Kylie Holdem
Sound healing, a practice deeply rooted in history, is founded on the belief that everything, including humans, is energy. As vibrational beings, we are influenced by various physical and emotional frequencies. This ancient wisdom is evident in the acoustic properties of structures from past civilisations, spanning from Egypt, Greece, and Scotland to Tibet and Mexico. The didgeridoo, a ceremonial instrument with a history dating back 40,000 years, is a testament to Sound’s use in this way.
Our voices also offer a glimpse into the Sound connection. Think of a baby's coos and cries. Each tone communicates a specific need, and mothers instinctively respond by humming or singing babies to sleep.
Modern Sound therapy and Sound meditations draw on this ancient knowledge, like the Kyela method (Group Sound Meditation) I trained in at the Australian College of Sound Therapy. It combines metal and crystal singing bowls to create harmonics, each note carrying a specific frequency and healing property. For instance, note C resonates with the base chakra at the bottom of the spine, which can help bring groundedness to anxious states.
As a skilled facilitator, I create a sonic arrangement that fills the room with continuous, soothing vibrations. The carefully selected process and frequencies work in harmony to bring the body back into tune with itself through a process called entrainment. In this phenomenon, the Sound’s rhythmic vibrations can influence and synchronise with the brainwaves, heart rate, and other bodily functions. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the rest and digest phase rather than the fear-based fight-or-flight response. This leads to alpha or theta brainwave activity associated with deep relaxation (sometimes even delta, the deep sleep brainwave). All are related to cellular healing activity. Even if you drift off, you still benefit from the therapeutic frequencies.
Each session is a unique voyage into the power of Sound. It may feel unfamiliar at first, as we are accustomed to perceiving the world more through our eyes, so we must trust in the unseen influence that is at play in this process. Some find relaxation quickly, while others take a little longer to tune in. The key is approaching the experience with an open mind, free from expectations, and allowing the Sound to guide you. A group Sound meditation is generally one hour long. The reason for this amount of time is to allow the client to drop into a deep state of relaxation. I prefer to hold sessions for 90 minutes total. Cultivating space to promote slowness, presence, connection to self and others. It also gives time to ground and carry on with your day/night.
Afterwards, it’s recommended to integrate the experience through journaling, gentle movement, or simply resting and hydrating. You may notice subtle or significant shifts in your energy and emotions in the following days and weeks. These shifts vary from person to person and session to session but often include feelings of relaxation, clarity, increased energy, and a release of tension and emotional blockages.
Sound meditation is a gift that everyone, regardless of background or beliefs, can use to connect with deeper parts of themselves and promote optimal well-being.
Sound meditation is a fantastic way to begin to explore Sound, especially if you are new to any spiritual practices. This can then lead onto 1:1 Sound therapy sessions. These are specifically tailored to the individual for whatever challenges you are facing in the moment.
