What is Sound Yoga?
Sound yoga is a form of yoga that incorporates the use of sound, music, and vibration and is our primary modality here at Lotus Sou. In sound yoga, specific sounds, tones, and frequencies are used to stimulate the body's energy centers or chakras, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being.
The practice of sound yoga involves the use of various instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, drums, and chimes, as well as the use of the voice through chanting or humming. The vibrations and resonance created by these sounds are believed to have a healing effect on the body and mind.
Sound yoga focuses on the use of sound, music, and vibration to deepen meditation and enhance self-awareness, promote deep relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and enhance our overall physical and mental health.
What is a Sound Bath?
A sound bath is a type of sound healing practice in which participants lie down or sit comfortably and simply allow the sounds, ambient tones and music provided by a sound bath practitioner to wash over them, creating a state of deep relaxation and inner peace.
Instruments are consciously selected and played to produce vibrations and harmonics that can resonate with the body and mind, helping to release tension, reduce stress, and promote healing. The sounds are often played in a sequence or pattern, creating a sense of flow and movement that can further enhance the meditative experience.
Our sound baths feature Didgeridoo, Sitar, Planetary Gongs, Chau Gongs, Tuning Forks, Handpan and more.
Sound baths at Lotus Sound are facilitated by trained musicians who have years of experience with sound as a healing modality.
Many people find sound baths to be a powerful and transformative experience that can help to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The use of sound as a healing modality dates back to ancient times and can be found in many cultures and traditions around the world. Sound bathing, in particular, has its roots in ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
In ancient Egypt, for example, sound was believed to have the power to heal the body and soul. The Egyptians used music and chanting during religious ceremonies, and some tombs even had musical instruments and inscriptions that depicted music and dance. The Greeks also believed in the healing power of music and used it as a form of therapy for physical and emotional ailments.
The Indigenous peoples of the Americas used sound and music in their healing practices as well. For example, the Navajo tribe used the flute and drum to induce a state of relaxation and promote healing, while the Inca people used the Andean panpipe to balance the body's energy and promote spiritual well-being.
In India, sound bathing is a part of the ancient tradition of Nada Yoga, which involves the use of sound and music as a form of meditation and self-realization. The practice of Nada Yoga dates back thousands of years and is based on the concept that all things in the universe are made up of vibrations and that sound can be used to balance and harmonize these vibrations.
Sound bathing can be seen as a form of Nada Yoga in which the participant is immersed in a sea of sound and vibration.
Sound bathing and sound healing have a long and rich history that spans many cultures and traditions. While the specific practices and instruments used may vary, the underlying belief in the healing power of sound remains a constant throughout history.
Research has shown that attending a sound bath can have significant benefits for overall well-being. In a peer-reviewed study published in July 2017 entitled "Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension and Well-being" by Tamara L. Goldsby PhD (University of California San Diego), participants reported increased feelings of spiritual well-being and faith following a sound meditation session. Tension, anger, and depression also decreased, while physical pain was reduced for those aged 40 to 59 years, especially for those new to this type of meditation.
What can I expect when attending a Sound Bath with Justine and Jay?
Justine and Jay have been providing transformative sound baths since 2016 and have facilitated over 500 sessions to date. With decades of experience studying western and eastern music theory, their Sound Baths are crafted with the utmost positive and heart-centered intention, providing a unique and powerful experience for each attendee.
As sonic explorers, guests can feel fully supported knowing that every tone and vibration is carefully selected to create a harmonious and healing atmosphere. Justine and Jay's extensive musical knowledge and years of sound bath experience guide each session, ensuring a deep and immersive experience that promotes personal growth, reflection, and calmness.
Each sound bath is a one-of-a-kind journey, with no two sessions ever alike. Attendees are invited to lay down and relax, with cushions and comforts provided by Lotus Sound.
Our yurt space provides an environment that contains no right angles (by design) and has a thick layer of sound dampening insulation which creates a superb acoustic environment. This design allows the delicate sounds, subtle nuances, and unique voicing of each instrument to be fully felt and experienced, enhancing the overall transformative effects of the sound bath.
Experience the power of sound healing for yourself and join us for a unique and transformative sound bath with Justine and Jay.
Tell us more :)
Justine Sanderson, a born and raised Collingwood native, is a Sound Healing and Therapy 1-year Certificate Program graduate (Globe Institute San Francisco) and holds certifications as a Reiki Master, Life Coach, and Kids Yoga Instructor.
With over 1000 clients helped, Justine's expertise in sound and music has enabled her to guide individuals in shifting from self-consciousness to sound-consciousness through private sessions and sound baths. Justine assists her clients in establishing solid foundations for personal growth and happiness and an increase in grounded awareness of Self.
Jay Robinson, also born and raised in Collingwood, is a professional musician with over 30 years of performance and teaching experience. He is a Certified Meditation Teacher and currently studying Indian Classical Music and Theory for Sitar and Tabla.
Together, Justine and Jay's combined musical and sound meditation experience spans over 50 years, culminating in the current evolution of each sound bath at YURt Wellness.
Be sure to check out their popular Meditation Jam with Didgeridoo and Sitar on YouTube, which has amassed over 15K views, by clicking here.