What is sound healing?

Sound healing, the art of intentionally harnessing vibrations in the form of sound to inspire healing and a coming back to a more natural state of resonance. Sound healing dates back, as far we know, to the most ancient of times. The ancient Egyptians utilised sound in their healing and sleep temples, while in India, they practised the art of sound through mantra and chanting. In Tibet, the same. The Native Americans held the shamanic frame drum as sacred and chanted to the stars. And the list goes on.

At the core of sound healing is intentionality. A clear and focused intention is the key to harnessing the power of sound for healing. This deliberate approach allows us to work with sound in various ways, drawing on techniques and wisdom passed down through generations. Sound is particularly effective for chakra balancing, with specific drum rhythms, musical notes, or frequencies aligning with certain chakras. If a chakra is out of balance, we can bring it back to its natural state through entrainment. In Shamanic traditions, the drum was also used to induce altered states, further highlighting the intentional nature of sound healing.

Drumming rhythms, a key component of sound healing, have a profound effect on brainwaves through entrainment. Entrainment, the synchronization of biological rhythms to an external rhythm, is the mechanism that allows us to tone or tune the chakras. Different drumming rhythms can elicit specific effects on brain waves. For instance, slow drumming rhythms can promote relaxation and sleep, encouraging the production of more delta waves. This understanding of the effects of drumming rhythms on brain waves provides a deeper insight into the science behind sound healing.

Our bodies are about 60% water, which is why sound can penetrate so deep and profoundly affect us. Everything is vibration, including our bodies, right down to the smallest cell or organism. When, for instance, a chakra is out of alignment, we might focus on a particular area of the body connected to that chakra to encourage the healing process.

But what are the benefits of sound healing?

We cannot pretend to understand the wide range of effects on all manner of our being. As Johnathan Goldman states in The Seven Secrets of Sound Healing, to do so, we would need to be a scientist in all fields related to our physiology, mental and emotional health etc. We must also remember that this connects with ancient wisdom, energy, and high-vibrational beings whose understanding far overshadows our own. However, we can certainly say, and it has been scientifically proven, that sound healing can assist in:

• Reducing stress and anxiety management
• Pain management
• Chakra balance and harmony
• Overall wellbeing
• Balancing emotions and emotional release
• Past life healing and integrations

Working with sound, we encourage relaxation, lulling you into a state known as the alpha-theta border. This is a deep state, not quite asleep. But in this state, the body’s natural healing process is triggered. It also allows space for awareness and personal breakthroughs, encouraging you to feel more empowered. Healing is not in the hands of your practitioner alone but in yours as well. We work with you to get the ball rolling, shift any resistance, and clear what might be standing in your personal healing journey.

If you would like to experience the benefits of sound for yourself, check out our upcoming group healing events:

Crystal & Sound Immersion

Crystal Bowl Meditations – Last Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am

I can virtually hear the eye rolls. Yes, the term grounded has been used to the brink. But what does get grounded, or ground yourself, actually mean? It is much more than connecting with the earth, getting out of your head and dropping your centre; for me, being grounded means that I am more connected to my heart-space. It’s about being fully present, aware of your environment—seen and unseen, within and without—in each moment.

Connecting deeper with Mother Earth, firmly planting your roots as a tree does, is part of the process. However, there is another aspect to this notion—being one with your body. Our physicality is made of the earth. It is our vehicle to navigate her terrain. How can we drive this carcass if we are not connected to it? If we do not feel and acknowledge our body’s wisdom and functions, how can we harness its maximum potential?

Good question! That is the thing; we can’t. The more we feel one with our body—though we are not only physical in nature—the more our body can work with us. This requires a level of respect on our part. And sometimes, this takes a long time to achieve, especially when we have experienced a trauma or illness. Just as our interpersonal relationships require mutual respect, care, compassion (I could keep going. . .) and love, so too does our relationship with our body. And as with every relationship, it takes commitment, perseverance, and good old-fashioned work.

So, I encourage you to commit to a healthy connection with your body, as this is a “long haul” type of thing. If your body is telling you its tired, then let it rest. Shape and size, age and height are not even part of the equation. Physical acts of nurturing cultivate positive shifts within, which in turn begins to radiate out into multiple aspects of our being. The thrashing we give ourselves under the guise of “healthy habits” may never stick if not born from a positive intent. Love always comes first; the rest is a beautiful byproduct.

Suggestion: If you feel unsupported or “all up in your head”, perhaps try running your hands over your knees. This can help focus your energy downward. After a few moments, do the same down your shins and up over your calf muscles. This act will assist in the grounding process. It will also help bring your focus back to the present and stimulate your body awareness.

This article first appeared in our newsletter on Friday, March 26th, 2021.

Image by StockSnap on Pixabay.

