Meditation, is it for me?

How many reasons have you come up with on why you can’t begin a meditation practice?    I had a list for many years and over time realized many of those reasons were because I didn’t understand what it was all about.  Over time I have learned that everybody’s practice looks different and that’s okay.  We don’t have to be become a Buddhist monk to have a meditation practice   We don’t have to do crazy yoga poses and chant Ohm (although chanting and humming offer great benefits.) Much of meditation and mindfulness starts with breathing, finding a quiet space and changing your mindset to give yourself some self care.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Let’s talk about the difference between Mindfulness and Meditation    Mindfulness is becoming more self aware, becoming an observer and noticing things about yourself and the space around you.  It’s all about being present in the moment. Meditation is putting all your attention on one thing.  You may use mindfulness to help you meditate and become highly focused on one thing, either way meditation and mindfulness can go hand in hand and can offer some amazing benefits to mind, body and soul.

Guided Meditation 

Guided Meditation is a great way to engage your mind and focus.  How many times during the day do you find your mind racing through thoughts.  You may have days when you can’t stay focused on any one task.  Starting a meditation practice can help to quiet those thoughts and help you stay a little more focused on activities.  The use of guided meditation is a great way to start your beginning practice and can be done in a class or following a recording.  In guided meditation the practitioner engages your mind on a journey.  The meditation is created in such a way that you are focusing on the images while allowing your body to relax and quiet the other thoughts that have been overwhelming your day. 

Yoga and Meditation
Many yoga classes begin with breathing and a short meditation to help you find your place on your mat and ready you for your yoga practice.  In many cases meditating after yoga will help you achieve a deeper meditation as your body may have already started to relax from the yoga poses.

Beginning your practice 

One of the first “rules” of meditation is just to do it.  Getting started and trying to keep up daily can be tough. So here are some things to try to help you achieve that success. Make sure you are seated comfortably. This can be the biggest issue for  people as they don’t know if they can sit still for very long.  Trying to sit still when you are not comfortable will make the practice harder.  You will focus on how uncomfortable your body is becoming and you will have a hard time calming your thoughts. Sitting on the floor on a meditation cushion may not be for everyone   Sometimes you need to start in a chair.  Meditation is a practice   The more you practice the easier it becomes.   Even the sitting part becomes easier .  If you sit on the floor use props to assist your body, blocks under your knees, socks to keep your feet warm.  There is no wrong way to practice, unless what you are doing is causing pain.  Try some different positions to find what works for you or go to a class and have the practitioner give some suggestions.  When you begin you don’t even need to have a time limit   As you become more comfortable in your practice you may challenge yourself to increase time   One of the best challenges is just to find time each day  

Benefits of meditation

There are so many benefits to a meditation practice. Some benefits are physical such as reducing your blood pressure, boosting your immune system and increasing efficient oxygen use.  Practicing on quieting your thoughts will help to reduce anxiety and depression.  For many people, finding a meditation practice will help to clear your mind so that you can focus on better decision making.  Depending on your intentions that you set at the beginning of each practice you can also boost your mood and help to prepare you for the day or relax you for a better nights sleep. 

Meditation with sound

Meditation doesn’t have to be in silence.  Think about the times you have been to the ocean and you sit quietly listening to the crashing of the waves or the times you have sat outside at night listening to peepers or in the early morning listening to the chatter of the birds    For some people having sounds in the background can help you to ground faster and settle into your practice    I know for myself I like to have some instrumental music playing in the background as it gives me something to anchor too if my mind starts to wander and I am having a hard time quieting my thoughts   Playing a specific frequency or tone can also help to settle your mind or even activate the natural healing process in your body. 

Local classes

Remember, the best way to start a practice is just to take the first step and do it. If you are still hesitant, thats okay too.  Come to a class at Three Feathers Healing in Hudson, MA and we can help you get started or check out a YouTube recording  Either way you will be taking the first steps to a healthier you.

