Tackling Stress and Challenging Life Issues through SOUND

The healing music of Crystal Bowls...

Signs of Stress?

How listening to Crystal Sound relaxes you

Not all sound is equal

What is Crystal Sound Bowl Therapy?

The Crystal Sound experience

Guidelines for listening to the Crystal Sounds

Stress Reduction techniques

Easy and effortless relaxation can be achieved
through listening to the Sounds of Crystal.

For millennia, the healing properties of crystals has assisted in the remediation of many ills and emotional difficulties. Silica itself, is an important mineral required for the functioning of the human body and is the most abundant mineral on the Earth.

The Sound of Crystal, as produced by the Crystal Bowls, is an ethereal sound, pure sine wave tones, that penetrate deep into the body, vibrating it to a state of inner harmony and deep peace.

Physical problems, emotional, mental and spiritual issues, can all be assisted by listening to the Pure Tones of the Crystal Bowls.

The Pure Tones of the Crystal Bowls are an entrancing medium that creates a feeling of deep relaxation. The sounds seem "non-worldly", and create harmonious vibrations that enhance the feelings of contentment, inner harmony and freedom from the stress and irritation of the everyday environment. When the body is able to deeply relax, along with the mind and emotions, healing is possible, bringing us back to our true inner state of profound peace and atonement (at-one-ment) with all life.

What is stress ?

Stress is living in a state of constant tension and anxiety, not being able to release or resolve the issues confronting us, from the everyday to major life changes. Not all stress is bad or undesirable, as sometimes we need stress in an emergency situation, where we need to fight or run. But when stress is not released, it becomes like an external pressure or force that builds up inside us, eventually creating emotional and physical feelings of unhappiness and pain.

Stress causes adrenaline to be released which then increases your heart beat rate, as well as your muscle tension, metabolism and blood pressure - all ready for your "flight or fight" response. The hands and feet become cold as blood is directed away from the extremities and the digestive system, into the larger muscles that can help you fight or run. You experience the sensation of butterflies in the stomach, pupils dilate to sharpen your vision and your hearing becomes more acute. Your brain shuts down non-essential areas in the rear that are to do with higher levels of functioning, like communication, and concentrates on the gross motor movement areas in the front of the brain. Hence, concentration skills are significantly impaired, as is the mind's ability to express itself, either orally or in a written form. If the stress is happening at work or a learning environment, then output is appreciably decreased.

Stress is one of the most common problems in the western world, and stress related disease is becoming the one of the main problems in the workplace as well as the home.

The world situation at this time is also one of great uncertainty. The talk of terrorism in many countries, is creating a pervasive feeling of stress, anxiety and fear - a "dis-ease" amongst large numbers of people that has no resolution. There does not seem to be a point in time when this uncertainty will end. We are also fearful and isolated in our own communities and homes with regard to theft, mugging or terrorism, and conditions are not showing signs of improvement.

So - how do we know we are stressed and what can we do about it?

Find out how stressed you are...
Quick questionnaire

Signs of stress

We see the signs of stress in ourselves when we feel irritable for no cause, short tempered, can't concentrate, lack of motivation and efficiency, problems sleeping, and generally feeling like life is not that wonderful, to feeling depressed. Once these feelings set in then the symptoms of stress move into the physical body, and we find we are getting headaches, stomach troubles, lower back pains, tensions in our neck and shoulders, tightness in the chest, and possibly chronic constipation.

Ever felt like this and turned on the stereo and put on some good music, and then felt your mood change? If the music was calming, then your mood may have changed into feeling like there was some meaning in life. Or perhaps you had the motivation to do those things that you were putting off, or you felt like you could go to bed and have the good night's sleep you had been longing for.

Often good music gives us the energy and inspiration we have been lacking. When we listen to calming music for some time, we can calm down to such an extent that our body can improve it's health, the immune system gets stronger, and we are on the road to a vibrant life.

What can we do about our stress ?

Listening to the Pure Tones of the Crystal Singing Bowls

What is it about calming sounds and music that creates a relaxation response?

Music is pure vibration - the vibration of the air compressing our ear drums as well as the vibration resonating with our complete body. When the music or sounds resonate or combine with the basic vibrating energy of our body (everything is in a state of vibration - from the gross dimensions down to the atomic dimensions, including our body) then our body's vibrations can relax.

Sound medicine is based on the idea that one can entrain the body to vibrate harmoniously by listening to appropriate or tuned sounds, the body then "ingesting' the correct vibration into the non-harmonious area, which allows the body to heal itself.

The bones, organs and energy systems in the body all possess a different resonant frequency. When an organ or part of the body is unwell it is vibrating "out of tune" or non-harmoniously. This is called "dis-ease". A body is in a healthy state when each cell, each organ creates resonance / vibrations that are in harmony with the whole being as well as with the surrounding environment.

