How to Tune Out with Online Sound Baths

Relax  while you read:

 

It’s a tense time – but an ancient healing ceremony could calm your coronavirus nerves. 

‘Sound baths’ have been making waves in the wellness world for the past few years. Prescribed to stressed-out workers, university students and celebrities, the immersive sessions use instruments to produce meditative sounds. 

But with studio spaces closed, practitioners are bringing sound baths to the comfort of your homes. Instagram, Soundcloud, and YouTube are transmitting a dose of zen. 

The history of sound baths 

Thought to originate in Tibet over 2000 years ago, sound baths use repetitive notes at varying frequencies. 

Classes are taken one-to-one or in groups, and usually begin with affirmations before moving on to gongs, singing bowls, panpipes and maracas. 

Sound baths from home 

Set the scene by picking a room in your house and lying comfortably on the floor, or sitting in a chair. Maybe even replicate a studio by lighting candles and burning incense. 

Half collective nap, half deep sense of calm, use blankets, cushion or bolsters to ease you in. Tune into a livestream or pre-recorded sound bath and let the (digital) vibrations wash over you. 

Provided you’re not lulled to sleep by the end of the hour, the session will close with a period of silence and reflection. 

Recommended listening 

Cathy Eastburn of Sarasa Sound in Clapham, London has moved her classes online. 

“Although obviously it’s not the same as being physically present with the gongs and singing bowls, there has been some research carried out by the British Academy of Sound Therapy (BAST) which showed that people listening to recorded gong baths did experience significant therapeutic benefit,” she says. 

Celebrities are also joining the chorus. 

Watch Lizzo play the pan flute

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A meditation and mantra to promote healing during this global crisis. Use at your own pace. Love you!

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) on Mar 13, 2020 at 10:42am PDT

Or Jasmine Hemsley host a #SaturdaySoundBath 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

?After the floods of messages received post soundbath last week, I couldn’t not do another!!! ❤️???? Here is last nights live recording straight from my living room to yours. Thank you for joining, for all the blissed out messages and cosy pictures – and some pretty wild and colourful feedback from up and down the country and all around the globe! I very much needed last nights soundbath ? – I’ve been feeling under the weather for over a week (see stories?) so making the time and space to rest and process the week is always a good thing. Many of you have written to say that you’ve used the first soundbath recording every night before bed or as a break in your day so I hope throwing another into the mix gives you some variety. Thanks so much for the feedback and gratitude. Means the world ? ???. . Pls tag friends and family in the comments below to share some singing bowl time-out and see you online on Sat night for the next one and see you tonight for #SundaySlow 9pm UK on insta live xxx

A post shared by Jasmine Hemsley ? (@jasminehemsley) on Mar 29, 2020 at 4:53am PDT

Still looking for ways to switch off in self-isolation? Why not try CBD or the new Netflix Party service?