Gong
Retuning the vibrations within the physical body and unlocking the mind’s deepest emotions, the intense and surprising power of gong bath meditation can’t be overlooked. This therapeutic practice has soared in popularity in modern times. However, it is a technique that has been around since ancient times. 1 Within this explanatory guide, we shall take a closer look at the highly immersive experience and its benefits.
What Is Gong Bath Meditation?
Despite gong bath meditation becoming popular in the western world, few of us are familiar with what it is. So, what is a sound bath and gong meditation? Put simply, this is a practice or form of therapy that involves using the healing and relaxing sounds of an ancient gong. The instrument creates not only calming sounds but also vibrations, which can lead to a variety of benefits. During a session, you both allow the sounds to envelop you while also relaxing into a deep, meditative state in which you may heal.
Gong Bath Meditation Benefits
The therapeutic element of this meditation is a major part of its appeal. Many who decide to embark on these sessions hope to heal themselves physically and emotionally through the practice. Here are a few of the effects of gong bath meditation.
1. Encourages relaxation
During the meditative process, you will find that you sink into a deeply relaxed state. The gong bath allows a moment of sheer clarity and calmness. Whether you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or worry, you may find that the therapy allows you a time of great rest. Research suggests that engaging in sound therapy can help a person to lower their anxiety levels. 2 You will have a chance to reflect on the bigger picture.
2. May relieve pain
Physical pain may be hard to overcome. However, taking part in gong bath meditation could be one way in which you manage it. This type of sound healing could help to lower pain levels for sufferers, according to research into the area. 3 Combining this type of therapeutic method with formal medical support may be an effective technique.
3. Aids self-discovery
Truly learning about yourself on a spiritual and mental level is a lifelong challenge. Through meditation and relaxation, we aim to learn more about our inner beings and gain a stronger connection with the universal energy. Perhaps one of the subtlest gong bath meditation benefits is forming a tangible connection with your spirituality and discovering your place in the physical world that surrounds you.
What To Expect From A Gong Bath Meditation Session
Ready to take a spiritual journey into sound and vibrations? If you have an interest in attending a gong sound bath session, learning what happens during them will open your mind. These meditation sessions are unlike anything that you will have experienced before now. You should keep in mind that the session will often vary depending on your class teacher and their techniques. However, here’s a rundown of what you can expect.
1. Prepare for the Gong Bath Meditation
Before you head to the gong bath meditation, it’s important that you take some steps to ensure that you are ready for the session. It is advisable to refrain from eating a large or heavy meal for at least two hours prior to the meditation. Have a small snack if needed.
Of course, you must avoid consuming alcohol in the day and night leading up to the session as you need a clear mind and body. Comfort is absolutely essential to this practice, which is why you should wear loose-fitting clothing. You should also bring a filled water bottle to the class so that you can keep yourself hydrated at all times.
2. Get comfortable before you start
While techniques will vary from teacher to teacher, many of the major methods will remain the same. When you first enter the class environment, your teacher will instruct you to lie down and get as comfortable as possible. There may be mats in the room or blankets that can help you get into the right zone for meditation. Some teachers will open the session with some pranayama breathing techniques, although this is not always the case. The aim here is to make sure that you awaken the deep kundalini energy that is within you.
3. Start the meditation process
Next, your teacher will help to bring you into a meditative state. This part is where the sound bath element to the session will begin. Your teacher will start to use the gong to make quiet, relaxing noises. Listen to these sounds and feel the vibrations move throughout your body. The gong sounds will increase in volume and pace as you lead up to the main part of the session.
4. Relax and feel the sound
When the gong sound has increased in volume, the next phase is the variation of the frequencies and noises. You will both hear and feel these minute changes as you allow the sounds to wash over you. Each frequency is associated with a varying state of consciousness. Thus, you may feel that your mind shifts with the noises that you hear.
As you are lying perfectly still, you should allow the sound to envelop your being so that you are entirely calm. You needn’t put too much pressure on yourself to meditate; simply unwind and let it come to you. This journey should happen naturally through the sounds.
5. Gently awaken from meditation
Finally, your teacher will guide you to awaken from your meditative state. With most meditation and gong sound bath classes, this process will be slow and may involve the use of low-volume sounds to bring you back into the room. You should listen to the instructions of the teacher and follow them exactly. In some cases, you may find that there is an element of pranayama exercises to complete the session before you leave.