Masseurs use ultra sound or relaxing music as an accompaniment to massage, so the client can reach a deep state of relaxation. Acupuncture works by "unblocking" and stimulating the energy that is stuck in a particular part of the body, so that the energy can flow easily throughout the body. Herbs and medicines are given when feeling physically or emotionally unwell. The vibrations of the herb or medicine, that is required by the body for wellness, creates the harmony within the body, and the body can heal itself.

Feeling stressed or unwell is when energy is unable to move through the body easily - there are blockages. The body then tends to contract - muscles tighten, joints stiffen, organs decline in performance. We also become emotionally shut down, have difficulties with communication - unable to express ourselves with ease, love and joy.

Sound medicine is where the pure vibration of beautiful and harmonising sounds, or Crystal Bowls, is ingested in the whole of our being like a flood. The body can then feel more open and flexible, there is joy and love in our heart, and we are able to express ourselves with ease and grace and love.

Not all music and sound is created equal...

It is important to be aware that not all sounds create harmony within the body, mind and emotions. Compare how you feel after listening to jack hammers or listening to your favourite relaxing music. There is no comparison - one makes you feel "out of sorts" or irritable, and the other makes you feel like a contented pussy cat.

So too with the music you listen to. There have been many treatises concerning the relationship between the music of an age and the events happening at the time - like the protest songs of the 1960's and 1970's. So what is happening in our age?? And what is the music reflecting??

Certainly for some adolescents and young people of the 2000's some music seems to reflect the inward unhappiness and lack of direction many seem to be experiencing. The effect of the music does not seem to bring them to feeling inspired towards positive actions in their lives, rather towards more anger and hatred of others, and sometimes a feeling of depression and hopelessness within.

The difference is in the beat, melody and lyrics, the actual combination of sounds.

Some music is inspiring, makes your heart sing, giving you a feeling that anything is possible and you have love for all.

Experiment with yourself...

Stand in front of your sound system and listen to one type of music after another:

1. How does it make you feel - in your physical body? Do you feel like you want to dance or slump in a heap / creating some sensations in your body - of pain or harmony?

2. How do you feel emotionally? Do you feel happy / sad / angry / fearful / or inspired to change the world to a more loving place?

3. How do you feel mentally? What are you thinking? Does the music remind you of some long forgotten memories / what you are supposed to be doing at work / what happened with your family last week / what you would really love to be doing with your life?

TIPS :

• Take care with what sounds you expose yourself to, and try to minimise your exposure to sounds that you feel are destructive and depressing.

• Also, minimise the amount of conversation or media you listen to that is concerning negative or depressing subjects.

• Be kind to yourself at all times and protect yourself from the harmful influences of this world as much as possible. Once you are feeling at peace, energised and strong, then you can tackle the negative influences in the environment with an inner calmness, determination and clarity that others will envy you for.

One wonderful way to positively give yourself wonderful sounds to "ingest", is to listen to the Crystal Sound CDs ...

Anahata Lotus, Aurora, and Magic Harmonies

What is Crystal Bowl Sound Therapy?

And what makes it such a powerful healing instrument?

Crystal Bowl Sound Therapy is a form of vibrational therapy that validates that everything in the universe if in a state of vibration. Crystal Bowls are made almost entirely of pure silicon quartz crystal that has been melted and formed into a shape that resonates with pure tone. It therefore combines the healing properties of both crystal and sound.

Crystal Bowls were actually originally made for the computer industry. Incidentally it was found that they made a glorious sound when rubbed in the manner of a crystal glass. It was then discovered that they have amazing healing properties. The sound and crystal combine to form an amazing amplifier and transmitter of healing energy - affecting the physical structure of the body as well as the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the listener. It "fine tunes" the body's chakra or life-energy system, to allow for a more clear channel to environmental and universal forces. The sound of the Crystal Bowls envelops the body in a bath of sound, and moves through the body affecting every cell at all levels of consciousness.

The sound of the Crystal Bowls is 'celestial' - one can't help but be entranced by them. It seems as if this sound is of an ancient familiar memory that the body immediately resonates to - children and adults alike.

Crystal holds a memory. Through this quality we can magnify the intention of what we want to manifest into this world with the assistance of the sound of the Crystal Bowls. The intention behind the sound is of extreme importance - the power of thought is the means by which we create our reality. Nothing can be created if it has not been first thought. The resonance of the Crystal sounds creates a memory trace, for some days, that enhances our active intentions.

When using crystal sound to heal, the crystal and sound amplifies the thought and action created by the listener - be it with relation to one's health issues, emotional situation, environmental healing, a project that requires new ideas, or to enhance a business venture. It can also be used to bring out the special quality or feeling in people - bring us closer to our soul's purpose - create inspiration - open the heart - and simultaneously release and replace thought forms that are not of the highest radiance for the listener.

Crystal Bowls are also an excellent tool for enhancing a group intention or project - as "When two or more people are gathered in My Name…" magic truly happens.

