Sounds for deeper snooze
The moment the world went into lockdown last March insomnia rates soared across the globe, as did anxiety and other related problems. Many of us already have an inbuilt toolkit to help us through troubled times and sleep is high on its list of contents, alongside what we fuel our bodies with and taking more time to simply ‘be’ with ourselves and with nature.
All well and good, but for those continually struggling with getting to sleep (remember sleep is not a place we go every night and the more we stress about not getting there (wherever that might be?) the more anxious and restless we become.
Sound Healing
The sensation of sound is one of our primal senses and an indigenous part of healing the world over. Our ancestors have long realised its power for soothing troubled souls and in many cultures drums are the heartbeat of healing, as the sound of drums recreates our mothers heartbeat in the womb, instantly transporting us to a nurturing, safe space.
It is estimated that listening figures for Spotify’s mental health playlists have surged 50% since March, while Apple music has come on board too with its recently launched radio station Sleep, comprising playlists based primarily on bringing on dreamtime and sleep.
The Science behind Sound Healing
As scientists delve more deeply into the nuances of how the body works at a cellular level, it appears that singing and mantra, gongs, crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, drums, piano, amongst other instruments, are proving their worth as vehicles of calm and that regardless of the instrument used, certain sound frequencies can help slow brain waves and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system , responsible for our body’s essential rest and relax response - thereby activating our innate self-healing mechanism.
In essence, we are recreating what the ancients already knew: that through sound we can shift brainwaves and open energetic pathways thereby attuning more closely with our souls and with the world.
Lie Down and Listen
Christina McMaster
For me, one of the few positives of this year is that I have been able to practice with some of my favourite yoga teachers on a more regular basis, while also meeting some new favourites along the way (albeit through a screen). One recent Friday evening, I tuned into one of London’s most experienced yoga teachers (and one of my leading ladies) Zephyr Wildman, who along with the immensely talented composer and pianist Christina McMaster treated stressed out folk the world over to a magical hour or so of guided meditation, gentle yoga and classical piano, as part of the Lie Down and Listen online series.
Sitting on my bed, candle flickering on the dressing table, I tuned in to Zephy’s hypnotic guided meditation while doing some very gentle yoga nidra poses. After a few short minutes, the greater world beyond my bed was relegated to the bottom of the worry heap and a real sense of calm and relief prevailed. Soon after, Zephyr quietly handed over the zoom screen to Christina seated at her grand piano somewhere in the UK and the classical notes did just as was intended and I honestly don’t remember much beyond that cosy calm feeling - all was well.
According to McMaster, an avid yogi herself I believe, the combination of gentle yoga and meditation before the concert "opens you up to experience the music on a deeper level and absorb its inherent wellbeing effects.” I can absolutely vouch for this!
More recently still, I was introduced to Icelandic composer Olafur Arnald’s album ‘Some Kind of Peace’. One listen later, I am hooked as his soothing strings are a nurturing tonic for my soul. Apparently Arnald suffers from anxiety himself and his music helps his own healing journey. North Carolina-based contemporary jazz pianist Chad Lawson is another who has come centre stage in recent months with his addictive Sunday evening YouTube sessions, ‘The Evening Calm’.
Sound & Mantra with Liam Oragh and Kate in Dublin
If you are in Ireland one of my favourite sound healers is the gentle and powerful sound therapist Liam Oragh His sound baths are a must for those needing a break from the craziness of life as we now know it. I believe something is in the planning for this December’s Winter Solstice, should the authorities allow! He is in demand, so book early as places (or mat space!) is limited.
Funnily, some years back, in a different world, I played music to help me sleep. Since having children I stopped and had forgotten just how hypnotic it can be. Now my new Sleep 2020 Spotify playlist is dominated by these musicians who are helping me still my busy Yang (doing) mind and connecting me more closely with the Yin (or being) part of me, essential for rest and repair in my body.
