Sound Healing in The Park: Someplace Where We Can Be Free
Community means strength that joins our strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A circle of healing. A circle of friends. Someplace where we can be free. - Starhawk
Our existence on earth has to be more than just about acquiring things, status, job titles, and money. It has to involve having purpose and time for stillness and asking ourselves difficult questions, such as who I am today and if I want to be this person tomorrow.
Recently, I hosted a fabulous free sound bath at Freeman Mill’s Park. Freeman Mill’s Park is in Lawrenceville, GA (Gwinnett County). From the first time I saw the man-made waterfall and rock-filled creek, I knew I had to host a session there.
As a lifelong resident of South Jersey, one thing I've missed since moving to Georgia is the soothing sounds of the Atlantic Ocean, just a 20-minute ride away. Despite the distance, I carry my Jersey roots with me, and that's why I'm excited to bring a taste of that tranquility to our community through this sound bath event.
The 9:00 a.m. session was a gift to our community. Instead of charging for the session, I wanted to offer it to support our community members. I understand that many are facing various challenges, from stress and anxiety to family, financial, and health issues. This event was designed to provide a much-needed moment of peace and relaxation.
I don’t know who said, “You are exactly where you’re supposed to be,” but the older I get, the more I believe the quote to be spot on!
After finding the perfect location, my husband and daughter helped me unpack and set up, and I was in love with the moment: the birds, the large aged oak and pine trees, the water flowing into the creek, and the sun peeping through the arched tree branches.
About 30 minutes before the session, I met a young lady casually strolling the area as I walked to my car. I asked if she knew what a sound bath was, and she did not. I explained, and she was curious. I offered her an extra blanket and invited her to join, which she did.
I began the session with guided meditation and then transitioned to the sound bath. Once I started playing my bowls, I felt like everything had slowed down. Looking around at the attendees, most were lying; one or two sat on their blankets in a more traditional meditation post.
I wanted them and me to stay in this tranquil place forever. My spirit led me to walk around throughout the class, but I didn’t want the class to end. No one cared that the class extended past 10 a.m.
Afterward, participants always have the opportunity to share their experiences voluntarily. One person shared that the anniversary of her sister’s death was approaching, and she had been in a dark place struggling with grief. She explained that the sound bath helped her calm herself and to release her emotions.
The woman who popped in said she was troubled by something that morning and was full of tension. She profusely thanked me for the invite and, like me, believed our meeting was no accident. She was where she was supposed to be, and so was I.
In my first year, I hosted over 50 sound bath classes. This one was by far the best and I am eager to host more there.
In the words of Albert Einstein, One cannot alter a condition with the same mindset that created it in the first place.
Sound healing is not an escape. It creates space for the body, mind, and spirit to be calmed and relaxed and to work through the noise to clear the mind and breathe.
I want to thank my daughter, Shaina Cain, especially for her wonderful photography, video, and editing talents.
You can stay updated on upcoming sound bath events on Eventbrite and Instagram @healingvibesbytanya.
Be well!