INTEGRATED PRACTICE
11. Communication II: Sound
Sound is “first and last.” Mystics and metaphysicians claim that sound created the universe. They may be right, or they may be wrong; but sound is, indeed, a life force.
1. Sound as Vibration. To live is to make sounds, perceive sounds, give and receive sounds. To some degree, then, your health and happiness are dependent on how you dwell in the world of sound, whether or not you’re a practicing musician. Which sounds do you pay attention to, which ones do you ignore? Which sounds do you perceive as caressing, which as aggressive? In this workshop we’ll study several simple exercises to expand the awareness of sound and the relationship between sound, identity, coordination, and good health.
2. “Amlala.” Our thoughts and feelings shape the way we use our voices. And, most often, our thoughts and feelings tend toward disorganization, incoherence, and dispersion. In this workshop we’ll use a single spoken word as a starting point to concentrate our thoughts and feelings. Not surprisingly, when we become concentrated our speaking voices sound very, very different!
3. Droning. A drone is a continuous sound, usually low in pitch. Your daily life contains mechanical drones such as the sounds made by your washing machine or by car motors, leaf blowers, and passing helicopters. Droning sounds are also often used in music--for instance, when a cellist draws an open string continuously. Drones can be "noise" or "sound" or "music," depending on how you react to them. In this segment we'll learn how to use drones to become attentive and attuned to the environment.
4. Sound healing. The soothing voice of a dear friend, a child's laughter, a special song, and many other sounds in your life have the power to lift your spirits, change your mood, and help you be well. In this segment we'll practice the art of using sounds and vibrations just to feel good in body and mind.
