INNER CLARITY: LOCAL SOUND BATHS

INNER CLARITY: LOCAL SOUND BATHS

Words & photos by Amiyah Golden

As I get older, I have begun to observe my interests beginning to shift. The desire to engage in activities that not only stress my body — but my mind — don’t seem to intrigue me anymore. It never truly did but the “people-pleaser” in me felt a strong need to engage in pastimes that didn’t contribute to my overall well-being; and there’s no reason that at the blossoming age of 22 I should feel like I’m entering into my mid-life crisis… (yikes!) While it’s deeply linked to the lacerations left from a Gemini, it doesn’t overshadow the desire to strive for peace — if anything it has caused an urgency to explore the avenues that may lead to Zen.

I’m no stranger to various wellness practices such as yoga or connecting with nature, as they have served me well as a mediating outlet to transfer my stored energies — providing me with mental relief and the ability to reset but within the realm of ancient practices is an even more expansive world.

R&B singer Jhené Aiko served as my first introduction to the domain of sound baths, a practice that uses sound to meditate, relax and relieve stress.

Some people such as Aiko use the frequencies of sound to tap into the chakras — recognized as the energy center of the body.

Aiko introduced sound baths as a segment to her live performances on her recent tour but started implementing the use of sound bowls years prior on her album “Chilombo.” The project went triple platinum, but I wasn’t aware of the full intentionality behind the project. With Aiko noting that certain songs were recorded using distinct notes such as the D note to target the sex organs or the key of F sharp to specifically speak to the heart chakra.

While the use of sound bowls is gaining more mainstream attention, its history has always been vast and rich, existing way before the inventions of recordings or perfectly constructed spaces to embrace the praxis.

The curiosity has peaked into our local community, as many people desire to experience the benefits of sound, with two local sound facilitators making it accessible in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine area.

Diana Vasquez, founder of Jax Sound Bath, and Brandee Lee, founder of Zen Vida Alchemy, have penetrated the holistic scene after their own attestation of the life-changing benefits of sound baths.

I was fortunate to attend one of Lee’s recent community sound baths that she holds at Eneray Essential Energy Spa – the fourth Saturday of each month – in St. Augustine, Florida.

I was welcomed by the sweetest lady and was guided to a dim room full of reclined seats with ambient lighting illuminating the walls, with screens stacked on top of each other projecting a mirage of colors. Several sound bowls and instruments laid in a crescent shape directly in the middle of the floor and as I made my way to my seat, I noticed a couple of participants lying horizontally on the ground on top of a mat. Eyes were closed as music filled with affirmations played softly in the background.

Although this was my first time partaking in such an experience, the energy in the room instantly felt free, clear and safe.

Lee began by welcoming everyone and encouraged us to reframe our minds. The next 45 minutes were spent entranced under a timbre that ranged in frequency, pitch and tempo. Lee used various vessels to generate the modulations such as a 432 Hz quartz bowl.

“The singing bowl is often referred to as the ‘natural frequency of the universe.’ It is believed to resonate with the Earth’s heartbeat,” Lee shares, “creating a sense of harmony and grounding.”

In addition to the 432 Hz quartz bowl — which is Lee’s preference — she also has a 528 Hz quartz bowl and a 440 Hz quartz bowl. Both serve unique roles.

“A 528 Hz quartz crystal singing bowl [is] designed to emit a specific frequen -

cy of sound when played. A pitch often referred to as the ‘Love Frequency’ or ‘Miracle Tone,” Lee explained.

While a 528 Hz quartz bowl is used to promote “harmony and balance within the body and mind,” a 440 Hz quartz bowl is, “often perceived as more mentally stimulating.” Lee describes the feeling as often associated with agitation instead of cerebral serenity in comparison to the others.

Vasquez also expressed her love for quartz singing bowls, as she has the ability to create “different tones with one set” but she has an inclination for the gong as she encapsulates it as a “transformative instrument.” Other instruments often used include tuning forks, chimes, drums and rain sticks.

