Music can have an amazing transformative
effect in harmonizing our body systems. In fact, studies have shown
that using music with the intention of healing has brought about
positive effects on the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.
Music helps bring up many emotions and feelings, including some we
may not even know we are holding onto. The opportunity in this is to
re-experience our feelings so that their intensity may lessen and we
may rebalance ourselves as we “let go and let God.” When we
surrender our own built-up anger, resentment, and shame, our bodies
can heal. Sound and rhythm have a unique ability to balance the
interactions of frequencies throughout our body bringing us into
sync or “in tune” with universal energy.
One of our greatest gifts is the sound of our own voice, and one of
the highest forms of vibrational healing is through chanting or
toning. This involves repeating one consistent musical sound, which
in turn allows us to take in creative energy that supports wholeness
of body, mind, and spirit. Used with intention, our own voices can
be our most powerful healing tools. Indeed, our voice is always with
us and resonates with the uniqueness of our individual souls as our
fundamental tone.
This fundamental tone represents a resonance that is compatible with
our soul, a characteristic that is original to us and at the root of
our existence. Voicing this tone entrains our bodies by sending
sympathetic vibrations to our very roots, awakening the healing
process into enfoldment.
To find your personal fundamental tone that is in tune with your
essence, you must calm and center yourself into a deep meditative
state. Once in this relaxed state, take in a deep breath and let out
the sound that comes naturally to you. Or, you might choose the
sacred Hindu symbol Om (representing both the unmanifest and
manifest aspects of God). When we chant or sing Om during
meditation, we attune to the cosmic vibration of the universe and
lose our connection to the physical world where thoughts are
contained. That is, we transcend the intellect and merge into our
individual self with that of the Infinite Self. It is here where the
potential to channel a tremendous amount of creativity is possible
and the path to manifesting miracles is opened.
Another powerful way to find that space of peace within is to listen
to a pure repetitive beat. An ancient tool used by our ancestors
throughout time is the drum. Like the beat of the heart, the drum
has a regulating effect on the human body that is soothing and
hypnotic. Anxiety, tension, and stress are released with Healing
Drumming as well as providing a deep state of relaxation. Physical
energy and mental concentration levels increase while improving
mental clarity. Combining both chanting and drumming have profound
transformative and healing powers, leading us on a journey to a
level of awareness beyond the physical world we perceive, where our
divinity may be re-discovered.
Professionals in the field of music and sound therapy believe that
such audio vibrations can affect us in many ways. One profound way
is called entrainment. This is a phenomenon in which spirit and mind
become in sync with music as the body becomes aligned with the
rhythm, melody, and lyrics of a song. Have you ever felt that
nostalgic feeling you get when you hear a song that brings up a
memory stored deep within your psyche? Feeling it all flood into
your consciousness on all levels, filling you up with emotions of
the past? Such is entrainment.
The natural link between music and healing is an excellent resource
for connecting members of a family. Whether you have professional
drums available to you or just pots and pans, or whether you have
the voice of an opera singer or you are tone deaf, the results of
intent healing will not differ. You also do not need any musical
training or background—and the more you practice, the better you
will get!
Want to try? Begin by assembling your family and/or friends in a
circle, along with their drumming device of choice. Take care not to
hurt your hands by over slapping or exerting them (using sticks is a
great alternative). Have everyone begin by actively sustaining a
repetitive simple basic rhythm between the members, allowing time to
pass until a sense of belonging is felt among everyone—in other
words, rhythmic entrainment.
Next, allow yourself to intuitively release “your” sound. Any note,
pitch, timbre, or frequency will suffice. This may be more difficult
for adults due to environmental conditioning. The important thing,
however, is not to judge yourself; know the cacophony that comes out
of your vocal chords is the perfect sound for you and the group’s
healing process.
Group members can also choose to sing a chant or song while
drumming, though this is a more advanced technique due to
multi-tasking. A chant that a friend of mine wrote that I love to
sing is:
“I am Holy, I am Body, I am the heart of the Ocean, I am the
heart of the sea.
The moon shines through me, she is within me, she is the heart of
the ocean, she’s in the heart of me.”
So, anytime you want to change the resonating frequency in your
body, music is a great tool to use. And it is fun! As you allow your
body to respond to the frequencies of different melodies and
rhythms, you will feel different physical responses. Breathe deeply
and relax. There will be differences in your heart rate and blood
pressure!
Sing out with all of your heart! Listen to lyrics that fill you up
with joy and love — songs with words that praise connection to life,
humanity and the earth we walk upon.
Shawn Zuke, a
singer/songwriter, energy/sound healer, and esthetician, lives in
Homer, AK. She travels with her band LoveLifeMusic (www.LoveLifeMusic.com
or
www.myspace.com/shawnzuke) ministering the message of love and
unity through music.
