Source: Intent - The first of our five senses to develop in the fetus, and the last to fade as we pass from this world, is our sense of hearing.
Throughout our lives, sound is a magical, mysterious medium that surrounds us, moving, inspiring, evoking, enchanting and healing us. Sound is a gateway to our heart wisdom, a vibrational bridge to the ineffable, and medicine for our soul.
We are vibrational beings, and the health of our mind, body, and spirit is influenced by our environment, and the sounds we are exposed to. Music has the ability to bring us into our heart center, bypassing our busy minds and clever intellect. Sound, offered with the intention to heal and uplift, creates a vibrational bridge to the ‘now moment’, where all healing occurs. Music can slow down and equalize brain waves: music with a pulse of about 60 beats per minute can shift us from the beta waves of ordinary consciousness to the alpha waves of heightened awareness and calm. Music and sound therapy has many physical health benefits that have been documented in recent scientific studies, ranging from reduced blood pressure and heart rate, to increased energy, stronger immune function, and an overall sense of peace and well-being.
The miraculous power of sound to bring healing and inner harmony has been known for centuries; Pythagoras used 'musical medicine' creating combinations of sound to eliminate inner dissonance, and alleviate so-called ‘passions of the mind’. Hippocrates-the father of Western medicine, took patients to the healing temple of Ascelpius, and used music to restore inner harmony.
Modern day applications of sound healing are vast and varied, from music therapy, drumming circles and kirtan, to the use of instruments such as quartz crystal bowls, didgeridoo, gongs and tibetan singing bowls. I experienced a transformative sound healing session with Gong Master Don Conreaux and his amazing gong therapy while I was performing at the mind body spirit festival in London, England in 2005. Seated among his vast array of gongs, the powerful vibrations and low, reverberative tones evoked a deep emotional and physical response. Master Don's 'gong bath' was a uniquely transformative experience, which led me to further explore the science and art of sound healing.
In May 2007, I enrolled in the Soundwork Practitioner Intensive Course at Toronto Sound Source, facilitated by pioneer sound practitioner and multi-instrumentalist Gary Diggins. This course of study deepened my passion and respect for sound as a healing modality, and I began to lead workshops on the healing power of sound. Gary and I are founding members of the Canadian Association of Sound Practitioners (www.soundpractitioners.com), a coalition of musicians, teachers, therapists, and performers who respect an ancient principle: sound, when expressed with purpose and artistry, can promote individual and group well-being.
I call these Nada Yoga - Sound Healing Workshops , “Awakening The Heart”. We are at a pivotal time in human history where it is essential that we awaken our heart wisdom - the qualities of the Divine Feminine - including compassion, intuition, love, forgiveness, patience, tolerance, and kindness.
Our world at the moment is turbulent, noisy and chaotic. It is also peaceful, beautiful and serene...it is a study in contrasts and choices. We have the ability to choose the soundtrack of our lives, to surround ourselves with music that literally raises our ‘joy vibration’, and prompts us to dance and sing our blues away.
In her book, 'Women Who Run With The Wolves', Clarissa Pinkola Estes says, "To sing is to use the soul voice. It means to say on the breath the truth of one's power and one's need. It is to breathe soul over that which is ailing or in need of restoration". Our world is ailing, and many souls are in need of restoration. Your own personal healing journey beckons. Listen deeply to the whispers of your heart, breathe soul over your prayers…and sing…drum…sound…howl.
Pam Gerrand is a singer/songwriter/sound healer/speaker based in Stratford, Ontario. She finds great inspiration in the poetry of Rumi, the joyful presence of her dog/guru Henry, and the authentic voices of her children, her greatest teachers. To experience the fruits of her inspiration in the form of words, music, meditations and musings...visit www.pamgerrand.com

