In the beginning
I’ve always been aware of sounds around me but since undertaking my own sound healing experiences I have become more tuned in to noises I can hear.
One of the first practical exercises I had to do when training was to sit or lie quietly for 20 minutes and ‘just’ listen to the sounds I could hear. I chose to do mine outdoors. I was surprised at how many different types of bird song I heard plus one off sounds too which I would probably have missed if I hadn’t been honing in to them. The drone of traffic became surprisingly calming whilst the wind catching in my sheets on the line was unexpectedly loud.
I then had to evaluate how these sounds had made me feel on an emotional, physical, mental and spiritual level. I try to hold this in my mind to appreciate the present around me.
Today as I’m writing this I can hear sea gulls squawking, the sea against the rocks, machinery, drilling and more minutely a slow drip of water.
I highly recommend you give this a try. If nothing else it’s a mindful way of spending 20 minutes!
After the rain
05/04/23
The clocks changed and I was lucky to be having a mini break exploring another area of Cornwall. Not only was the light incredible for taking photos but we had to set off early for our 10 mile walk. Earlier than originally intended because of the ‘lost’ hour. But what a reward. It had been raining heavily the night before and we were greeted with the most beautiful chorus of birdsong. It filled the air and it was an absolutely joyful way to start, what turned out to be, the most stunning walk and gorgeously sunny day. The only mistake I made was to not take my swimming costume for a quick wild sea dip!
Walk started from Meudon hotel car park, on the edge of Mawnan Smith village, through their beautiful gardens down to the coastal path. Along to Durgan with spectacular views, and not too hilly either, up into Gendurgan National Trust gardens and for coffee! Then cut across on the road briefly to Helford Passage and back to the hotel.
The Sound Tent is going up!
I couldn’t wait to take some instruments down to see what they sounded like in the new space….. the crystal bowls were divine and playing looking at the natural view was very energising. Can’t wait to welcome you into this special place!
24/05/23
The new Sound Tent has been erected and just look at those stunning views across the north Buckinghamshire countryside.
Sound Tent launch!
26/04/23
Wow! What a absolutely magical evening for the first Sound group in the ‘tent’. The space filled with so much love and positive energy. People who had not met before all said they left feeling connected and that they had been part of a very special evening. Despite it being a group event everyone commented that it had felt as if only they were receiving the Sound! So intimate and personal. Thank you to everyone who attended, I won’t forget this evening ever and I look forward to many more shared experiences with you.
16/06/23
I’ve come to realise how much water plays an important part in my life. My favourite water sounds are definitely a burbling stream and the gentle background sound of the sea as the water comes up a beach and back. I also Love just looking at water, it’s very mesmerising and this in turn makes it very relaxing.
I recently went to the Glacier National Park in Montana, US where the lakes were incredible colours of green and turquoises and crystal clear and I could have spent hours just looking at them.
Adversely, we got up close to a couple of dams where tons of water were rushing past per second. Although I was drawn to the spectacle of it the actual sound was so loud I found it scary and menacing. Certain sounds can be so soothing whilst others trigger fight or flight mode and chaos.
Postbridge, Dartmoor UK
19/06/23
Trees, I just love them! The moment I step near them, or even better into an ancient woodland, I immediately feel a sense of calm and tranquility.
I’m currently studying a Forest Bathing course, or Shinrin Yoku as it is called by the Japanese who are thought to have begun this practice. People, especially from urban areas, are encouraged to go into the forests at least once a month and literally bathe mindfully for 2-4 hours amongst the trees and environment using all their senses. Several studies have showed an improvement in well-being and mental health as a result of this.
It has been very interesting to observe my pulse rate whilst studying my Forest Bathing course. It goes down by up to 15 counts often going to my lowest resting pulse rate Usually only achieved when I am meditating), just by visualising myself to be in a forest. Quite incredible!
The first Yoga and Sound retreats
22/07/23
Last weekend I collaborated for the first time with the lovely and experienced Yoga teacher @YoginiKim in the Sound Tent. We ran two 3 hour mini retreats on ‘Love’ and ‘Light’ fully integrating the two practices together. It was a really beautiful event. The yoga and the Sound flowed harmoniously throughout the day and the positive feedback has been really wonderful accompanied throughout by the persistent natural sounds of the rain on the canvas…. we were all cosy inside but not quite what we’d been hoping for a mid July day! Plans for the next collaboration are already underway!
Thank you so much for today, I feel amazing!
Thank you, just wonderful! I can feel every inch of myself in a good way!
Loved it, can’t wait until the next one!
What a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon! Thank you both so much, I absolutely loved it - you made a great duo.
New 32” Paiste symphonic gong!!!
It looks stunning, is pretty huge and sounds even more incredible! Allowing multiple layering of sounds it produces an almost hypnotic effect and deep relaxation. I LOVE all my instruments but this one is Magnificent. Come along and experience it for yourself. It can be played really gently and quietly such as for a 1-1 session or build up to bigger sounds. The sounds fill a room or Hall easily even if played quietly. So many benefits for listening to and receiving the vibrations from this gorgeous gong. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
3 March 2024
Welcome to the new Sound Space
A beautiful new venue for 1-2-1 and small groups (max 5 people) April 2024
