The cycles of the year, shaped by the changing seasons and lunar rhythms, remind us of the intricate harmony of nature, true each cycle seamlessly supports the continuity and renewal of life.
The core of this natural rhythm lies the December solstice. This is the astronomical point at which the sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn. On December 21the solstice reminds us to reconnect with nature, find balance and celebrate the cycles of life.
In this blog we explore how facilitating or attending a sound bath can help us adapt to the changing seasons and connecting more deeply with the rhythms of nature, with a focus on the December solstice.
The December solstice is a moment of renewal
Many believe that the December solstice symbolizes balancewhich marks a crucial moment in the heavenly dance of light and darkness.
As we observe these dynamics, this annual event is a gentle reminder of the biorhythms we are connected to in our lives.
The power of sound baths for seasonal connections
Sound baths have been used for years for ceremonial and spiritual purposes.
People are attracted to them and they are becoming more and more popular. In a sound bath, participants are immersed or bathed in sound waves.
Typically, the group rests comfortably on the floor to receive the sound event from the sound artist or facilitator. The event can last from 15 minutes to 90 minutes. Many participants have reported that the vibrations of these healing sounds help relax their mind and body.
You can create a soundscape for yourself or for others in your community. Typically they are hosted in a quiet space indoors or outdoors. They can incorporate specially selected instruments like crystal singing bowls or gongs. Some people think so chime and percussion instruments add another layer of depth to an already immersive experience. Short periods of repetitive sound patterns can promote relaxation. The brain can recognize such patterns and make time for them.
You can play softly and attentively promoting greater well-being. This can be calming and supportive for those who find meditation difficult. Sound baths can work very well as a sense of occasion.
Bringing people together to mark the rhythms of the world and seasonal changes can be very powerful. You can organize such a meeting on the occasion of the solstice in nature, in a local community center, at your home or even online. Such an event, where people experience music and rhythm together, can evoke primal emotions from the time we gathered together in early communities; it could even be the rebalancing emotions.
At the very least, people can feel safe and connected.
How to align sound healing with seasonal energy
Sound, rather than music, would have been common in prehistoric societies. People would have found a variety of tools to create instruments, perhaps creating rhythms using animal bones, clay pots, or wood.
Verbal language is not necessarily needed to create meaning. Messages can be experienced through music and sound without verbal communication. Sounds can reflect the light and dark of the seasons by changing the shared textures and experiences of light and dark. Cycles of sound textures, as well as seasonal shifts, can affect our mood. Such experiences transcend geographic regions.
Like the Northern Hemisphere moves on the winter solsticewe might feel A shift in consciousness. Deep reflection could be encouraged use of grounding instruments like gongs. The vibration of Tibetan singing bowls or healing tuned pipes can root us in the earth. And install drums can support the contemplative nature of the occasion. Set the intention for these vibrations to inspire inner silence and reflection can help create space for personal innovation.
In the Southern Hemispherethe energy of summer might inspire you to play instruments such as crystal singing bowls, Zaphir chimes or bar chimes. These instruments can Create bright, expansive tones that fit well with the summer vibrations. Set the intention for these sounds to inspire creativity and joy can help us connect with the environment and celebrate the energy of the sun.
Integrating Nadam’s concepts into sound bath celebrations
We don’t necessarily need to have sound healing tools on hand. One of the most powerful instruments is our voice. The traditional Sanskrit term “nadam” refers to the concept of “sound” or “sound current”. In many Eastern traditions, sound is understood as a cosmic vibration. Some call this noise the inner OM.
This primal sound is sometimes called the source of all creation, underlie all phenomena in the universe. When we make the sound OM, we can feel it as a physical sound vibration, connecting us to our body. However, it also resonates spiritually, that’s how it is a very useful sound for meditation.
A sound bath facilitator can only use the voice for their meeting or party. The voice is very flexible. For winter, you can adopt grounding sounds, such as humming. These can connect us to powerful energies deep within us and in the earth. We can celebrate the stimulating renewal of the season in summer by taking advantage of gliding.
The voice alone can produce frequencies that correspond to all seasons. Within sound there is silence. Within a sound bath we can use silence. It’s a powerful tool! A few moments of silence can give more meaning to the sounds and rhythmic vibrations that precede and follow them. Silence can help create contrast. It can help give meaning to the sounds by building a moment of anticipation and then letting go, or it can help anchor us in a rhythm.
Just as the silence between sounds gives sound its meaning, the solstice invites us to pause, be quiet and reflect about the meaning of our own lives. It is an opportunity to honor the dualities that define our world – peace and activity, silence and sound, light and dark, north and south, end and beginning.
By tuning into these natural rhythms, we find innovation and balance. In some traditions, ‘nadam’ refers to the auditory perception of this cosmic vibration. This is why listening is often incorporated into good healing, meditation, and spiritual development practices.
Listening exercise: silence for inner peace and balance
In our life cycle, the biorhythms with which we are connected require moments of rest.
The word “solstice” is derived from the Latin for “sun” and also ‘stand still’. We would like to invite you to think about this for a moment. What does it mean to be silent?
- Find a comfortable place, sitting or lying down.
- Place a finger in your ears. Do not use force; a light touch can support this exercise.
- Try to concentrate for a few moments on the sounds you hear in your ears.
- What do you hear?
- Do you notice anything as you begin to settle into the silence? Maybe your breath? Or ocean sounds? Maybe even bells or bell-like sounds.
- These sounds are our inner sounds. If we make contact with it often enough, we find peace and a sense of balance.
Consider using this moment of silence and self-connection as part of your solstice celebrations.
Observing a moment of peace on the cyclical calendar
Another technique you might like to incorporate into a sound bath while celebrating the December solstice is “damping”. Here you use a tool or a hand to gently reduce the vibrations, causing the sound to slowly fade away.
This mirrors the solstice as one season transitions into another. Eventually the noise may stop; this silent pause is a useful marker, a poignant moment before a new cycle begins.
In these quiet moments we have time to think, breathe and embrace any changes that are on the horizon. The relationship between sound and silence reflects balance. While silence enhances the effect of sound, the silence of the solstice offers a moment for reflection and renewal.
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If you are organizing or participating in a sound bath, please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you!
Our Sound Therapy Shop gift voucher
Did you know that The Sound Healing Academy offers gift vouchers that you can purchase in our Sound Therapy Shop?
Giving the gift of a sound healing instrument is an opportunity for the recipient to begin their own sound journey help them achieve inner peace! Check out our US gift cards And British gift vouchersand let your loved ones choose what resonates with their soul!
And… to conclude our blog: may this December solstice bring you harmony and new beginnings, be it through a sound bath or a moment of silence and reflection! As we reflect on our place on Earth, let’s share this with all others who celebrate the North and South Solstices.
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References
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Lyon D. (2021) A time to reflect and a time to move forward. Oncol Nursing Forum. 4;48(1):9-10. doi: 10.1188/21.ONF.9-10. PMID: 33337435
Sukhbir, S (2022) Efficacy of singing bowls in childhood asthma: a pilot and feasibility study, sound and vibration. 56(3), 245-253. doi:10.32604/sv.2022.016139
Øverland S, Woicik W, Sikora L, et al. (2020) Seasonality and symptoms of depression: a systematic review of the literature. Epidemiology and psychiatric sciences. 29, e31. doi:10.1017/S2045796019000209
Winthorst WH, Bos EH, Roest AM, de Jonge P (2020) Seasonality of mood and affect in a large general population sample. PLOS A 15(9), e0239033. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0239033