The instruments are able to invoke different responses in each recipient, depending on what’s going on in their life at the time, where they may be experiencing energy blockages, stored emotions, etc. The sounds of some instruments may be experienced as deeply relaxing, while others may be irritating or uncomfortable. While the instruments that induce relaxation may be seen as more likely to be healing in nature, those that we dislike or that are experienced in a “negative” way can actually help us develop insight into areas that are still in need of healing.
A personal example is that my initial response to the conch shell was quite negative. I find it to be a harsh, loud sound that can be jarring. Then I learned that the conch invokes a powerful feminine energy that is very much about being heard and standing in your power. If you have met me, you’ll likely know that I am a very quiet person. Being loud is emotionally very uncomfortable for me. After learning about what the conch horn stands for, my initial aversion to it made a lot of sense. It was forcing me to confront an area of stuckness that has been present in my life for a long time, reminding me that there remains some work to be done to feel more confident standing in my personal power and allowing myself to be heard.
Another example of the potential of these instruments for healing was an individual gong session I received from a classmate, Annie. I had recently decided to quit one of my jobs in order to have the time to pursue my private practice, and had several fears related to taking this step. I set an intention for this session to address those fears and to more fully embrace my decision. As Annie played the gong in front of me, I felt a tightness in my chest that I immediately identified as the fear. I allowed the sound waves of the gong to wash over me as I sat with the feeling of fear and noticed that it felt quite similar to a feeling of heartburn that I had been experiencing off and on for the previous month. I had thought I was having a reaction to some type of food and was frustrated with this new symptom, but in that moment with the gong, I realized that the heartburn sensation was actually a manifestation of my fear. I thanked my fear for being there to protect me throughout my life and respectfully asked it to step aside so that I can more consciously live from my heart rather than my fear. Since that session I have not experienced the heartburn feeling again.
One of the advantages to having many types of instruments, including my voice, is that there are more opportunities to find just the right sound for each client on a particular day. Whether the goal is to address blocked emotions/energy, develop insight into physical or psychological symptoms, or simply to relax and enjoy some self-care, these sound tools, in conjunction with energy support, can help to accomplish that. There is never a set plan going into a session. Rather, I follow my intuition in the moment and observe responses in my clients’ bodies and energy systems, adjusting my approach as necessary. It is ultimately a very collaborative process.
I am very excited to begin offering individual sessions incorporating these sound healing tools starting this fall, as well as offering group sound baths with two wonderful South Jersey women that also completed the Sound Healing certificate program. I plan to post videos on my Facebook page, speaking more in depth about the various types of instruments and giving examples of each. An FAQ page is also in the works to define some terms and concepts related to sound healing, Reiki, and music therapy, as well as addressing other common questions. If there’s a particular question you’d like me to address, feel free to mention it in a comment here!
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