The Magic of Sound: Gong & Sound Baths Explained

Busy People / Busy Minds

One of the biggest challenges these days is to silence the mind. There is so much internal and external noise and we are often in a state of hyperarousal, unable to take a moment to do a little check in with ourselves: How am I feeling today? What is going on in my body? What do I need in this moment?

What used to be a spontaneous and organic way of just ‘being’, increasingly now needs to be ‘scheduled in’. Mindfulness, on a timeline. During this ‘prescribed time’ people may try to mediate or to do mindfulness in order to manage their anxious or overwhelmed states and empty their minds, however to master the art of silencing the mind requires time and effort that many people feel that they just don’t have enough time for. It’s a vicious cycle, and this cycle makes meditation almost an impossible task for many people.

The magic of the Gong

Enter the Gong – a transformative remedy for busy minds. Possessing the extraordinary ability to quiet the mind, the Gong serves as a balm for the incessant chatter often referred to as the 'monkey mind.'

Understanding its impact involves considering the interplay between the left and right brain. Although this might sound as an oversimplification, it may still help us understand how the Gong does its magic trick. While the left brain engages in analytical thinking and problem-solving, the right brain embraces creativity, intuition, and inner peace. The Gong's unique tones and overtones disrupt the left brain's logical processes, affording it a momentary respite. This shift in brainwave frequency, from Beta (active thinking) to Alpha or Theta (relaxation, intuition, and deep meditation), enables the right brain's intuitive voice to emerge, untouched by the noise of the left brain. In this state, solutions unfold organically, paving the way for a harmonious collaboration between the logical and creative aspects of the mind. In the right brain, nothing is rushed, everything flows. 

The experience of a Gong bath

Embarking on a Gong bath experience brings the promise of silencing the mind effortlessly. Participants need not actively engage in silencing techniques; instead, they merely lie down, follow instructions, and immerse themselves in the enveloping sound. With a Gong Bath, you don’t need to ‘work’ on silencing your mind.

During a Gong bath you might notice dream-like thoughts, vivid images, and colorful visions. You may also see an explosion of colours, do involuntary movements, feel pinned down or floating. I always like to set an intention before a gong bath, allowing for it to move in my body and mind together with the vibrations of the sound. I am always curious to see where this takes me.

Layers of warmth and eye shades enhance the experience, promoting a sense of coziness and deeper relaxation. Falling asleep during the session is not discouraged; in fact, it is embraced as part of the soothing experience.