I just tried a new class. Not a new HIIT workout, not Barry's Bootcamp (but can't wait to try!) or a class that challenges my out-of-shape mom bod but something a bit more mentally fulfilling. I went to a sound meditation class after a friend pushed me to go. Frankly, I was a bit scared.
With so much daily overstimulation, screen use and being a working mom, I knew I should try. And hey, if I fall asleep that's a bonus nap!
It was a smidge daunting walking into a beautifully calming room with floor beds knowing that you will be laying next to strangers for an hour. But I settled in and let the knowledgeable owner take over and walk the class through what's to come all cozied up like a burrito. She spoke about how many doctors are increasingly looking to sound therapy for many ailments - fascinating if you ask me.
Then the sounds started. The crystal bowls, gongs and more exuding sound waves and vibrations completely enveloped me. My body was immediately tingly. I'm not quite sure if I fell asleep - I may have dosed off - but I felt so refreshed. Tip: brIng socks and a light long sleeve shirt, it was a smidge chilly.
Visit the Anatomy Redifined website (1241 West Madison, Chicago IL 60607) to see some of their other class offerings and more about their practice and some photos I snapped below...
Sound is a powerful tool to care for yourself physically AND energetically. It has been used for thousands of years all over the world, and is one of the oldest tools for healing. Often, we spend so much time caring for only our physical body that we forget our energetic field and wonder why we are stressed, anxious or exhausted.
Modern science has proven everything is always in a state of vibration. Within the human body, different organs, bones etc. are each vibrating at a specific rate, that together create your own resonant frequency. When you’re in a state of health and vitality, you are actually vibrating at a specific rate. When you become stressed, sick or simply feel out of balance, your frequency changes, literally causing internal and external dis-harmony. Through the use of sound, your body works to re-balance and re-harmonize itself.
The music of therapeutic instruments used at Anatomy Redefined including planetary gongs, quartz crystal singing bowls, and the monochord are especially helpful at soothing a busy mind. In our modern world full of noise and stimulation, it can be very difficult to abruptly bring the mind into a silent room and expect to quickly achieve meditative states or even relaxation. More often than not, the mind ends up in circles especially for new meditators.
In sound meditation, the palpable vibration of the instruments played gives the mind something to focus on, naturally and gently easing you into meditative states. Sound meditation and the use of sound can be a powerful tool for stress reduction, deep relaxation, enhancing creativity, gaining insights into life’s questions, uplifting your spirit, balancing your energy field, expanding consciousness and so much more.
