Sound Check

Dear Reader,

How have you been doing with sound??? Have you been experimenting with breath, toning or song since my last post? For those of you who haven’t read it yet, on Tuesday, I talked about the use of sound in your life as a way to work with energy and help create motivation for change in your life. I promised to check in after a few days to see how that’s working for you – so here I am!

My own efforts since Tuesday have included making sure that I’m breathing more fully, incorporating a sigh or sound on my exhale when I feel tense, singing more around the house, and on occasion, speaking random gibberish. I highly recommend that one.

The bottom line: conscious use of sound and toning can decrease stress, promote healing and heighten your intuition.

Doesn’t that sound worth trying, or doing even more of if you already focus on using sound in your life?

My biggest excitement over sound this week came with the arrival of the new book by Krishna Das, “Chants of a Lifetime: Searching for a Heart of Gold.” For those of you unfamiliar with Krishna Das, he’s (arguably) the most popular Western leader of kirtan, or Indian devotional chanting, touring today. His book, which starts with his time spent in India, includes a cd of chants. Words for the chants are in the book for ease in following along. Needless to say, I have been having fun!

If you have never heard KD, or never attended a kirtan, I recommend it. He travels worldwide, so there’s a good chance he will be near you at some point, wherever you are. To check his schedule, go to the Krishna Das website.

The power of devotional chant can be profound. I still remember the first time, at a Krishna Das kirtan, I was moved so deeply by the call and response that my hands were drawn together in front of my chest, as if by magnets. This was not a conscious choice on my part; I was not trying to pray or imitate prayer. It was pure energy, and a pure heart-response to the chant.

If you haven’t tried any sound experimentation yet this week – do! If nothing else, put on your favorite cd, kick back and cut loose – I want to be able to hear you in Scotland!

I honor your loving heart,

John