What is Sound?

Sound is being increasingly researched and recognised by science as an energy that is always and ever present. Sound waves flow unceasingly around and through us, connecting us energetically with every single thing that exists upon, within and around our planet Earth and cosmos. We are only aware of a relatively small portion of this constant stream of sound through our ears, because our hearing range is limited, but this does not mean that we are not affected by the inaudible vibrations that pass our way. Western science now understands that all matter is energy in different states of motion; that everything vibrates, and everything that vibrates creates sound, including us. The resonant frequencies of our bodily cells and systems respond to the quality of the sounds we encounter, influencing how we feel, think and act. Imagine how comforted or exhilarated we feel listening quietly to the waves crashing on the shore or the breeze flowing through the trees above us; and how disturbed we can be by the constant barking of a stressed dog next door, loud shouting or grating machinery. Whether we are enjoying the music playing on our stereo or earphones, feeling a sense of purpose and community amidst the noisy hustle and bustle of our city streets, or sinking into serene stillness listening to the breathing of a child or loved one asleep next to us, sound is ever present; it is eternal, and as Don Juan de la Cruz wrote: “We can use that eternity if we wish”.

The human hearing range is between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Below 16Hz, the long, slower- moving waveforms are called infrasonic. The seismic waves of earthquakes are in this range, as are the calls of baleen whales and elephants, whose communication can travel many kilometres.

Above 20,000Hz is ultrasonic. Bats and dolphins communicate via these frequencies, whose shorter, faster- moving wavelengths can reach up to 100,000 Hz. We can only perceive a very small portion of the sound present in this universe, just as our eyes can only perceive a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Like the channels on a radio that we cannot hear unless we turn them on, we are tuned primarily to one station, except for when we sleep or enter altered or heightened states of consciousness; for example, whilst in deep meditation or whilst listening to shamanic drumming; yet, these other stations exist within their unique frequency bands.

History and Principles of Sound Healing

Physics explains sound as an audible vibration, a pressure wave in motion that is transmitted through a medium, such as gas (air), liquid (water) or solid (a drum skin or guitar string). It is also described as a sensation in physiology and psychology as it creates an arousal of the hearing process, and consequently perception by the brain.

We are all familiar with the use of sound in medicine today for a variety of health purposes: such as, stethoscopes to listen to the body internally; obstetric ultrasound to monitor the well-being of a baby in a mother's womb; sound waves to assess plaque in the arteries, monitor kidney and liver disease, and so on.. So, we can appreciate that sound is not only an ancient healing form, it is also very much a part of modern scientific medicine.

Dr Beverley Rubik, phD, explains that: "The human body emits low-level light, heat, and acoustical energy; has electrical and magnetic properties; and may also transduce energy that cannot be easily defined by physics and chemistry. " These emissions, she continues, compose the energy field or biofield. When this field experiences disturbance and disharmony, rebalance can be regained through one of the three forms of energy identified by biophysics: sound (phonons), light (photons) and scalar (heart) energies. An advantage of using sound energy is that the surfaces of certain cells are covered with fine hair-like cilia which can both receive and transmit sound. These antennae facilitate immediate communication between the inner and outer environment to support re-organisation and healing. In Sound Healing, all of these forms of energy are commonly used to aid a client’s return to good health and well-being.

Healing with Sound

The healing journey is the archetypal hero’s journey for it involves the achievement of self-knowledge, self-confidence and self-mastery through engagement with challenge and adversity. These are qualities I see rise and strengthen in the sound healing students I am constantly blessed to teach and tutor.

The sound healer learns to combine the potent ingredients of focused attention and intention with the powerful electro-magnetic field and emotions of a loving heart, and supportive sound healing instruments, such as medicine drum, tuning forks, and singing bowls. These tools help to identify imbalance and distortion in the body’s energies, and discern how to correct them. The sound healer supports the body’s abilities to rebuild natural energy reserves and circulation, for a return to normal, or even optimal, health. The sound healer is a facilitator of self-healing, above all.

My sound healing journey has led to abundant peace within myself as I consciously navigate this rhythmic, energetic universe, practicing the art of being a detached and appreciative, compassionate observer of the mysterious cosmic dance. It is clear that everything is not always as it seems on the often troubled surfaces we walk. The adventure keeps us on our toes and is never boring. Yet, energies want to flow from chaos to a more efficient state of ease and harmony. This is as true for physics as it is for human spirituality. Time has shown seekers of truth reaching beyond the denser realities of existence towards a more enlightened state, aspiring to return from separation and polarity to harmony and oneness, from pain and suffering to joy and flow. Singing, chanting, playing musical instruments have surely been, worldwide, the most popular accompaniment to this path... and this is not at all surprising, we realise, when we understand that vibrational sound is the very essence of all that exists in this universe.

Breathing Sound

Most of us understand the vital nature of breathing to living organisms, and can appreciate the quality of a strong and healthy respiratory system. Many of us also understand that our bodies reflect the greater planetary organism, that we are an integral part of a sentient system, whose lungs - the forests and other flora of the Earth - breathe powerful waves of nourishing elements through the skies during seasonal change as they absorb and release - “inhale” and “exhale” - carbon dioxide and oxygen. Both on land and amidst the Earth’s 70+ % oceanic surface, where diverse and multitudinous phytoplankton dwell, the plant world releases a substantial percentage of the oxygen we need through its process of photosynthesis. We are happy to return this gift of life to the trillions of leaves, grasses and other green surfaces by sharing with them our carbon dioxide by-products. And so, this delicate and graceful, compassionate and collaborative cycle continues.

Thus, breath enables life, communication and creation. It connects us biochemically and by means of prana or life-force with the flowing motion and patterns created by and amongst organic systems on the Earth and within her 480 km of atmosphere. The idea of life-force is reflected in the word ‘inhale’, which means to take in ‘hale’ or wholeness, nourishment. Deep inhalation oxygenates blood, feeding and rejuvenating the whole being.

But what has this to do with sound? In the ancient Indian spiritual pantheon, Shri Krishna (synonymous also with Christ, crystal or light energy) breathes the world into existence through his flute; thus sound is the conveyor of creation and intelligence. Imagine being able to hear the life- force flowing through the universe, through Earth’s systems, carrying with it all potential and components for creation, sustenance, death and renewal? We are perhaps lucky to have a general hearing range of around only 20 - 20,000 Hertz , because life would be far less quiet if we could hear the full spectrum of her forces, patterns and cycles; albeit fascinating.

The air we breathe is composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen in addition to many trace minerals, each of which composes and supports our physiological experience. These elements create their own unique patterns or signatures of sound that, upon entering the nose and mouth, must collaborate and harmonise with the breathing apparatus, circulatory and other life systems, organs, muscles, bones and every other aspect of this great human architecture. Our body is truly a symphony of sound inspired by the breath of life. Sound pioneer James d’Angelo describes this body of sound in his marvellous book ‘The Healing Power of the Human Voice’ as a complex orchestra of many instruments.

So, the very nature of breath, whether it be thought of purely as air or divine prana is sound, as everything vibrates and every vibration - or ripple of energy -creates sound. With an understanding that everything radiates a frequency, whether we can hear it or not, what happens if we intentionally practice awareness of our internal and external sounds and movements through conscious breathing and listening? One result is that we can learn to still our attention and thus expand our ability to appreciate and communicate more effectively with the living world around, beneath and within us. Another consequence is that we allow ourselves space and rest to tune or re-tune our physical and energetic biofield, thereby supporting rejuvenation, the maintenance of optimum health and transformation of old ideas and habits. So, how do we do this?

In the yogic tradition, we can create gentle, steady patterns of regular inhalations and exhalations with pauses in between for rest and integration. One such practice can be to take a breath through the nose to a slow count of 5 or 6, followed by a pause to the count of 5 or 6; then exhale audibly to the slow count of 5 or 6 through a slightly open mouth, followed by another pause for the same amount of time. Do this three times a day if possible for 5 minutes or more (even 1-2 minutes will be beneficial). A consistent count, a relaxed approach and regular practice will have a positive effect on cardiovascular functioning, thus helping to reduce tension and anxiety and promote mind/body/spirit harmony. With meditative practice, we find that the breath and heart rate gradually and naturally slow to a strong and healthy rate. Also, there is a reduction in the onslaught of thinking: the little pauses between breaths, which allow space for silence naturally expand, like a flower, awakening the limitless reach and potential of the mind, detaching one from judgement, pain and narrow perspective.

We can also connect breathwork with chanting, singing and moving, as is the custom of many indigenous people, including some shamans of Native America, Australia, Mexico and Peru. The purpose can be to reawaken the inner healer, gain insight, powers of transformation and spirit helpers. Instruments would often accompany such ceremonies to help the journey . Modern practices such as the Wim Hof breathing exercises are excellent for cleansing and opening the body to increase oxygen reserves and thus enable optimum functioning even in the most extreme conditions. Holotropic and psychedelic breathwork are also aimed at inducing altered states of consciousness for healing, to transcend comfort boundaries of the mind with the intention of releasing memories, fears, mental conditionings and, in the supportive company of others, traumas. There are many links on the internet to explore on the topic of breathwork.

In many ancient beliefs and stories of creation, sound is connected to Divine Breath. The Gospel of John famously claims: “In the Beginning was the Word”. Similarly, ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions share knowledge of the cosmic AUM - a combination of sounds that carry with them the vibrations of all life, death and renewal. Within all that we perceive in existence this energy of the AUM flows still, endless and infinite. So when we consciously breath life into this sound with positive intention from our heart centres and through our vocal apparatus via toning or chanting, we powerfully activate these primordial and essential universal energies.

With any practice, we should be gentle with ourselves, as nature often is. She provides us with as much air and sound as we can comfortably manage, to support us in gently finding our way towards a fulfilling connection with our inner and greater cosmic selves and planet. In this way, too, we share with her and each other a journey of mystery, adventure, sensual and spiritual discovery and play. We just need to remain conscious of the cosmic breath, in whose eternal and ever-expanding presence we flow.

Shamanic Sound

Indigenous healers world-wide are often today referred to as 'shamans', since they share similar beliefs and practices with the traditional Tungusic people of Siberia, who give origin to the term. Shamans were, and are still, those who mediate with the spirit world for purposes of guidance, teaching, healing and empowerment. A common thread between all such practices and practitioners of shamanism is the understanding that everything in existence on Mother Earth, from the stone to the tree, is imbued with life and Spirit, just like us, and as such can be communicated with respectfully and reverently for purposes of health and well-being. Shaman is also used to describe the original star beings of the ancient Lemurian lands who had the power to shape-shift, especially into the form of animals. ‘Sha’, in many respects, means healer.

Just as a shaman acts as an intermediary between the normal waking human consciousness and the spirit world , so does the sound used in shamanic practices facilitate a person's access to this non-physical realm.

Instruments commonly used in shamanic healing practices include the voice, drums, shakers and rattles. The sounds produced help the shaman and those journeying with him/her to enter a trance-like state beyond the physical veil, where memories and wounds present within the luminous energy field (LEF) from this life or previous lives can be seen, stirred to the surface and removed.

The sounds of nature and her elements, such as the whispering of the wind as it dances with the leaves and the calls of animals can also be powerfully evocative means of transportation, as can the fall of the rain and the wash of the ocean waves. These mesmerising effects can also be created in a sound healing experience by a rainstick or an ocean drum.

For me, the following gifts of the natural world have particular shamanic strength: The cry of the eagle imitates well the bird’s representation of freedom, power and soaring to great heights. Similarly, the conch shell, blown at the beginning of an Indian ceremony called a puja, has a heart- stirring effect, penetrating the body deeply, expanding the heart, mind and emotions, opening energetic gateways. The deep, emotive sounds of the blowing bull horns of the Celts and Viking legends fully awaken and excite the senses. In ancient Norse myth, the “Gjallarhorn" (meaning “yell” and “horn” in Icelandish) was used by Heimdallr to sound a mighty blast to awaken the other gods at a final battle. And in the primordial land of Australia, the didgeridoo or yidaki, made from the trunks of eucalyptus trees, vibrate deep into our core, communicating the healing power and wisdom of our Mother Earth.
Using songs, communicated to shamans during ceremony from the spirit world and passed down from previous generations of healers, can powerfully support participants and keep them grounded. In South American plant healing ceremonies, these medicine songs are known as ‘icaro’ , a word that means magic and alchemy. There are many icaros to listen to, learn and enjoy on Youtube.

Accessing what is, essentially, the collective unconscious through ceremony and sound allows the individual a greater appreciation of the energy that pervades and connects all that exists in the universe, and this experience brings much clarity of heart and mind, peace, empowerment and wisdom.

Stepping outside the Mind -
Vocalising and Toning for Fun and Freedom

We can gain immense sensory pleasure, freedom of expression and connection to our world when we are alone in the forest, walking along the beach or enjoying any natural setting away from the attention of others and the distracting hustle and bustle of our modern world. When I am meandering in such places, either by myself or in the vibrant company of my doggy tribe, there is always a compulsion to sing , twirl and frolic, without inhibition, as the eternal child. The light energies of the surrounding plant, animal and elemental world - palpable in such environments - inspire an up-welling of joyous appreciation for this earthly experience, which bursts out of the heart in a lovely melody and sometimes the words for a song that I hope I can retain long enough to record so that I can share it with others. Yet, often, the sounds most freely flow as vowels and the tune often takes on what seems like a Celtic air, emerging from a distant connection that still flows through the cosmic soup and the greater celestial unknown. Sometimes a tune seems heavenly; sometimes it is raw and earthy, carrying an essence of simpler days when our relationship and communion with trees, wild animals and our surrounding planets was more commonplace, and considered to be more wise than strange.

One of the gifts I have gained through my cherished and close soul connection with my partner Mark is the impetus to set aside the limitations of the mind and trust in my ability to be an instrument for the sound and divine inspiration that exists within me as an expression of the infinite cosmic heart. Mark’s ability to create beautiful free-form vocalisations with pure heart/mind expression speaks to an ancient part of me that exists beyond the limitations of language. His light language is unique to him. It inspires me to reach within and trust in my own soul song. I need not bring in anything from outside myself to do so, for I am all there is. . as are you in your universal experience.

We naturally speak ‘gobbledygook’ or jibberish when we are young children. We also do this when we are learning to sing, as the technique welcomes an array of sounds, high and low with experimental mouth, jaw, lip and tongue positions that promote release of tension and catharsis. This letting go without judgement is what our bodies, minds and emotions wish to express. Doing so builds confidence and is lots of fun. Have a go.

Free-form Vocalising

Part 1

Close your eyes and release concerns about what you look and sound like. Be free as a young child!
Open your mouth and make any sounds you like, the more unrecognisable and nonsensical the better.
Experiment with raising the pitch of your voice up and down, be softly spoken and then loud, speak fast and then slow and then fast and slow.
Use your hands, facial expressions and body movements to animate the sounds and help release any energies, any tension and emotions that need to be released. Move in any way that feels supportive of the sounds and tensions you are releasing from within your hard working body.
Trust and let go!

Part 2

Be still in quiet awareness. Pay silent attention to any sensations in the body and any thoughts, memories and emotions that arise.
Allow the slow and gentle breath to noursh these areas without judgement.
Allow space to integrate the work you have done with your voice and in that space, voice a healing intention. Carry it with you through a repeat of these parts, imagining that it is already fulfilled.

This same ‘letting go’ approach may be applied to our opening wide to receiving the knowledge, wisdom and beauty that lies at the heart of creation. Complete self-trust banishes fears of the unknown, of failure and not living up to the expectations of ourselves and others. This trust is literally mind-blowing and heart liberating , allowing us to succeed in any benevolent aspiration our soul drives us to undertake.

Whatever the flavour, texture, hue of your inspiration, I hope that similar feelings of uninhibited expression and play can be realised through vehicles such as sound, art and movement. The experience is natural, reconnecting, nourishing and transformative on a deep, ancient soul level.