Harmonic Dreams
Q. Do you have any scientific data to substantiate what we experience?
A. Yes. Lots.
Just look at what is being done with sound technology in western medicine with Ultra Sound. The only reason it’s called Ultrasound is because we as humans cannot hear it. Its sound is being used as a healing modality.
It has been scientifically shown that certain music, which is nothing more that a combination of sound frequencies arranged in a certain way, will change brain wave pattern and bio feedback mechanisms will respond in different ways. Children in a school were played certain pieces of Mozart, played in their original tuning, not Western tempered, got better test scores and was able to focus better than children that were not.
Neurological research has been done in the form of brain wave entrainment, were patients have been drawn into the different brain wave states using tones or the combination of tones, creating what are called bin-oral beats.
Music therapy is being used to help autistic children, re-integrate into social structures such as schools. The list goes on….
Q. What is your primary practice?
A. In terms of a yoga asana practice it would be gentle flow hatha. I’ve been practicing for about 5 years now. For me yoga is about truly connecting to the inner being and building strength from within. I also have a bhakti practice which is all about the sound vibration using the universal language of Sanskrit. Most often this is in the form of kirtan, but I will chant out loud, or to myself whenever and wherever I feel called to do so. Chanting Sanskrit mantra is a very powerful way to bring about healing through the use of sound and intention. The language is energy based and has been charged with healing intention for several thousand years.
Q. How did sound of any kind first make its way into your practice?
A. Sound came into my yoga practice through the toning that I was already doing as part of my sound healing practice. Toning with intention into the areas of tightness really aids in releasing blocked energy in that part of the body. I regularly facilitate a 3 hour yoga workshop, with my partner Mirabai which focuses on the incorporation of sound with asana. It is s very powerful combination.
Q. How has sound affected your practice?
A. Sound enables me to be really focused and present. While toning, I am completely connected to the pose and the benefits that it brings. I chant the whole length of the yoga class when not toning, which focuses my mind into a perfect space of meditation. So my yoga practice has now become my healing space and meditation space.
