Frequently Asked Questions

(FAQ) Do I need to be religious to meditate?

The origins of mindfulness come from Buddhism, but mindfulness is practiced everywhere in the world by all religions and by those who do not follow religion. Mindfulness is for absolutely everyone. My training in mindfulness was very secular and I teach it in a very secular and accessible way.

(FAQ) Are there any dangers or negative side effects to meditation?

Meditation is generally harmless and side effect free. One precaution to take is to let me know if you have PTSD or any trauma that is present for you (you do not need to disclose any details). This is important because sometimes sitting silently for long periods of time when having active PTSD can re-traumatize someone. I am trained to spot when this is happening when working together but letting me know beforehand can help me decide what kind of meditations may be more fitting from the beginning. Also, it may be advised to work with a therapist if you are experiencing overwhelm, panic, PTSD, etc.

(FAQ) How does sound healing work?

There are a few different ways sound healing works.

1) Brainwave states. Our brainwaves indicate our state of being.

Typically we are in beta. Beta is a very alert state which can be good for problem-solving but may also represent over-drive alertness and anxiety. It is good to have “beta breaks”. Sound healing takes us out of beta.

Alpha is a more relaxed state indicating inner awareness and tranquility. Sound healing brings us into alpha before taking us to theta.

Theta state is the sweet spot sound healing and certain kinds of meditation can take us to. It is the spot between wakefulness and sleep (the subconscious mind) that brings us creativity, intuition, and dream-like “visions”.

Every so often we go into delta, a very sleepy and slow brainwave state. When you hear someone in a sound bath snoring, they have likely slipped into delta! Likely you are in need of deep rest if you are in delta during a sound bath. I may be aware you have fallen asleep and try to guide you back into theta.

2) Sounds are healing

Science shows our overall environment with flashing lights, sounds, vibration, and frequency can have a profound effect on our well-being. All sound is vibration. Harmonic and calm soothing sounds can recalibrate the body to a more relaxed state while chaotic sounds and vibrations can throw us out of balance.

Think about closing your eyes and standing near a busy intersection. How would the honking horns, cell phone chatter, and overall busyness make you feel? Probably chaotic and not very calm. Your body may feel tense and you may feel distracted and anxious.

Now think about sitting in nature. You hear birds chirping, leaves blowing in the wind, and the soothing sound of running water. You probably will feel more more at peace and calm. The body will feel soft and at ease.

The rainstick and ocean drum resembles nature and brings us peace while the sound bowls bring soothing, melodic, and harmonic tones to bring our body and mind rest and stability.

3) Relaxation

When we relax, it can have an incredible healing effect on our body. Our blood pressure drops, inflammation and pain may decrease, and our hormones and digestion regulate. Much of the healing from sound healing comes from its powerful relaxation effect. Unlike other forms of meditation, sound healing catapults you into deep relaxation and you do not need to have any sort of meditation training to get there.