“I am generally open to trying various modalities for my emotional, mental, and spiritual health and well-being. I’ve tried osteopathy, cupping, massage, acupuncture, Reiki, yoga, meditation, kinesiology, and have seen healers, received blessings, and explored many different practices. So, when I received a gift voucher for a sound bath healing session from my best friend for Christmas, I was beyond excited. It’s not normally her thing, but she was coming with me.
The day arrived for our session. It was being held in a large group setting (about 100 people), so there was plenty of space, and the environment was calm and relaxing from the moment we stepped in. We were told to bring our own yoga mat and warm clothing. The day’s forecast was 35°C, so I ignored that instruction… and later regretted it! When we were shown to our spots and settled in for the session, I noticed that other participants had pillows and blankets. I signalled one of the ushers and asked about this. She advised that pillows were bring-your-own, but they did have a couple of blankets left we could use. Thank goodness! I used the blanket as a pillow, but as my body temperature dropped, I ended up needing it for warmth. Note to self: next time, bring a pillow and blanket!
The room’s setting was stunning. It was filled with battery-operated candles that looked real and created a beautiful, calming ambiance. At the center of the space were all the “sound-making” instruments—bowls, chimes, and other items I wasn’t familiar with.
As we sat patiently for the class to start, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. It was as though my body knew this was a safe space to relax, reset, and simply be calm. Nothing was going to take this next hour from me.
The class began with beautiful breathwork and meditation. Remembering to slow the breath is so important, and a setting like this forces you to do so. I’ve always struggled with “switching off” my brain, so meditation and I have a love-hate relationship. I want to practice it more often because I believe in its benefits, but I find it extremely challenging, which is probably why I should do it more often.
The instructor had the most calming, soul-filling voice. She was simultaneously soft and quiet yet convincing. The first sound we heard was the “rain” sound that followed our breathing, signaling the beginning of our “sound bath.” The sounds of various Tibetan bowls, chimes, tongs, the gong, and I think even a didgeridoo at one point (honestly, I couldn’t distinguish which instrument made which sound), were played in perfect harmony. Before I could even figure out which of my intrusive thoughts were invading my ability to fully embrace the calm, I think I fell asleep! I felt like I had been teleported to a state of total relaxation. Wow, is this what it feels like to completely “zone out”? I was so aware of my drifting state and felt like I should stay awake to enjoy it, so I kept waking myself up. I consciously observed how relaxed I was as my body soaked up the vibrations of the sounds coming from the center of the room.
What felt like maybe 10 minutes was, in fact, an hour. We were gently “woken” from our meditative state with instructions to stretch our arms and legs and open our eyes. I didn’t want it to end. I hadn’t yet had enough. My body and mind were craving more of this vibrational energy. I felt instantly lighter and calmer. For the first time in a long time, I had truly relaxed—actually relaxed.
We left feeling rejuvenated, motivated, and with more energy than when we started. I know this session absolutely had a positive effect on my health and well-being. I felt less stressed, my mood was lifted, and even my body aches seemed to decrease. Overall, I loved this experience and cannot wait to revisit—this time, with a blanket and pillow for added comfort!”
Written by Simone Mecuri
TNS Administration & Receptionist
At The Next Step Recovery and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, our mission is to provide tailored programs and services for athletes recovering from spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions. Our Athlete Scholarship Program secures generous funding for athletes without financial support.
