The Sound Alchemy Immersion with Jessica Cross
Yoga instructor and sound therapist Jessica Cross is back with a crowd favorite: the sound bath. And this time, it’s even more restful! Sound Alchemy is a restorative sound bath experience that creates a space for you to reset, rest and reconnect to your highest self in a supportive environment. On Sunday, February 16th from 2:30-3:45 PM, join us on a magical journey into the world of sound with the lulling sounds of crystal singing bowls, chimes, gongs, harmonium and drums. You’ll enjoy a cozy restorative Savasana pose (lying down, supported by props and pillows to your own liking!) as we are immersed in soothing sound waves for 75 minutes.
This experience can facilitate deep relaxation, mental clarity and a meditative state among participants. You’ll leave feeling calm and rested, and ready to meet what life has to offer. To learn more about the ins and outs of this experience, I asked Jessica a few questions about sound therapy. Check out the interview below!
CLARA: I’d love to know more about you and your background with sound therapy. How did you start down this path?
JESSICA: My journey with sound began at a young age. I played several instruments and also trained in dance through college. Sound was a powerful force that allowed me to create and share with others. Once I finished school, I thought I had to leave behind my passions to focus on building a career. I’d soon learn the lesson that things come back around in other forms as yoga and sound entered my life. I was first introduced to sound therapy while in savasana in a class. The teacher began playing a bowl while we rested and I immediately wanted to sit up to see what was making that incredible sound, but I was too relaxed to move! I soon sought out any sound offering and resource I could locate to not only deepen my practice but to share it with others.
CLARA: How does sound therapy work? And what are some of the benefits?
JESSICA: It’s science! Sound therapy works through a process called entrainment. The sound practitioner plays a rhythmic sequence, sending out calming sound waves, for our brainwaves to ‘hook’ onto. Our brain waves begin to match the same frequency and pace of the sound waves. The process is similar to two clock pendulums matching speeds, but on a biological level. Sound provides a tool for the mind to utilize to drop into a meditative state quickly and at times, more deeply, than with silence alone.
The beauty is, every sound experience is different and unique to the individual. Participants may feel a deep sense of calm and clarity after a sound experience. Some will fall into a deep sleep minutes into the practice and wake as if they’ve had a nights worth of rest. And the best part is that you’ll get exactly what you need from that practice in that moment, without having to do or be anything but on your mat.
Jessica’s events fill up fast! Be sure to sign up for the upcoming Sound Alchemy Immersion HERE.
To learn more about Jessica’s sound healing practice, Sound for Stress, check out her website HERE. Want a sneak preview of Jessica’s incredible talents? Find her on our drop-in yoga schedule HERE and join her for a Flow class on Saturday mornings.
For more information about sound therapy, check out the following articles:
https://www.healthline.com/health/sound-healing
https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/24/fashion/thursdaystyles/whats-the-buzz-sound-therapy.html
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17515/what-you-need-to-know-about-sound-healing.html
https://www.harmonicsounds.com/sound-healing/
https://www.allure.com/story/sound-bath-meditation-benefits
Also, check out Soul Strong Yoga’s online and self-paced Yoga Alliance Yoga Teacher Training at www.teachyogaforall.com. You’ll become a 200 hour certified yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance with a specialization in vinyasa yoga for all people. The training includes yoga teacher training modules in Restorative Yoga, Meditation, and Yin Yoga.
Tips for a Comfy Savasana! Option #1:
75 minutes immersed in sound will fly by with these comfy Savasana options. In this first photo, Julie models a Savasana with a bolster under her knees, a blanket across her midsection for comfort and warmth, and a hand towel to cover her eyes. This is an especially great option if your low back experiences discomfort! The bolster under your knees will alleviate that.
Comfy Savasana Option #2!
Here, Julie is using a rolled up yoga blanket as a pillow under her head, a yoga blanket to cover her for warmth, and a hand towel over her eyes. This is a great option if you want to feel like you’re snuggled in the comfort of your own bed…while on your mat. Pro tip: ask the instructor to come around and tuck in your blanket all around if you want to be extra snug!
Comfy Savasana Option #3!
In this Savasana pose, Julie is finding a supported heart opener with a block between her shoulder blades, one underneath her head, a bolster under her low back, a blanket on her lap, a small hand towel over her eyes, and finally, a sandbag on her chest. This is a great option if you’re looking to open your heart to new things throughout your Sound Alchemy experience! The weighted sandbag can help you release tension, surrendering the full weight of your body into your mat.
Enjoy, yogis!
