The Alchemy of Singing Bowls, Handpans, Kalimbas, Sansulas, a Shruti Box, and More

Rachel Nelson, Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta, 2023

I recently had the honour of co-hosting two Savasana Sound Baths at my yoga studio with Rachel Nelson, an Intuitive Sound Healing Guide.

I met Rachel in Jasper, Alberta, in December 2023, where Rachel has been living for several years. We instantly connected, and to my surprise, I discovered that Rachel’s mother lives in Dauphin, Manitoba—only a few hours from where I live—which added a personal element to our connection.

Rachel shared her plans for a cross-continent road trip with me, and we realized that she could make stops in Winnipeg at the beginning and end of her journey. What luck! Everything seemed to fall into place, and we quickly made plans, including dates, times, and logistics. As you may recall, the events sold out before I could formally share the details—word of mouth travels quickly!

The first Savana Sound bath occurred on April 30th, and the second on May 23rd. Each sound bath was unique for various reasons, and naturally, the participants had different experiences.

What exactly is a Savasana Sound Bath?

Savasana, or Corpse Pose, is typically the final pose in a yoga practice. In this pose, practitioners lie down on their backs with their eyes open or gently closed, cultivating calm, rest, and relaxation. Using a restorative approach with props and accessories to support the body in a position of ease and comfort during Savasana further facilitates relaxation and healing. Adding the soothing sounds of a sound bath to this peaceful and restorative Savasana experience can make it even more transcendent.

A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants, while lying in Savasana, are bathed in an alchemy of sounds and vibrations created by instruments such as crystal singing bowls, gongs, shimmering chimes, whispering shakers, voice and more, creating an immersive sonic experience that can help to calm the mind, release tension in the body, and bring about a sense of deep relaxation.

Imagine lying in a restorative Savasana, feeling the support of Mother Earth beneath you, and being enveloped in a cocoon of sound. Gentle tones wash over you, creating a sense of peace and tranquillity. As you focus on your breath and let go of lingering tension, you can feel the vibrations of the sound bath working their magic on your body and mind.

During a sound bath, you are encouraged to surrender to the sounds and vibrations, allowing them to penetrate deep into the body and mind. This can help to shift energy blockages and create a sense of emotional release and transformation. It’s not uncommon to experience a deep sense of release, emotional catharsis, or even moments of profound stillness and clarity.

The combination of Savasana’s restorative benefits and the healing power of sound can create a truly transformative experience–a powerful tool for healing and self-exploration. It’s about physical relaxation, connecting with your inner emotions, and finding greater clarity and peace within yourself. This process of emotional release can be incredibly powerful.

At the end of Rachel’s sound bath, participants were invited to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment, free from judgment or criticism. The sharing circle provided the opportunity for participants to share their personal journeys. As they talked about their experiences and listened to the stories of others, this helped to create a sense of validation, understanding, and connection, fostering a sense of belonging.

Image courtesy of Rachel Nelson

Curiosity also prevailed at the end of the sound baths, and Rachel was very generous with her time and knowledge. If you want to learn more about the instruments she played, you can schedule a virtual appointment with Rachel to help find what you’re looking for. 

Below are some shopping links:

https://soundjourneystore.com/Rachel

https://weplaywelltogether.com/?ref=Rachel (coupon code Rachel-IRL will save 10% off this site).

Please visit Rachel’s website for more info and social links: https://conscioussoundscapes.ca.

There may be opportunities to attend Savasana Sound Baths in the future.

Let me know if you’re interested.

Stay tuned!

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine