutes in this position can cause discomfort or pain. Bolsters under the knees alleviate pressure on the lower back. You know your body best so bring whatever you need. Of course you can choose and adjust your position at any time during the session too. I also suggest having a blanket or duvet between your back and the floor for extra warmth. Your body temperature will drop as you relax.

What to bring

Please take the utmost care to ensure that you are comfortable and warm.

Essentials and suggestions include:

• Wear comfortable clothes, layers in colder weather
• Something comfortable to lie on for example a yoga mat, self-inflatable camping mat, air bed
• Blankets for beneath and on top of your body
• Pillow for head and possibly to sit on
• Yoga block to elevate the hips while sitting (chairs are provided if needed)
• Bolsters
• Eye mask or other form of covering (can really enhance the experience)
• Bottle of water (it is common to feel thirsty after a sound bath)
• A simple snack can be helpful for grounding after
• Feel free to bring any crystals and talismans you feel connected to

The heating will be on in cold weather but your body temperature will drop as you relax and you will be lying still for a long time. The more comfortable you are the better your experience will be. Don't be shy about bringing whatever you need. Think cosy cocoon!

Gong baths are not suitable for those with the below conditions/interventions:

• First trimester of pregnancy
• Pacemaker
• Epilepsy when sound is a trigger
• Below is a list of conditions/interventions where you may wish to consult with your healthcare professional for advice before attending, particularly when a condition/intervention is new or recently diagnosed. You are welcome to ask me any questions or share anything you feel is relevant.
• Metal implants
• Hearing aids
• Tinnitus
• Epilepsy
• Migraines
• Open wounds
• Permanent nerve damage
• Bipolar disorder
• Aspergers/autism
• Any new psychological disorder that you have received treatment/Medic*tion for within the last six months

A gong bath is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional treatment and care.

Host or Publisher Turing Locke