My gong and soundbath experience
I play the gong and give sound baths. I’m based in Todmorden in Calderdale, West Yorkshire and have given gong baths in Hebden Bridge, Mirfield, Saltaire and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
I experienced my first gong bath early in 2019 – the experience made a deep impression on me. I found it relaxing and it helped with some feelings of anxiety I had been experiencing.
Following this I sought out other gong baths which led me to taking some gong player training provided by Selma Studer of Gong studios. I’m a musician, percussionist and a practitioner of mindfulness meditation – and have a keen interest in the power of sound and music to alter mood. So, playing gong for restorative purposes really resonated with me – literally!
In my sessions, I hold a peaceful and calming space. While I am fascinated by the science of sound, its effect on us – and its potential to improve our wellbeing, I make no unsubstantiated claims for what the gong will do for you. A gong bath is a personal experience – and one that will change from session to session. However, I do believe – both from personal experience and from talking to others, that it can refresh and revitalise, allow us to take time out from the stresses and strains of everyday life – and help calm our busy minds.
What is a gong bath?
A gong bath (also known as a sound bath or gong meditation) is a chance to experience a deeply relaxing or meditative state simply by listening to a gong being played.
When played, the gong generates rich and complex sounds – as well as physical vibrations. Participants may feel like they are bathing in sound (hence the name!). While there is no single – or right or wrong way – to experience a gong bath, attendees often report feeling very relaxed and revitalised afterwards. For those familiar with mindfulness meditation you may find yourself entering a similar state to that experienced in a sitting meditation. Or you may simply fall asleep – this is perfectly natural!
Little effort is required in a gong bath – all you need to do is lie comfortably on a mat or sit in a chair and listen to and feel the sound.
In my sessions I typically provide an introduction to what you might expect, followed by a guided meditation to prepare you for the gong bath. Following the gong bath itself we experience a brief period of silence before we fully “return” ourselves to the room and our daily lives.
Please note that gong baths are not recommended for women in their first trimester of pregnancy, those with a pacemaker or anyone with epilepsy.
Classes
The classes I run are by arrangement, either with individuals, groups, organisations or other meditation practitioners (usually for workshops). I often work with Claire Harrison from Tskukireiki and we hold regular workshops and events in the Mirfield area.
If you are interested in discussing arranging a solo or group sound bath, please do get in touch.
Prices
Prices for one-to-one gong baths vary, depending on the number of people attending and travel distance. Please note I don’t have my own space but am happy to travel (within reason!).
Indicative prices, which I’m happy to discuss and adjust if you have difficulties paying the full amount:
- One person in the Calderdale area: £30 per hour
- Two people in the Calderdale area: £50 per hour
- Beyond this area, additional travel costs will be added (typically around £10, depending on the distance)
Prices for groups will depend on the nature of the session and location. Please get in touch to discuss.