Crystal Sound emits a pure holographic template of sound and radiant light that corresponds to the frequencies of vibration in our body - the 'octave' of sound within our body. The seven notes of the octave relate to the seven colours of the rainbow and these relate to the seven main chakras - which in turn relate to the different areas of the body as well as the emotions. All the vibrations the body needs are encompassed within the seven notes of the octave. Since seven separate Crystal Bowls are played in the Crystal Bowl Sound Therapy session all of the body's needs are met.

Vibrational healing is a powerful healing tool to bring about change in one's life, and sound is an excellent and non-judgemental, non - analytical, non - talk way to affect healing. The body is an integrated whole and has to be healed at all levels - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

The Crystal Sound Experience

The Experience of the Pure Tones of the Crystal Singing Bowls

What people experience while listening to the Crystal Sound varies dramatically. The pure crystal tones affect the brain waves, heart activity, other areas of the body, mind and aura, and one can travel into an altered state of consciousness.

Some of the experiences have been:

Many receive visions and long forgotten memories surface.

Some go out of body and come back to consciousness remembering nothing.

Others receive inspiration and clarity on personal issues or business direction.

Many feel strong vibrations in areas requiring physical or emotional healing.

Some resolve long held trauma.

The well - being of the physical body becomes greatly enhanced. It is as though the body feels "in tune" after a Crystal Sound session, vibrating in harmony, allowing the body to heal itself.

Deep sleep is possible for people who experience sleep difficulties.

All people, however, report a feeling of deep inner peace and contentment with life.

Water can also be placed next to the speakers while the CD is playing. Drinking the water enhances the effect of the healing vibrations in the body.

Guidelines for listening to the Crystal Sounds

Other techniques of stress reduction to enhance the effects of the Crystal Singing Bowls -

It is beneficial to use other techniques to amplify the experiences of the Pure Tones of the Crystal Bowls. Your own personal preferences obviously will modify my suggestions. Listening to the Crystal Bowl CD's while doing these practices will certainly enhance these techniques.

Yoga - is an excellent technique for releasing blocked energies. Daily practice is wonderful. If you can learn Dru Yoga, which is becoming more widely available (Life Foundation School of Therapeutics - lfst@aol.com) you will find that this yoga has specific energy block releases that work on specific emotions and the areas in the body where they are stored.

Other body movement techniques like Chi Quong, Tai Chi, Akido, etc. are also effective. All are designed to work with body energies to enhance the body, mind and spirit.

Breath - the breath is closely aligned with emotion. When we are stressed, we tend to shallow breathe. Learning to breathe deeply, right into our abdomen, can assist the release of stress and increase flexibility in body and mind.

Exercise in general - large muscle stretching helps to move stress out of the joints and muscles. Walking, and other body therapies are excellent.

Meditation - after exercise, meditation is excellent for calming the mind and focussing intentions. The CD's listed above can greatly enhance a meditation session.

Correct diet - Western diets are becoming the most nutritionally poorest in the world, despite the quantity we eat. This is because many of the foods have little nutrition in them as they are processed or are grown in soils that are deficient of nutrients. It is important to eat simple organic or bio-dynamic foods as much as possible, and take high quality vitamins and minerals if there is a need. Reduction of red meat, alcohol, caffeine, soft / pop drinks, and non prescription drug intake are all positive things to do to your body.

Water - Most people do not drink sufficient amounts of water, which causes the body to become dehydrated, and contributes to degenerative diseases. Water composes over 75% of the body, so it is important to drink good quality water to cleanse the body of toxins that we ingest as well as feeling inwardly clean and vital.

Guided fantasy - to give your mind a mental holiday. Day dreaming has been frowned upon by "our parents" saying what a waste of time it is. However, just allowing our minds to occasionally wander, look at the beauty of the sky, and wonder at life generally, with gratitude in our hearts, is a wonderful stress release.

Positive relationship - Make sure you mainly relate to positive and happy people. Negative relationships are one of the main causes of stress. Limit your contact with people who are critical of you and make you feel unhappy, and cultivate relationships that are loving and supportive.

Laughter - Check out your face ..... do you have more frown wrinkles or laughter wrinkles? What sort of face do you want to show to the world? Start smiling more and show your inner love. Deep belly laughter is a wonderful stress release - make opportunities for heaps of laughter.

Growing vegetables, gardening or being in nature - reconnecting with the vibrant energy of nature is important for our soul's renewal. Make opportunities for this to happen every day - even if it is just to visit your pot plant.

Awareness of your thoughts - inner "self - talk" is the key to our thought processes and the pattern of our lives. "What you think is what you become" - is a well known quote. Be aware of your current thoughts and then change them to what you want to become and the life you want to create. Think about this often, and see what happens. This is enhancing our intentions - as we do in a Crystal Sound intentional meditation.

Love life and always live it to it's fullest !

Exercises :

Experiment with Sound
Do the Stress-TEST

Last update: October 2007
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