Sounding as a Tool for Spiritual Awakening

Abstract

This article introduces Sounding, a therapeutic, vocal technique that sings sounds (not words) and is largely improvisational. Sounding induces profound shifts of consciousness that lead to deep insights into emotionally-driven behaviour. This serves to help clients rebalance internal mental structures leading to calmness and stability. This article shows the importance of Sounding as a therapeutic technique that has a deep impact on both body and mind. Great care is needed in both one-on-one and group work to assess each client’s emotional and psychological status before going too deep. Having developed Sounding and its use with Yoga Nidra over a period of 15 years, I have grown into an understanding of the power of this work. With an individual, I would not introduce this until I have plenty of context and can understand and feel the client’s sensitivity and vulnerability so I can adjust the wording of the Yoga Nidra and the duration of Sounding to accommodate those sensitivities and vulnerabilities. In one-off group work, especially with people I have not met before, I keep this very light and relaxed so as not to go too deep with both the technique and subsequent therapeutic dialogue. This work is not for people who have fragile/unstable ego states. It needs a certain level of emotional and psychological resilience, which is why, if I am setting up an ongoing group, I will assess clients through an initial questionnaire and then a one-on-one interview. I describe how this technique was developed over the past 15 years since I first started using it during my MA research at CCPE in London in 2004. Various crucial aspects of yoga techniques and philosophy will be outlined that underpin my use of Sounding and how it works in conjunction with Western Transpersonal philosophy. Current scientific research into trauma and anxiety are also explored, and the way Sounding is of benefit in these areas is illustrated. I also look at common features Sounding has with meditation, the use of Ayahuasca, a traditional spiritual medicine, and Near Death Experiences (NDEs). KEYWORDS Koshas, Kleshas, Mind, Near Death Experiences (NDEs), Shamanism’s icaros, Sounding, Spiritual Awakening, Yoga Nidra, Yoga of Sound.