BY AARDE WRITES for WEEKLY VOLCANO 11/21/25 |
Hey Aarde,
I have been hearing a lot about soundbaths, and I am a tad embarrassed to say I do not know what that means or why anyone would do it. I am not opposed to buying a crystal here and there, burning some incense, or even wearing patchouli, but I am having trouble getting on board with this new trend. What am I missing? I have been invited by my “woo-woo” friend a few times and have come up with an excuse not to attend, but I am beginning to think about giving it a try. Should I try it? How should I prepare? What happens during these sessions?
Sincerely,
Tone Deaf
Hey Tone Deaf,
There is no need to be embarrassed; it is impossible to know everything all the time, and with the overconsumption of information, we are quick to forget things. We are all just trying to do our best, right? At least you are curious. The following might seem out of place at first, but try to roll with me while I talk about bees and beekeepers. Did you know that the hum of a beehive helps improve the physiological and psychological health of its beekeepers? There are measurable statistics on the nervous system, emotional state, and physical well-being of beekeepers. The reason for their good health is due to the frequency of their bees. The low and steady hum, which ranges between 250 and 300 hertz, helps soothe the parasympathetic nervous system, which affects rest, digestion, and other bodily functions. Frequencies shape the vibrations that surround us, and sound healing uses these precise vibrations to gently realign the body and mind into a more balanced state.
Let us set the tone here. The Earth has a measurable electromagnetic frequency, also known as the Schumann resonance, of 7.83 hertz, often referred to as Earth’s heartbeat, while the ocean produces many frequencies ranging from less than 20 to 500 hertz. Have you ever taken the time to consider why the ocean is so calming? Whether it is the soft crashing upon the shore, the lulling enormity of the waves out at sea, or the density of its depths, we can all admit the energetic pull is there.
We humans are electromagnetic beings; we harness energy from the sun and stay grounded to the Earth. We are natural conduits that have biological resonance with the world around us. This connection with nature aligns and regulates our circadian rhythms, the body’s internal twenty-four-hour biological clock, which governs systems that align with the day-to-night cycle, as well as synchronizing our brainwave patterns. Some studies highlight how spending three days in the woods can reset your parasympathetic nervous system. Reading recommendation: The Three-Day Effect by Florence Williams. Traditional Chinese Medicine operates on the principle that the human body is a microcosm of the universe, governed by the same vibrational and energetic laws. In the same way that mycelium and trees communicate through vibration and frequency, we humans also operate within this universal system of laws.
Throughout history, there is evidence that populations worldwide have used the sounds of nature, as well as manufactured instruments, to stimulate resonances. Gregorian, Indigenous, Shamanic, Aboriginal Australian, Tibetan, Chinese, African, and Native American practices all embrace the healing nature of sound. With evidence dating back approximately 3000 to 1000 BCE in Ancient Egypt, it is easy to accept that sound is a part of our history just as much as hunting for food and building shelter. Even the philosopher Pythagoras taught music and mathematical harmony, believing it could heal both the soul and the body. Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, and more modern-day binaural beats all entrain our brainwaves using delta frequencies. In modern medicine, we see it through music therapy, ultrasound, and vibroacoustic therapies.
We can easily accept that sound is factually known to:
* lower cortisol
* promote serotonin
* activate delta brainwaves linked to deep sleep
* support cognitive synchronization
* stimulate endorphin production
* improve circulation
* release stored emotional energy and trauma
* stimulate cellular processes
* aid in digestion
* restore coherence, the body’s ability to retune
* release stuck emotional trauma
* and encourage community, among other things.
We all know how wonderful it is to rest in a hot bath, honoring the essence of relaxation and self-care. So why not try a bath in sound?
For the ultimate experience, bring the following:
* a yoga mat
* a blanket
* a small pillow or towel to rest your head
* a bottle of water
* a handkerchief or tissue*
* an eye mask, if you prefer
Wear comfortable clothing. I love my trusted sweatpants and loosely fitted flannel during the colder months. When you arrive, you will most likely find yourself in a dimly lit room, free of clutter, with multiple yoga mats surrounding a musical center. Some attendees might be stretching or resting quietly on their respective mats. Find a spot with just enough room for your mat and water bottle. Lie down and orient your head toward the musical center. This tradition allows the sound to wash over you from head to toe.
Some hosts will explore setting an intention before beginning. You may use this intention to focus on if you find your mind wandering during the session. The host will then start by playing a combination of bowls, all set to different notes and tones, softly resonating harmonic acoustics. They will utilize other sound modules such as gongs, rainsticks, chimes, drums, tuning forks, bells and tingshas, handpans, steel tongue drums, and possibly their own voice with a mantra, chant, or song. Each instrument offers a shift or phase in resonant waves. The opening is soft, using chimes, bells, and gentle strokes. It will lead into a deep immersion phase, characterized by large, enveloping waves of sound, including gongs and heavy strikes to the bowls. Then even lighter instruments will come in and serve as a way to ground you, helping to awaken your awareness of the room.
During the session, allow yourself to rest, shifting your body only when needed. Begin by focusing on your breathing, slow, deep, and natural. Try to listen not just with your ears but with your whole body. Before long, a wave will sweep up your consciousness, and you will float wherever it takes you. You might start to notice physical sensations with the sounds, such as warmth, tingling, vibrations, or body parts that feel heavy and clogged. If tension arises, take a deep breath and imagine the air flowing directly to that place, gently dissolving it like a stream of warm water over an ice cube, melting it away and integrating it into its own nature. It is called a bath for a reason. Let it wash over you. *If you feel emotional, allow it without judgment; it is normal for vibrations to knock loose stuck emotions. If you feel overtaken by your emotion, anchor yourself back into your breath. Feel your body weight solid on the ground. Trust that your body and mind know how to realign naturally when given the opportunity. Upon concluding the bath, stay quiet for a few moments. Then gently stretch or journal about your experience. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Go. Go with your “woo-woo” friend and see for yourself. For those interested, I encourage you to attend JohnnyGirl’s monthly community soundbaths, which take place at Urban Grace Church in downtown Tacoma. Alternatively, you can follow Soulletive Space Healing’s community sound bath schedule or follow SOUNDSANCTUARY on Instagram for more sound healing opportunities.
Do you have a question for Ask Aarde? Send it to jdaarde@gmail.com.