What is Tuning Fork Therapy

History of Tuning Forks

Tuning forks have been around for a few hundred years.  They were originally designed to produce a musical note or pitch so that musical instruments could be tuned in order to play together.  In the 20th century tuning forks were applied to muscles and bones to create a vibration as seen to create a neural pathway in the body.  It was then discovered that these vibrations could heal the body.  One of the most influential figures in sound healing was that of Sir Peter Guy Manning who researched bio signatures of the human body. His work concentrated on the use of sound frequencies that were being used in the treatment of various diseases. He was able to identify the precise combination of frequencies for healthy tissues and organs. Using harmonic sound frequencies they were able to encourage the body to normalize imbalances and get the cells to go back to their natural state of vibrational resonance.

How do Tuning Forks work?

The fork is generally activated by striking one of the two prongs against a rubber mallet or puck. The tones produced are based  on the length of the tines or prongs on the fork.  Longer prongs will have a slower vibration and will generally produce a lower tone and shorter prongs will vibrate faster and produce a higher tone.  There are two types of forks, weighted and unweighted.  The weights added to the forks will add stronger and heavier vibrations that is why there are two different ways to use these forks. 

Psychological Acoustics is when you place a tuning fork by your ears and the sound enters your body through your ears and affecting your brain and nervous system. This is usually done using unweighted forks. 

Vibrational Acoustics is when the tuning fork is placed on your body and the sound waves travel through your body’s and affect you on a cellular level, allowing healing to begin. This is usually done with weighted forks. 

Why do tuning forks work?

The main reason tuning forks work is with the principle of entrainment. Entrainment is the process of synchronization between two oscillating bodies. In other words, if you place one frequency by one ear and a different frequency by the other ear your brain will take these two frequencies and actually create a new phantom frequency or a binaural beat Studies have shown that by listening to binaural beats over a period of time will change brainwaves   This synchronization of brainwaves or entrainment will lessen anxiety, headaches and insomnia  

Chakra Balancing and Biofield Tuning

The body has seven energy wheels or Chakras   These areas of energy can become blocked and when they do we feel the negative effects   These imbalances can be both physical and/or emotional   Tuning forks can be used to rebalance the chakras   The Biofield (a term that has been around since 1994) is the energy that surrounds the body. Energy workers and  Reiki practitioners work with Chakra Energy as well as the biofield surrounding the body  Tuning forks can also be used to bring the energy fields back into balance  

Local Sound Healing

Combing Tuning Forks with other modalities such as Reiki, reflexology, aromatherapy and crystals can be very powerful and therapeutic for the body and mind.   Still not sure about Tuning Fork Therapy?  Make arrangements for a tune-up with Orchidsong Sound Healing   Try a combination of modalities at Three Feathers Healing in Hudson, MA and see what brings you body and mind back into balance.   

The Benefits of Sound Healing

We know that sound healing has been around for a long time, but do we know the benefits of this modality?  How does it help our mind, body and soul? The list of benefits is long .  Most people admit that they achieve a sense of deep relaxation during a sound bath   So what is it doing to our body?  It is turning off our sympathetic nervous system from a state of fight or flight and turning on our parasympathetic nervous system to a state of rest and digest   It actually changes the chemicals in our brain to activate this state of relaxation.  It lowers our blood pressure, changes our mood and can even start some physical healing.  Are sound practitioners doctors? No, we don’t give a diagnosis, but our clients have witnessed  changes in their bodies that have been a direct  benefit from a sound bath. Let’s look at some of the instruments you might find at a sound bath and how they affect the body.

Tibetan Sound Bowls

The metal Tibetan Bowls have become very popular in the sound healing industry. Originally from China, these bowls have been used for thousands of years to help promote mindfulness.  Listening to the bowls and their amazing overtones can lessen negative thoughts and help quiet mind allowing you to be more self aware.  These bowls, which are made from a variety of metals usually bronze, copper and brass are actually standing bells.  When stuck at the side they play a fundamental note.  When played along the rim they produce a vibration that gives various overtones.  These softer tones help with deepening your meditation as well as alleviating headaches, chronic pain and even assist with sleep issues.

