Bathing in Sound
Beginning Spring 2025
In order to comply with current health and hygiene requirements regarding the covid virus, I first need to share my current protocols. It feels important to me that as much as possible, methods of alternative and complimentary care are made available.
- The size of the class is limited to 5 people. I’ll sanitize the mats and hard surfaces with hydrogen peroxide.
- Yoga mats will be placed 6 feet apart measuring from head to head – please refer to the photo to insure you’re comfortable with this arrangement.
- Each person will wear a mask into the house then take a seat on one of the mats. Once we begin to stretch and come into position for receiving the sounds of the gong, masks should be removed.
- If you need to use the restroom or get up at any point you should wear your mask. Bring the minimum possible with you into the house but bring your own blanket or additional cushioning if you’d like to place on top of the mat as well as an eye pillow or covering. I’ll provide a small towel for under the knees, additional blankets, as well as a neck pillow with towel placed over it.
- Any fabrics used during the class will be laundered after each class. The restroom will be supplied with paper towels for drying hands.
- If you have a temperature or feel any symptoms related to the virus, cold or flu, please refrain from attending the Gong Immersion.
In recent times you may have heard the term Gong Bath, and wondered, “How do I take a bath with a gong? Or, why would I?”
If you haven’t had the opportunity to hear this brilliant instrument played live, consider this restorative experience.
The term ‘bath’ is used in the wellness community to describe the flowing current of sound over your body; where you bathe in sound current, not that there is water involved! (But please, do bring water to drink). My personal preference is the term ‘immersion’ – it truly is an immersive and elevating experience.
The Gong has been utilized for thousands of years as an instrument of healing and meditation in spiritual traditions. In recent years the instrument has gained more popular favor. The experience is deeply meditative, relaxing, and at times evocative.
I first experienced the sounds of the gong when I began my path as a Kundalini Yoga student in the mid-80’s. I lived in Los Angeles and attended classes at the studio on La Cienega Blvd. The gong was played on a regular basis at the end of most classes and I was there almost every day for two years – there was a lot of sweat and groaning in those days and the gong was sweet medicine! When I moved to Glastonbury in 2017, I located a Kundalini Yoga class to join in group practice. It was my teacher in Glastonbury who facilitated the study and playing of the gong in the tradition of the Kundalini lineage, and it was there I deepened my relationship with the instrument in playing. It is mostly in this tradition I share the sounds of the gong.
When you arrive
When you arrive you’ll be asked to sign the sign-in sheet and find a comfortable space on the floor where you’ll lie for your sound immersion. Please set cell phones to airplane mode or turn off.
- There will be 15- 20 minutes preparation for the gong – light stretching, I’ll share some of the history and use of the gong, time for questions, and setting of intention.
- 30-35 min. of receiving the gong sounds
- Approximately 15-20 minutes after the playing of the gong, for gentle re-entry and grounding
The sounds emanating from the gongs are difficult for the human brain to follow. You may drift off to a deep relaxing sleep or meditative theta state, or even feel unusually alert. People have varied responses and each individual sound immersion can be experienced differently by the same person. The sounds are clarifying and clearing. You may find yourself experiencing deeper feeling. If these feelings are uncomforable to you, realize this is an opportunity to let them move through you, from you, in the way of release and healing. Some of the states you may experience:
- deep relaxation
- feeling emotionally moved
- being visually inspired and stimulated
- aware of body tingles as sound moves through old injuries, energetic blocks
- falling asleep – you might even snore! it happens and is ok
I provide yoga mats and blankets but you’re encouraged to bring an additional blanket or mat for extra padding – you could be lying on the floor up to 45 minutes.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable and need to get up, do so quietly and have a seat in the next room on the sofa or one of the chairs.
Things to consider before your sound immersion
- Wear comfortable, loose and flexible clothing
- No heavy meals the hour prior to your session; best to eat earlier or after the session
- Keep hydrated during the day – sound travels best through water!
- Please refrain from wearing any scents
- If you wear hearing aids, you should remove or turn down during the session
Please read before class
Attending a gong meditation is not appropriate in certain instances. If any of these descriptions apply to you, you should not attend and please let me know if you have questions.
- you’re wearing a pacemaker
- you wear hearing aids (please remove)
- are pregnant
- have severe tinnitus – the gong could exacerbate your symptoms
- have used recreational drugs or alcohol the same day
- are on psychiatric medications
- no children under 7 years of age
Payment
$20 per person (group rates below)
Pay by cash or local check at time of class
I can presently accommodate 5 people so I’ll need to ask for an RSVP by 3pm the day of sessions. Please text Gong for 1 or 2 or however many! 828.544.2869 or email me janet@moonwoodarts.com. If more than 5 RSVP, I’ll reply ‘class full’ or conversely I’ll reply confirmed!
* private group of 6-8 $15 per person
If you’d like to read a bit more about the gong, please explore the article found in the links below
