Singing Bowls, Salt Caves and Music
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Cue the music?
I’m sure the title of this post either resonates (sorry for the pun) or leaves you scratching your head. A few years ago Kory started really delving into music theory and historical transitions around frequencies - to the point of doing a deep dive into healing sound frequencies. It was fascinating to learn about the origins of Gregorian Chants and how the Rosslyn Chapel (featured in the DaVinci Code and just south of Edinburgh in Scotland - we visited 3 times during our time in Scotland) featured symbols in the stonemasonry that correlates to healing sound frequencies (do a search if you’re curious).
Dancing lights conjure up visions of musical notes. (EXIF data f4, 1/5s, 120mm, ISO5000)
All of this research led him to singing bowls which are crystal bowls formed to resonate at set frequencies when tapped with a mallet or circled with the mallet at varying pressures. Have you ever filled a crystal glass with liquid and then wet your finger and traced the edge of the glass opening to hear it start to “sing”? Well that is what a singing bowl is without needing to be filled with liquid.
Singing bowls are typically formed to resonate at set frequencies related to the 7 chakras of the body and it is theorized that they can be used to help align and harmonize the energy centres of the body. They are often used during meditations and they can be very calming.
Using singing bowls as part of our daily routine
The calmness of early morning kayak trips forms a different kind of daily ritual and fills me with gratitude and joy. (EXIF data f6.3, 1/250s, 600mm, ISO1200)
Kory became so fascinated with the healing frequencies of singing bowls that he has bought several of them for us to use in our home. We usually start the day with a meditation and using the singing bowls has become an important component of this habit. It seems to set our intention and it sets the tone for the morning.
This ritual is part of our daily practice of gratitude and fills me with joy. Interestingly enough Roxy (our rather excitable bengal cat), who usually dislikes loud noises seems to be fascinated by the singing bowls - she seems to be calmed by them when we play them. Perhaps the healing frequencies affect her as well in a positive manner.
Singing bowls and salt cavern meditation
We have found a local wellness business that features a salt cavern (a room lined with blocks of rock salt) and singing bowl meditations. As a treat we spend an hour in sound meditation in a humid salt environment and it feels amazing. I leave feeling refreshed and uplifted - I sleep soooooo well after this.
Singing bowls used for meditation. EXIF data iPhone photo
The use of singing bowls is thought to promote healthful benefits of healing by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enabling an enhanced state of mindfulness by the use of their frequencies and vibrations. There are also claims of physiological effects like lowering heart and respiratory rates, as well as psychological benefits such as decreasing anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
A lot of these claims are not well substantiated with scientific data, however in my view, anything that helps me to relax and feel more rested and connected is a positive thing, so I’m good with the enjoying singing bowl meditations.
How music can affect our mood.
Music has played such a pivotal role in my life - in fact there are certain songs that I associate with significant events in my life. Just hearing these songs will elicit feelings of joy or sadness that takes me back to the original event. For example, B-52’s Rock Lobster always takes me back to a house party I attended in high school - we were all having so much fun and this song immediately got everyone up and dancing around. Every time I hear this song I think of joyful moments of carefree times.
A broad billed roller singing in the early afternoon. (EXIF data f4, 1/1250s,400mm, ISO800)
Jim Croce’s Time in a Bottle reminds me of my sister (it was her favourite song) and there is a bittersweet feeling when I hear this song - the message is so appropriate to how I feel about her - still missing her after all these years. I’m even tearing up as I write this. Music has that ability to transport me back in time and to raise those emotional responses within me.
When I want to get housework done (not my favourite thing in the world) I put on some upbeat tunes and in no time I’m bopping around the house working at double time. In contrast when I am in a contemplative mood a more mellow music choice is in order.
It is amazing to me how music is such an integral part of my life - I mean imagine a road trip in silence? (I’m shuddering at the thought!)
Music as part of my day
I have also incorporated the use of music in a practice called jiggle meditation. I put on music and just start to move my body in any way that feels good - swaying side to side and swinging my arms up and down or back and forth - dipping and sweeping all around. The music helps me to get out of my head and just feel the way the music makes me feel - several songs later and I’m feeling so energized and my body is moving easier.
This coupled with the mental effects of the choice of song can set me up for an amazing day.
Kory and I often dance around the kitchen when making dinner or as an after dinner time of connection - ok let’s be honest - Kory stands still and swings me around so that by the time we are done I’m out of breath and he’s still fresh! Regardless it’s a fun way for us to connect and Roxy thinks we’re absolutely nuts.
How does music impact your life and do you have any fun routines or rituals you use? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below or drop me a note directly by clicking on the Connect With Me button.
Music is all around us and even in the quiet moments of nature - a short eared owl getting ready to hunt or maybe contemplating the sounds of nature? (EXIF data f14, 1/750s, f600m, ISO400)
I hope you’ll come back soon, share a cuppa, relax and enjoy more of my musings.
