We live in visually stimulated world.
Our simplest communications…. ‘having lunch at Chloe’s today’ are accompanied by an image over social media. We have multiple screens with instant access to movies, music, photos, books.
More often than not we’re jumping between screens, updating our Insta feeds whilst watching a movie. We listen to a podcast whilst cooking up a storm in the kitchen or run with an audiobook streaming through our headphones.
How often do we listen? Really listen. To one source. Without distractions, especially visual distractions.
I’ve recently discovered Sound Healing. Trust me, I’m loving how it puts my constant mind chatter on mute. Let me explain…
Being guided by a Gong Master into the quiet, semi darkness of a Pyramid, set amongst rice fields outside Ubud, for a Sound Healing session, one’s senses are wondering how to respond.
There are visual temptations. An array of magnificent ancient instruments are set out with beautiful precision in the centre of the Pyramid. The gongs glisten in the half light. Decorative drums are works of art. It looks like an orchestra is assembled, creating that pre performance anticipation, that excitement we so love.
The Gong Master asks you to choose one of the many mattresses laid out on the floor. ‘Get comfortable, adjust your pillows, place your eye mask on, relax.’ The lights go down, a calm hush takes over. The ‘performers’ become invisible.
As the Gong Master guides the ‘audience’ to a quieter state with calming words and sounds, one adjusts to the darkness, to the solitude, to the lack of visual stimuli.
The ‘show’ begins. But it’s not a visual performance. It’s purely sound.
For some, it’s a big adjustment. Racing thoughts compete with the sounds reverberating throughout the pyramid. Enquiring minds are dying to peek from beneath the eye mask at the Gong Master, curious about the source of the sounds, desperate to witness the performance of an artist.
This is the time to surrender. To let the power of sound drown out all thoughts and distractions. With this level of focus on listening, your body inevitably starts to feel the sounds.
The state of ‘less thinking, more feeling’ takes over.
No different to any performance, everyone has a different experience. For some it’s a deep sense of relaxation, others get clarity on thoughts, some feel a sense of release, an indescribable uplifting of the spirit.
Typically, in our post-show buzz state, talk often revolves around the artists, their performance, the staging, the venue. By contrast, when leaving a Pyramids of Chi sound healing session, the focus is more likely to be on our own ‘performance’. Where did my thoughts go? How do I feel right now?
Connecting with the Gong Masters takes place after the session. You can choose to talk about your experience, ask for advice, explore your insights.
Wandering in the gardens, rather than dashing off to the next holiday adventure, creates space to unravel your thoughts or simply maintain the blissful state of body and mind. The lack of WiFi holds back the temptation to connect to the world beyond, keeping one in the NOW.
Taking a break from our visually driven, multi-tasking way of living brings relief, casting clarity on thoughts, shining the light on our hectic habits.
It’s not easy to do.
Placing myself within the mysterious walls of a Pyramid, surrendering to the healing sounds of ancient instruments, is a good place to start. I’m learning to listen, really listen, until that listening becomes feeling.
PYRAMIDS OF CHI
The Facts:
Open daily 8.30am – 6.30pm
Sound Healing Sessions 11am & 3pm. Price: rp350,000pp
Delicious food and drinks all day at café. Serves wine & beer.
Get there on free hourly shuttle from Ubud Palace (10 mins) or take a beautiful walk through the rice fields (45mins)
Bookings: Ok to drop in for the Sound Healing Sessions, but best to book. Bookings are essential for special Full Moon events. They’re popular and places are limited. Check the website for the full range of workshops and sessions.
Groups & Private Sessions: Chat to Peter & Lynn about private groups, individual sessions, retreat collaborations and special events.
Website: www.pyramidsofchi.com
Ph: (+62) 361 9000717
Directions: Map
