Mindfulness, meditation, contemplation, and prayer are all words that can be used to describe similar internal experiences. Each of these are methods to get quiet long enough to tune into how you're really feeling. They are a direct line of access to the internal guidance system known as your intuition. These practices provide a stable ground to converse with your Higher Self, the Transcendent Other, the Divine, or whatever other specific term that resonates with you. Ultimately these moments of solitude help us tap into a greater sense of well being.
We live in a world that isn't designed to easily navigate meditative states. It's far easier to be distracted by external demands and not-demands alike. Aren't many of us in some way a slave to the tiny magical boxes we call smart phones? Perhaps there is an opportunity to invite more balance into our lives by stepping back from the clamor of requests from work, family, social media, and whatever else is hollering for our attention to tune into the more subtle summons of the intuition.
The trouble is that getting started is daunting. How does one actually slow thoughts down long enough to commune with the inner reality? Invariably other thoughts slip in, co-opting sincere attempts to unplug and ground. Even advanced meditators struggle with quieting the mind from time to time. It becomes more accessible with practice... and the right tools. Consider, for example, all the ways one could mow a lawn. You could cut the grass by hand with scissors. It would take a long time and you might get frustrated along the way. Or you could use a lawn mower to help you achieve your goal more effectively.
One such instrument for reaching a meditative state is sound healing. Sound healing uses melody, harmony, and/or rhythm to help relax the mind enough to soak in the peace that is meditation. Our every day, externally focused consciousness operates at a rapid pace, emitting Beta brainwaves. When the brain slows down, similar to the experience of falling asleep or even simply being very relaxed, the brain enters alpha and then theta states. Some important things happen here, including, access to mental resourcefulness, an improved ability to mentally coordinate, and an overall sense of relaxation. It's a fascinating subject - you can read more about it here.
So, do you need sound to meditate? No. But sound healing practices can certainly make entering the slower brain wave states of Alpha and Theta more attainable.
If this resonates with you, consider the following:
Attend a sound bath - An experience designed for this sole purpose. If you're in the East Tennessee area, join me for one or all in the upcoming months… more on that soon!
Spend time in nature - Research indicates that humans respond favorably to the sounds of nature and that places like national parks provide "restorative acoustic environments"- read more about it here.
Listen to a relaxing recording - when the first two options aren't available, give this a try. Maybe even for just a few minutes.
Go ahead. Your internal guidance system is waiting.