alternaThis is a guest post by Prudence Sinclair.
Hello, lovely YOU!
Have you ever stopped and noticed we are awash in a symphony of sound? For most of the day, we are surrounded by different noises, and the vibrations that come along with those noises can affect our overall mood. In turn, our health and well-being can also be affected.
When we are surrounded by the chaotic sounds of life… honking cars, people yelling, the noise of a construction site right outside our window… we tense and our blood pressure and heart rate rise. This mimics the fight or flight state.
When we are surrounded by beautiful and soothing sounds… ocean waves, birds singing, windchimes or Native American flute music… we feel calm and relaxed. This mimics the rest and digest state.
Both types of sound and their vibrations can impact our physical health and overall well-being. This is not woo-woo, there is solid science behind that statement. The New York Times even wrote a recent article about the harmful effects of certain noises on our health. Whereas this article from Harvard Medical School echoes the conclusions of past studies: music is beneficial to a range of health aspects from memory to mood to cardiovascular health.
With so much chaos going on in the world right now, and so much chaotic noise, I wanted to take a closer look at the benefits of positive sounds on our health and well-being. Maybe we can all use sound as a way to cope and thrive during these troubling times.
What are Sound Vibrations?
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” Nikola Tesla.
The world is not nearly as solid as we think it is. At its essence, everything is energy, frequency and vibration. Everything. The chair you sit on as you read this. Not solid. The walls of your house, your car, your cat and everything else we call “solid matter,” they are all vibrations appearing as solid objects.
Similarly, invisible things like sound are also vibration. And these vibrations can impact the “solid” vibrations, like your body. A powerful vibration can alter the vibration of something near. This is called resonance. Here’s a short Youtube video illustrating how resonance works.
In short, when our vibrations are “off” and in an unhealthy state, we can use sound vibrations and the power of resonance to put our vibrations into a healthy state.
Sound Healing and Meditations
Sound healing has been used for thousands of years by cultures all around the world. Australian aboriginal tribes have used the didgeridoo for over 40,000 in sound healing ceremonies. Tibetan singing bowls also have an ancient history in use during meditation and spiritual ceremonies.
You may have seen sound healing or “sound baths” offered at a retreat center in your local area. If so, I highly encourage you to attend to experience for yourself the effects sound can have on your mind, body and spirit.
But you can also begin to experiment with sound on your own. I bought Dave a Tibetan singing bowl years ago and I have used tuning forks and didgeridoo music for my own sound meditations. I highly recommend sound meditations, they are far easier to begin than a regular meditation practice.
When you can focus on the pleasant sound vibration of the bowl or the tuning fork, it quiets the mind. The relentless brain chatter stops and you begin to empty. In this state, you can truly connect with source, the ultimate healer.
There are many wonderful Youtube videos with sound healings using gongs, flutes, drums, singing bowls and more. You can also use your own voice (om) or listen to soft, meditative music.
During your meditation, simply listen to the sound. Focus on it and let your body relax. Breathe deeply as you tune more and more into the sound. Allow any fleeting thoughts to pass through without judgment. Don’t hold onto them, simply let them go.
Once your mind quiets, let your energy flow and mingle with the sound vibrations around you. You may find yourself becoming more peaceful and blissful.
I know how powerful sound healing and meditation can be and I really encourage you to spend time with it each week, and even each day. The more you do it, the lighter and calmer you’ll feel, like you can handle whatever chaos you find entering your life.
Sound vibrations can help all of us be in the moment and release whatever stress and strong emotions we’ve been holding on to. This can radically improve our overall health and well-being, as well as the health and well-being of the planet!
Find a sound healing event near you. It will help you destress your life during this chaotic time.
Love you 💝
Prue