Get Pono with sound baths.
What is a sound bath? It is meditation. I will guide you into a relaxed state using various breathing techniques while I play a variety of sound instruments.
A sound bath is a great place to just chill and let go of everything for ninety minutes as we immerse ourselves in the sounds of crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, drums, and other instruments. Letting the sound envelope us and penetrate us releasing any stuck energies within us, reducing tension and inducing a deep state of relaxation, or meditation. It is an opportunity for deep, healing work within ourselves. Many people go into a sound bath simply to relax and often come out of it with some kind of new awareness or insight about their lives.
Once the sound begins, it is your sound bath, your meditation to enjoy however you see fit. I always remind everyone that our imagination is the one thing we have 100% control over. With our imagination, we can go anywhere, anytime, in an instant; anything and everything is possible, there are no limitations. Sometimes time can move very quickly. Everything we see around us was once someone’s imagination.
We all have feelings and memories buried within us, some deeper than others. These buried memories and feelings are often the source of our triggers, or buttons. Sound is a great way to bring these to the surface so we can heal them once and for all and once we heal them, we begin to realize that our buttons are not getting pushed as much. And of course, new buttons and triggers will pop up, and when they do, we react differently and over time we respond rather than react.
When memories come to the surface, we know very quickly if it is one we have been hiding from for a while and we can choose to stuff it back in or better, understand where it came from and how we created it for ourselves. I always say ho’oponopono; “I love you, I am sorry, please forgive me, thank you – how did I create this for myself and why?” Invariably, a memory will come forth and I can take responsibility for my part in it, apologize for creating it and for carrying it around for so long, forgive myself for doing so, and give thanks for the lesson learned and then release of the memory.
As I said earlier, this is your meditation. Ho’oponopono is how I process the uncomfortable feelings and memories. Some people use the Nam Myoho Renge Kyo chant while others may use the Serenity Prayer, or some other prayer/mantra of their choice. Getting Pono is not exclusive to ho’oponopono; it matters not how we get pono (find that oneness), it only matters that we do.
While I am at it, The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz are also a very powerful cleaning tool. When a memory pops up, we ask ourselves, “Was I impeccable with my word? Did I make any assumptions? Did I take something personally? Did I do my best?” We then apply ho’oponopono to the answers – or whatever other forgiveness process you want to use. Forgiveness is the key – and remember, it is always and only about Self, never about anyone or anything else. We often find that once we forgive ourselves, we forgive others – almost automatically. If this is confusing, feel free to schedule a one-on-one meeting with me here.
Get Pono sound baths are geared towards building community. We talk stories and share kava while everyone is arriving and settling in. We have a limited number of blankets and bolsters so if you have your own, feel free to bring it. Bring whatever helps you rest comfortably for an hour or so. It is preferable to leave cell phones in your car, but at a minimum, please make sure they are turned off.
Remember, this is an opportunity for you to experience self-care. Take 90 minutes for yourself and get the most out of your meditation. When our own cups are full, it is easier to give to others.
When the sound fades out, I will bring you back into the new moment and we will take a few minutes to stretch and fully wake up. It has proven very helpful to talk story about our experiences, share what happened for us afterwards. It always amazes me how much we learn and grow listening to someone else’s experience. And… when we share our own experiences, we help others.