Another quarantine holiday, Memorial Day, has passed and I want to address the difference between isolation and solitude when it applies to sound and music healing.
I also want to take a moment of silence in gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Many people during this global pandemic (especially over holidays) are suffering silently with symptoms or side effects from the "safer at home" order. These can range from loneliness and depression to anxiety and sleep disturbances. It's extrememly important that you maintain a sense of connection (whether Zoom, Facetime, phone check ins whatever) while safely staying remote and following CDC and government guidelines.
This is also the perfect time to practice the appreciation of solitude instead of isolation by using sound and silence for healing and relaxation. Everyone is born with a unique Voiceprint (like a fingerprint). The most common complaint I hear is "I hate my voice." Sound therapy is not about being a professional singer or learning traditional vocal techniques. It's actually the exact opposite. It's about connecting with your primal self and allowing the sound to release stuck emotions and shake up old frequencies needed to purify your body.
What is even more exciting is that it is simple, you can do it remotely from anywhere, and it's free! The most basic exercise is to just use your name. I also hear often times "I hate my name." Practice using your name and breaking it up into syllables. Slow it down. Whisper it. Express it more. This will start to translate it into an utterance or song. When you do this, you will also be using an elongated note. Close your eyes and try to envision your own custom and personalized sound. This technique will eventually act as your "home or soul" note. In Africa, this is called "Kasmas" and refers to your original sound with no beginning and no end. Tribal ceremonies prior to, and during a child's birth using this sound is a right of passage.
This exercise can be difficult, but do your best to set aside your egoic mind during this practice. When I was doing this practice today, my 9-year old daughter came into my room and said all the animals started acting crazy! Apparently our Bearded Dragon and Love Bird started chirping and almost dancing to the tone. I'd like to imagine the scenes of traditional Disney films where the lead princess (Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora) are connecting with Mother Earth and all the animals.
A few important tips:
It's ok to feel silly. Remember to set your ego aside. Stop using negative self talk when referring to your name and your voice.
It's ok to laugh or cry. It is very common for both as the body is releasing a variety of stuck emotions.
You can't do it wrong! There are zero rules.
Anything goes. Whatever sound, pitch, key, vibration. It all works as long as it resonates with YOU.
Remember to breathe. You may experience a bit of dizziness while practicing sound healing as there is a lot of breath work involved when using the voice. Take breaks as needed.
Start Small. You don't have to attempt an hour long practice. At first just play around and experiment with 5-10 minutes. This will eventually grow.
Use Accompaniment. If you are having trouble and need something to guide you along, feel free to use a background meditation or instrument to tone along to. Ideally you can use your custom Voiceprint meditation for the largest result, but there are several apps and online videos available as well.
I wish you all the best of luck with your practice.
Ní saol gan ceol ná grá - Traditional Gaelic There is no life without music or love~
#celticmusic #kasmas #memorialday #soundhealing #voicehealing #soundtherapy #celtickameron #covid19 #coronavirus #toning #voicestrengthening
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