By Rob Meyer-Kukan
Sound, vibration, and frequency are a part of everything we do. Sit for a moment, take a deep breath, and listen…. What do you hear? Maybe it’s the TV in the next room, or the gentle hum of the refrigerator’s condenser kicking in, or traffic on the street or road outside the building you are in. Many of the sounds we hear are processed and filtered in a way that we just don’t notice them. Whether it’s white noise specifically used for relaxation, or any of the other “colors of noise,” sound and vibration is a constant part of our life.
When I was a child, aged seven or eight, I used to spend hours seated in front of the stereo in our family’s living room. During my listening sessions, I would blast the local Detroit classical music station. To add to the experience, I would adjust the treble/bass, and left/right balance sliders to match what I was feeling from the music. On one afternoon, I recall my mom coming into the living and saying, “Stop that, Robbie, you’re driving me crazy.” I don’t fault my mother, after all, I can only imagine what, to anyone in hearing distance this classical symphony being played on full volume bouncing back and forth from left to right speaker with the up and down of treble and bass must have sounded like. It probably was leaving her flummoxed, to say the least. Without missing a beat, I replied, “But Mom, I’m conducting the orchestra.” How could you argue with that? With that explanation, I was granted permission to continue with the experience… with one request… to turn the volume down, slightly.
The purpose of this anecdote is to point out two things. First, the importance that I believe sound, frequency, and vibration have in my life, and in all our lives. The second is to highlight that experiencing the therapeutic effects of sound, vibration, and frequency doesn’t have to be limited to events, performances, or the practitioner’s office. You can experience it anywhere, even in your own home.
As a sound therapist, I use sound and frequency to help others find a relaxed state. When the body is relaxed it can heal. We see examples of this philosophy in many modalities from chiropractic’s “innate intelligence" (ala Daniel David Palmer) to Craniosacral Therapy’s "life force," or homeopathy's "vital force." All these models share the common philosophy that, given the right environment, the body can and will heal itself. For me, my work, and my clients, we rely on the support of sound and vibration from singing bowls, gongs, and more to assist with this process.
Hopefully, my words are compelling you to inquire and maybe even sparking some curiosity to explore sound and vibration in your daily life. One on one sessions with a practitioner or attending a group event (often called a “sound bath”) are the easiest way to incorporate this work into your wellness routine. However, what could we do in small, incremental ways, every day to support our health and wellness with sound and vibration? I have three suggestions that you can almost immediately implement to add some of the balancing benefits of sound and vibration into your daily life.
Nature
Take a moment to pause, like we did at the beginning of this article. But, go deeper. Listen closer by listening outside of the space you are in. Move beyond the four walls of your current space and listen to what’s happening outside. Mother Nature is the greatest conductor of a limitless orchestra of sounds and vibrations. From the buzzing of bees to the babbling of brooks, to the wind in the leaves, and more. Locally, we are blessed with 162 parks in the city of Ann Arbor. If you can’t hear the sounds of nature where you are right now, there is a public space nearby where you can connect.
In your home it is easy to connect to nature, even if you live in an apartment. Open the windows! Consider adding a small water feature indoors or if you put it outdoors, simply sit on your porch or patio and take in the sound around you.
Things You Love
I love singing bowls. They are my go-to instrument for addressing my own wellness needs and the needs of my clients. However, I realize that not everyone can afford, or enjoys the sound of singing bowls. Perhaps you are more drawn to the sound of a gong, or the gentle song of a wind chime, or maybe the mesmerizing hum of a shruti box. Whatever it is that you love, consider investing in one item to assist you in your journey.
My first suggestion for many clients is to find the perfect set of wind chimes. Wind chimes vary in size, shape, color, tone, and much more. From bamboo to glass, aluminum to steel, brass, or bronze, painted or unfinished… the sky is the limit.
Ritual
This last suggestion is more about process than anything; but I believe it is key. Whether you tune in to your favorite radio station, as I did as a child, or invest in one or more instruments to bathe yourself in soothing sound, or simply allow yourself to be still and witness the sounds taking place around you, it’s important to be intentional with the ritual around the experience.
First, set aside a specific space for this purpose. This can be a room in your home or office or a corner of a room. It can be as simple as spending time in your favorite chair, or anywhere you feel you can fully connect to the sound. Light a candle or include aromatherapy in this experience. Even simply smelling fresh cut flowers or the aromatic peel of a luscious piece of citrus fruit will heighten the experience. You can also explore the use of flower essences or enjoy some beautiful artwork by your favorite artist. Journal writing can be incorporated as well to tie the entire experience together.
This may all sound like an immense investment, but it can be accomplished in a few simple, intentional moments. Whether the time is long or short, the key is your intention. As Jonathan Goldman, one of the foremost teachers and pioneers in the field of sound therapy says, “Frequency + intent = healing.” May it be so!
Rob Meyer-Kukan is the owner of 7 Notes Natural Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At 7 Notes he offers massage, sound therapy, reiki, color therapy, natural health consultations, and more. 7 Notes offers regular sound baths in their space and throughout the community. Learn more at 7notesnaturalhealth.com.