Crystal Sound Bowls

When talking about singing bowls you must include the amazing sounds of Quartz Crystal bowls.  They have only been around since the 1970s and were a by product of the computer industry   Like their metal cousins they also produce a fundamental tone when stuck on the side of the bowl   The big difference is that when played along the rim the vibrational tone is pure   Each bowl can play a specific note and these notes or frequencies are aligned to many parts of the body.   You may notice that the rainbow colored bowls each represent a different frequency that also aligns to the seven Chakras or energy wheels of the body. One of the big benefits of sound healing is being able to shift the energies within the body   When our energy is blocked we may have pain or feel off or “out of tune”   A sound bath may be what you need to rebalance your Chakras and make you feel better.

Tuning Fork Therapy

When talking sound and sound vibrations you need to mention Tuning Forks.  These instruments have been around since the 1700s and were used to tune other instruments so that they could play together in orchestras and give starting notes to singers in choirs.  It wasn’t until 200 years later that these instruments were used for healing.  Tuning forks come in two styles- weighted and unweighted.  The unweighted forks are used around the ears so that the clients hear the tone and the sound can affect their brain and nervous system.  The weighted tuning forks are used directly in the body and the vibrations can begin healing at a cellular level.

Drums and Rattles 

Drums and rattles can also be used during a sound bath. Drums have been used as a form of communication,  celebration and expression for thousands of years.  Drum therapy and drum circles are a way to relieve anxiety and stress.  It can be a great way to release inner traumas through physical movement or meditative beats. Drumming allows individuals to lose themselves through non verbal communication and allow a recovery journey.  The use of rattles during a sound bath can break up blocked energy allowing for the healing sounds to be absorbed. 

Sound Bath Instruments

Other instruments - Crystal Singing Pyramids, Gongs, Chimes can also be used in a sound healing session or sound bath  Listening to the varying frequencies and tones of the variety of instruments affect all the different parts of our bodies   Some people may respond to these instruments differently depending on your energy balances,  emotions or illnesses.  If you have never experienced a sound bath come and try it out   Allow your body, mind and spirit to be bathed in different sounds  Discover the benefits or try a one on one session to focus on a specific condition - allowing your body to heal naturally.

Humming for Healing

After all the talk about the different instruments we can’t forget the most important instrument which is that of the human voice. Humming and singing is an amazing healing tool.  Chanting was used thousands of years ago not only for spiritual and religious reasons, but also as a form of meditation. Did you know that each of the seven Chakras is associated with a sound?  Theses sounds can be hummed or chanted to open the energy in that area.  Humming is created by the air resonating over our vocal chords.   Humming is the soothing sound that we create for babies. Humming stimulates our Vegas nerve and relaxes us.  It releases endorphins and makes us happier. It can release the hormone melatonin allowing us to sleep better.  The increased breathing when we hum allows for more oxygenation therefore decreasing blood pressure and heart rate. It improves your concentration, boosts your creativity and has an all around healing effect on your body.

Local Sound Bath

Sound Healing is an amazing tool that allows our body to heal naturally. The benefits of Sound Healing are endless.  If you can’t find a local Sound bath come to Three Feathers Healing at St. Luke’s Church in Hudson, MA for a Chakra Balance or Meditation.  You will not only be bathed in some relaxing sounds, but you may also find that your own voice can start your own unique healing journey

Why Sound Healing…..

Sound, it is one of our five senses   We are surrounded by sounds all day long   If you live  on a farm, the sound of the rooster may wake you up in the morning. Out in nature you can hear the birds chirping, the bees buzzing, the river rushing or the wind blowing.  If you live in the city there are the sounds of horns honking, trunks rattling and voices of people talking as they walk down the street.  Some of these sounds are soothing and some, not so much. With all of these sounds around us how could it possibly heal us ?

