Wash Away Stress With Sound

I've always loved music. Having no musical talent to speak of, it wasn't by accident that I became a radio DJ.

It was the closest I could get to music and music makers without being a musician myself.

Recently I realized that I am not just fascinated by music, per se, but by SOUND. Which can be musical in its own right.

The sound of rain, birds singing, and the ocean can evoke emotion as much as any good song.

I've mentioned in previous columns, that while I do meditate, I'm not exactly proficient at it.

I've been experimenting with different forms of meditation to try to find which I like best, and the different responses I have to each.

Recently I started chanting meditation. The words being chanted, (also known as a mantra) are a good anchor for concentration, but I felt there was something even more positive and important happening.

I felt it had something to do with energy and vibration, but I wasn't sure, so I did some research.

According to Malbert Lee who is a Crystal Bowl and Gong Master, "vibrations are especially useful for healing the body...when vibrations travel through the body, they promote circulation, energy flow, and rejuvenation. The frequency of the sound synchronizes with the brainwaves and activates de-stress responses in the body.”

AHA! I was onto something! So I looked further. Sound healing was used in ancient cultures around the globe.

I'd been hearing more and more about "sound baths," so I decided to check a few out.

Wow! In a few words...relaxing, floating, expansive, bliss.

During the bath different instruments are used. Himalayan singing bowls, bells, gongs, and my ultimate favorite the Australian didgeridoo are just a few. (And not just because it is so much fun to say!) (Although it REALLY is!)

While I don't know the exact science behind the benefits of being immersed in sound, I can say that I left my experiences feeling uplifted, calmer and rejuvenated. For the duration of the bath I did feel as if my troubles were being "washed away."

Think of it as a massage for your body, mind and spirit.

Try it, you very well may like it!