CHOICE

By Laura Palermo

Welcome to another of my monthly “Words with Power” posts. Here I take a word—or concept—I feel guided to discuss and look at the energy it holds as a catalyst for healing or change. The words we speak and the emotional response certain words evoke within us, have an impact on our reality. By becoming more conscious of this, we can be more mindful and see where we might be holding ourselves back. That is not to say that it is just about the words. But the words we send out and thoughts we have are all energy. The question is, is this energy working in harmony with you, or causing dissonance?

As with every word I have covered so far, there is a lot of ground to cover. We make choices on a day-to-day basis. Will I get out of bed today? Will I wear the blue or the pink one? Will I eat another piece of chocolate cake? It is interesting that I chose this word—or was guided to at least—and I have seen post after post about choosing to be kind or to make a difference. These are all important to discuss, but today I would like to focus on the fact that we actually have the power of choice, or free will if you like.

I speak from my own experience, and from what I have observed with others when I say that sometimes we forget the power of our choice. Life is a journey, after all. If we knew which turn, we should take at every single corner and whether to cut the red wire or the blue one—no, I do NOT mean literally—we would not truly learn the lessons we are here to learn. If we had a map to help us avoid conflict and discomfort, our experience would be much less involved and dare I say much less meaningful.

Seeking guidance and working with our intuition is one thing. Choosing to listen and take action is another. It all comes down to our choices. We can keep asking Spirit for a sign as to what we are meant to be doing with our lives and wait around too long for a definitive answer. In part, the answer will be the same—choose to live. Yes, we may have a higher calling. But how can we sum up what our purpose is here at this time in one sentence? We cannot know the ripples set in motion by each seemingly insignificant choice we make. What matters is how we choose, why we do, and what intent we have when we do so.

The cards in the above image are from the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. I selected the ones I feel adequately reflect what I am trying to express.

#wordswithpower #wordshavepower #thechoiceisyours #yourwillisyourown #reikimaster #reikihealing #reiki #intuitivehealing #crystalhealing #empowerment #wordsofempowerment #choice #chooseyou #chooseyourpathway #amethystlighttherapies #amethystlt #amethyst

FEARLESS

By Laura Palermo

You don’t have to jump out of planes, climb to daring heights or swim with sharks to be fearless. So many of us think that coming face-to-face physical dangers is the real test of bravery. However, our fears are not born externally. While they may be influenced or fuelled by experiences and others around us, these fears reside within us. Thus, we must overcome them by going within.

Merriam-Webster Online defines “fearless” as being ‘free from fear’ or ‘brave’. This definition does not suggest the absence of fear, but instead not being bound by it.

That which is unknown can be scary—going outside your comfort zone, applying for a promotion, pursuing your dream career, dealing with past hurts that are holding you back. But are you prepared to let opportunities pass you by and be left wondering?

I’m not suggesting you put yourself in mortal peril. Perhaps try something not physically dangerous or life-threatening.

I, myself, am happy to continue wondering what crocodiles look like in person. And, I will never be able to go bungee jumping because of a knee injury (this is unnecessary jeopardy). I am stepping outside my comfort zone this weekend, however, by going to a Sound Healing workshop focusing on the voice. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

What does it mean to you, to be fearless?

Image Credit: Original image by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash.

TRUTH

By Laura Palermo

This month, the word we have chosen is “truth”. I felt compelled to start off with an affirmation to help us all remember to stay firm in our integrity and speak our own truth.

“I honour who I am. I do this with the words I speak and the thoughts and beliefs I hold to. I do this through every action I choose to take and the ones that I don’t. I honour who I am, by maintaining my integrity and speaking my truth, because I am worth it.”

I have seen many inspiring and thought-provoking posts recently. Some of which have emphasised the effect the words we speak have on others and ourselves. This is so important to remember. We are doing ourselves a disservice by dulling our sparkle. Yesterday’s reading reminded us of the need to stay true to ourselves. If we mask who we truly are—through thought, word or deed—we lose sight of who that is and what is important to us.

The quote I chose today reminds us that the truth never leaves us, no matter how much we choose to shy away from it. We aren’t always hiding “bitter truths”; sometimes we are merely hiding. So, this month, remember to be loving and kind to yourself and others. Be love and be light. Be you.

Image Credit: Original image by Maggie Zhan on Pexels.

PROOF

By Laura Palermo

One way or another, we all find ourselves striving for proof in certain areas of our lives. We want proof that our family loves us. We want proof that we are doing the right thing, proof that our life has some meaning in the scheme of things.

Our need for proof sometimes stems from a lack of belief; we don’t trust our intuition enough to guide us. What do we feel? Yes, the evidence is necessary in some cases. For we cannot and should not try someone without proof of their indiscretions. “Innocent until proven guilty”. But just because there is no evidence, it doesn’t mean that something is or isn’t so.

Most importantly, if we can’t fathom something is real or true, how can we see evidence as a reason to counter that. Believe you are loved; believe you are protected and that you have something worth giving. The proof will come.

Image Credit: Original image by Kenrick Mills on Unsplash.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton