Your First Sound Bath

What to do before the sound bath

Arrive early:

Get settled in, find a good spot, and speak with the facilitator to address any questions. 

Turn off your phone:

Put your phone on silent or airplane mode to avoid disturbing others and breaking your own immersion. 

Dress comfortably:

Wear loose-fitting layers so you can adjust your temperature as needed. 

Bring comfort items:

Bring a yoga mat, pillow, blanket, and eye mask. Some venues may provide them, but bringing your own ensures your comfort. 

Hydrate and avoid caffeine:

Drink water beforehand and avoid caffeine, as it can be dehydrating. 

What to expect during the sound bath

Set up your space:

Find a comfortable spot to lie down, placing your mat and pillow. Position your head toward the sound source for a more mental or emotional experience. Position your feet toward the sound source for more grounding and healing.

Breathe and listen:

The facilitator will likely guide you through breathing exercises to begin. Follow the sounds and vibrations, letting your mind relax. 

Release expectations:

Don't worry about having a specific experience. Emotions and thoughts may arise, which is normal. Allow the sounds to wash over you without judgment. 

Be with any feelings that arise:

Sound baths encourage you to drop into meditative brain waves, like delta, theta, and even gamma. Deep meditation can bring up stuck emotions and sensations in the body. So, while your meditations often bring you into bliss, they may bring up stuff that needs to be healed and released. If this happens, don’t fight it or fidget. Just feel your way through it, knowing every feeling is ephemeral and will pass. Though this is a more rare occurrence, when stuff comes up and you let it move through you, expect healing on a spiritual, emotional, or even physical level.

Focus on your body:

Pay attention to the physical sensations of the sounds and vibrations, noticing where you hold tension and consciously relaxing. 

It's okay to drift off:

You might become so relaxed that you fall asleep, which is also a valid way to receive the benefits. However, try to stay conscious if possible to achieve delta brainwaves. 

What to do after the sound bath

Take your time:

When the session ends, do not rush. Gradually return to full awareness before sitting up. 

Stay present:

The calm and peace you feel can linger for a while. Try to carry this feeling with you as you go about your day.