This past weekend I offered my first sound private birthday sound healing that was held on a beach. Summer officially started one week ago, the sun was primed to be strong and the clouds minimal. I have never held a sound bath outside in a public space, where you are not in control of the environment. The ocean waved a consistent background beat, but so did the ice cream man who rang his bell as he pushed his cart. Children played with their parents, friends gathered, and the distracting sounds were prominent. I was really curious of how this would work out. Would those in the sound bath hear me? Would they be impacted by the sound? Could they feel my intention? I was curious if other beachgoers would look at me like I was crazy. But it was LA, sound baths have become the new norm.
I was aware that certain instruments would not reverberate in such an open space. The noises I made needed to be loud and movable. The ten attendees were spread out, and I wanted to give them an immersive experience. I ensured I walked to each participant with numerous sound instruments for the hour playing them over and around the body. I walked barefoot in the scorching sand. This could have been an impediment, but I reframed my mind to be in a meditative state to get past the shrieks I initially wanted to let out as I walked from one area to another, my feet seeking solace in the shaded areas that were made available.
I was sweating throughout much of it, and unaware how it was landing. Two attendees got up and looked at their phones. I automatically thought the hour was a flop.
But as we processed as a group, feedback was good. Yes, listening to the instruments was a challenge, but they found it to be a discerning meditative task at hand. One individual who got up and looked at her phone was so energized, she needed to release excess energy. Both opted to capture photos of the session and the group. The birthday girl cried due to gratitude in being able to share this with her friends. Others noted moments of childhood flashbacks, relaxation, and feeling my energy entering the instruments through them. The collective sound bath was a success despite all that I couldn’t control.
As I led the sound bath, I reminded myself certain things are out of my control. It is what it is. Que se ra se ra. What will be will be. We can have the strongest intentions, but things don’t always go as planned. I had prepped to be early, but parking lots were full. My friends unloaded the instruments, set up shop, and had to reset up the spot for the perfect birthday space. Two crystal mallets were lost in the commute. We started late and dragged the numerous instruments back half a mile to the car. But despite the worries, sweats, and strains, it was a success. The birthday girl was able to share her collective sound bath with her closest friends and had a touching moment. This is all I can ask for, and I was grateful I was able to be part of this process. The more I do sound healings, I realize what is asked of me is to clear the vessel, allow the sound to shine through, and let go of all the excess stress and self-critical thoughts that may arise along the way. Keep the vessel clear for the healing to be as pure as possible. Get out of your own way. As with sound, so with life.
It Only Takes A Smile 