And before I knew it, the session was finished. Lee guided us out of our own state of abstraction with the reintroduction of music and with reminders of gratitude.

“I’m grateful I woke up.”

“I’m grateful to see the sun.”

The energy remained halcyon as the bodies in the room began to open their eyes, remove their blankets and contort their bodies back upright from the zero gravity chairs – or from off the floor.

The experience was serene due to the absence of cellular devices, ferment and chastisement. I’ve heard many testify to the “healing” properties they experience during and after but, Lee believes that the word healing can often be misleading.

“The term healing often implies that there is something wrong or broken that needs to be fixed. This can be disempowering as it suggests that individuals are inherently flawed or damaged,” she explained. “Many people who seek out sound baths are simply looking for ways to enhance their well-being, not because they feel broken.”

Although, this isn’t a mutual view in the holistic community — with Vasquez upholding the use of the word “healing” to embrace her vantage point — it doesn’t negate the shared endorsement of the tradition.

“Sound healing is a therapeutic practice to promote physical, emotional and mental well-being. The vibrations from instruments help release energy blockages, balance the body’s energy centers (chakras) and promote deep relaxation,” said Vasquez. “Additionally, sound healing can aid in emotional healing by helping release suppressed emotions and fostering a sense of inner peace. It’s a holistic approach that supports overall health and well-being.”

Despite the hour separation due to some pesky traffic, Lee and Vasquez are huge advocates for each other, as well as others who share the same goal which is to ultimately help others. With that in mind Vasquez started the Sound Healers Collective, a group of six sound healers —with more than 80 instruments — who host large-scale events several times a year to share the power of sound and vibration with members of the community.

Lee is also a part of The Circle of Light Movement, another initiative created to “bring conscious creators and contributors together in a collective space to connect with like-hearted individuals on a spiritual journey.”

Both had a yearning to proffer the same success they received through sound baths.

Now, Vasquez hosts her Oceanside Full Moon Soundbaths in Jacksonville Beach with various walks of life coming together under one sky and one sound to release. What initially started in 2019 as an intimate affair among a few friends has now turned into a sought-out event with over 200 people attending on multiple occasions.

“I noticed that Jacksonville was lacking in sound healing offerings,” said Vasquez. “As I traveled across the states, I decided I wanted to bring this beautiful modality to our community on a larger scale than it had been. I wanted to show others how easy it is to reset and find inner clarity.”

The St. Augustine community has also embodied Lee’s contributions. “Clients and community members frequently share that their experiences transcend mere relaxation and stress relief,” she said. “Many find that a soundbath helps them navigate and release heavy emotions, while others report vivid encounters with colors and messages from loved ones who have passed on. Some even experience out-of-body sensations that leave them feeling profoundly connected to something greater.”

As I gathered my things to leave Lee’s event, I can attest to someone remarking about their own experience with envisioning colors during the session.

So to those who are inquisitive about the path untread, I would encourage you to give it a chance.

Life can often feel cumbersome and while we as a society prioritize hustle culture and approval, we often forget to focus on ourselves and our well-being.

Vasquez’s and Lee’s own voyages to harmony within the body and mind is fascinating with extensive depth but the overarching commonality between the two was harnessing their power and tapping into the root of the mind using sound.

Vasquez shared with me that she always struggled to meditate due to her own struggle with ADHD, and Lee echoed her own undertaking to focus.

“For years, I struggled to meditate for longer than five minutes. My mind would wander, and meditation felt more like an arduous task than a serene practice,” stated Lee. “And I was often left feeling frustrated and disheartened.”

“I was just looking for a way to quiet my own mind,” Vasquez chimed in.

Both credit the introduction of sound in pivoting their relationship with meditating.

Their testimonies warrant a separate article but it’s truly inspiring and something to try at least once.

If you’re interested in attending a soundbath event or booking a session with Vasquez or Lee you can find them at @soundbathjax and @zenvidaalchemy respectively.