When people hear I lead sound baths, the first question they usually ask is, “What is that?”
At its core, a sound bath is a meditative experience where participants immerse themselves in sound vibrations created by various instruments, such as singing bowls, gongs, chimes and drums. These instruments produce harmonic frequencies that resonate with the body, mind and spirit, creating a state of deep relaxation and inner calm.
So why would someone participate in a sound bath? The goal is to promote healing, balance and restoration on multiple levels. Sound therapy has been used for centuries in various cultures as a powerful tool for reducing stress, alleviating anxiety, improving sleep and enhancing overall wellbeing.
In a class, all you have to do is sit or lie down, close your eyes and let the sounds wash over you as you unwind and settle into a deep meditative place. So whether you’re seeking stress relief, inner peace, or simply a moment of relaxation, diving into the harmonious sounds of a sound bath may just be the soothing tonic you’ve been searching for this summer.
Contributed by Kelly Smith, founder of Yoga For You and host of the podcast Mindful in Minutes. Kelly regularly leads local sound baths at barre3 in Edina.