History of Sound Healing

Sound healing has actually been around for thousands of years  When the Chinese practiced acupuncture they would actually use sound to help lesson the pain of the needles   In many religions chanting, music and sound was used to help with healing and find spiritual enlightenment. The existence of Singing Bowls for the use of relaxation and meditation dates back to around 500 BC,  although they use the name "Tibetan", the bowls may have actual roots in Nepal and Eastern India,   In Ancient Greece it was said that Orpheus could charm both man and beasts with the power of his music.  Even the Old Testament talks about David’s music bringing people together and healing them, but how does it really work?

Sound waves and vibrations 

Let’s look a little deeper into the idea of sound. We know that sound is a series of vibrations or waves  that travel through the air. We can actually feel some of those vibrations.  Think about going to a concert and sitting near the speakers, you can feel those low bass notes vibrate in your body.  Those may not feel great, but what if you match the proper vibrations to a certain body part, can healing begin?   Our bodies are made up mostly of water and we know that sound can travel through water. Now imagine that some part of  your body is out of balance.  Can we fix that balance with sound?

What is frequency

Frequency is the way that sound waves are measured using a unit of measurement called hertz   Everything has a frequency - rocks, animals, humans. They say that the most common frequency in nature is that of 432 Hertz, its known as the frequency of the earth, also known as the Schumann Resonance.  As Musical instruments were developed through the years there were many variations of frequency somewhere from 432 to 450 Hertz.  This made it very difficult for groups to play together as they never truly were able to match pitches.  The controversy regarding frequency has been in great debate for years, but finally it was decided back in 1939 that  a compromise  should be made and the the frequency of 440 Hertz was decided as the tuning frequency for most musical instruments. Since then most orchestras tune their instruments to 440 Hertz to the note "A" above middle "C".

How does sound become music

 So each of those frequencies that we were talking about represents a pitch in music.  Playing those frequencies in a specific pattern makes music.  Sure, there is still much more to basic music theory with harmonics, chords and scales, but the basic thing about music is that those patterns sound pleasing to the ear.  It makes us feel good.  What about live music - we LOVE going to concerts.  Is it just to hear those pleasing patterns or are the sound waves affecting our bodies in some way?  According to science - the answer to that question is yes!  Vibrations can heal.

Vibrational Sound Healing

For many years doctors used tuning forks to test someone's hearing.  They were even used to see if a bone was fractured.  All parts of the body have a frequency.  In the 1960s it has was discovered that Tuning Forks can be used to put the body back in balance - keeping us in tune.  Tuning forks are used a few ways - one is by Psychological Acoustics.  This occurs when you place a tuning fork by your ears and the sound enters your body through your ears and affecting your brain and nervous system.  The second way is by Vibrational Acoustics.  This is when the tuning fork is placed on your body and the sound waves travel through your body’s and affect you on a cellular level allowing your body to heal.  When Sir Peter Guy Manners discovered Tuning Fork Therapy he believed that this therapy could heal a range of conditions such as chronic inflammation, arthritis and even bacterial infections.

 “Music can calm the savage beast”….  music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Growing up there was always some form of music being played in our house.  All of my siblings played an instrument - trumpet, flute, guitar.   My Dad played country music on his 8-track tapes.  Mom always played the radio and was known to sing along with Dad from time to time, which also included some yodeling.  I personally liked to sing and play the flute.  Music made me feel focused and relaxed even when there was a difficult run of notes to play. It would put me in a good mood and make me feel like my life was in  balance.  

Local Sound Bath

Music has changed through the years - Gregorian Chants, Renaissance music, Elvis Presley's Rock and Roll, Rap Music, Techno Music, even with all this change people continue to listen to it.  Why?  Simply  because it pleasing to their ear and it makes them feel good.   I'm sure there are those out there that may not agree with me, but perhaps their feel good music is something different.  Maybe its a quieter music, that of nature like a babbling brook, birds singing or crickets chirping. Maybe its a quartz crystal sound bath like I do once a month with Three Feathers Healing at St. Luke's Church in Hudson, MA .  Whatever is your feel good music is - play it.  Listen to it.  Let it sink into your body - quiet your mind and restore your soul.  Sound can heal.

Sound Healing

  Stay tuned…