Sound Bath

Tickets £15, booking required

Berni Crane, of Mindlight Meditation, will facilitate three standalone sound bath sessions at MAA. Her aim is to provide the opportunity to experience the benefits of mindfulness meditation in a relaxed, non-judgemental and supportive environment.

For two decades she worked within the busy environments of both the care sector as an inspector and the education sector as a lecturer. She was overwhelmed, exhausted and stressed. As well as overthinking, she found herself unable to relax. Having taught psychology in colleges and universities in the Bedfordshire area for over a decade Berni thought she understood the power of the mind pretty well. It wasn't until she actually started practicing meditation and mindfulness on a daily basis that she really began to understand the mind has such a powerful influence on every aspect of your life, health and wellbeing. Now she teaches to support others in the same quest.

What is sound healing?

Sound healing is a practice that has been used in all cultures across the world for many thousands of years. It is an ancient practice that harnesses the power of sound vibrations to promote healing and relaxation and can be used to address a specific ailment or issue. It is most commonly used as a form of self care in the form of a sound bath.

How does it work?

During a sound bath your brain enters the theta brainwave state. Whilst in this state you will remember everything but are deeply relaxed. The facilitator plays a variety of sounds each with a different tone and frequency. These sounds interact with the cells of the body, helping to align (repair) them.

Benefits of a sound bath can include:

• Relaxation of mind and body
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Reduces inflammation in the body
• Reduces anger and irritability
• Reduces fatigue
• Pain relief
• Can lift a depressive state
• Boosts creativity
• Induces a state of inner harmony
• Improve memory and sleep quality
• Can helps with joint problems, headaches, digestive problems and menstruation issues.

What happens during a sound bath?

You will be invited to lie down with your eyes closed in a comfortable position, using mats, pillows and blankets. Your facilitator will then guide you through a relaxing body scan meditation. The facilitator then plays a variety of instruments such as drums, rain sticks, Tibetan singing bowls, gongs and chimes. You don’t have to do anything, just lay back, relax and allow your body to take in the sound and let the vibrations do their work.

Important Information

We regret that no latecomers can be admitted.

You will need to wear comfortable clothing and bring your own pillows (1 or 2 depending on whether you need extra back support) and blankets.

Participants will need to complete a health from prior to taking part for insurance purposes. Please look out for a link to respond prior to the session, which for GDPR reasons will go directly to the tutor only.

Contra Indications

Whilst sound healing is a safe practice with many benefits . There are some circumstances in which sound therapy is not recommended. Please consult your medical team before booking if you have any of the following conditions.

Pregnancy - It is not advisable to participate in any sound healing activities during any stage of pregnancy.

Heart problems and Pacemakers - Sound baths can potentially affect heart rhythm and blood pressure. Individuals with a pacemakers and conditions such as heart arrhythmias, hypertension or other heart issues should be particularly cautious and seek guidance from their clinical care team.

Severe Mental Problems -such as for those with severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia, psychosis or PTSD, the intense sensory experience might be overwhelming.

Epilepsy or a history of seizure - it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before attending a sound bath. The varying frequencies and vibrations can stimulate the same part of the brain that can trigger seizures.

Statue of the Buddha, Yuman, Myanmar. Source: Unknown. MAA 1993.53