Gong Bath is a new and exciting monthly class here in the Hever Health studio. What do you need to know to get the most out of your session?
New experiences can be challenging so it makes sense to understand
what you are letting yourself in for. Knowing what to expect is reassuring.
So, before you come along to a Gong Bath here are a few handy tips to
improve your experience. My aim is for you to arrive relaxed and calm
with everything you need and for you to have a clear idea of what to
expect.
The Venue
The Gong Bath will take place in a warm, inviting space with plenty of
room to spread out - the studio at Hever Health is large, airy and comfortable. Parking is
available and is free of charge, my first question when attending any event. The Gongs,
Himalayan Bowls (Singing Bowls or Tibetan bowls) and Crystal Bowls will
be in place at the front of the studio. I usually have 4 or 6 Gongs,
to suit the size of the venue.
Before Arrival
Eat a light breakfast, lunch, or snack. Leave plenty of time for your
journey and aim to arrive a good 10 minutes before the event is due to
start. Comfort is so important so please check you have packed
everything you need for the Gong Bath.
• Yoga mat or if possible, something thicker. One lady brings a
memory foam topper (single bed size).
• A blanket not only keeps you warm but cocoons you and it
feels nurturing and cosy.
• A small pillow or cushion is an absolute must to support your
head.
• A rolled-up towel placed under your knees is essential to
support your back.
• Bring an eye mask if you prefer to exclude light.
• Wear relaxed clothing.
• Water bottle – you will be thirsty at the end of the session.
On Arrival
Choose where you set up your mat and get comfortable. It’s good to chat,
relax, settle down and acclimatise to your surroundings. Switch off mobile
phones and any electronic devices and go to the loo. This is a good time
to ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Feel free to come and
have a closer look at the instruments before the session starts.
During The Session
New experiences are so important for personal growth, brain health and
wellbeing. If this is your first time, treat this as an adventure with child-
like curiosity. If you have been to a session before do not expect the
same experience. Every session will be different according to what your
body needs at the time. You will have a different response to other
participants in the room and that is ok. You are unique and although
responses may be similar, they will be different.
I always start a session by introducing the instruments. You will hear the
sounds and see how the instruments are played. This will stop the
temptation to ‘peek’ during the session. I will follow this by talking you
through a scan of the body to notice and release areas of tension.
Once the Gong Bath is underway your mind will still chatter, just as it
does when you meditate, and that’s fine. The way to deal with it is to be
aware of it but not get caught up in the ‘conversation’. You will drift in
and out of awareness and lose a sense of time. You might fall asleep if
you are very tired; your body will still absorb the sounds and you will not
miss out. Keep your eyes closed so that you stay deeply relaxed.
Unexpected noises inside or outside the room need not be distracting.
Notice them and then come back to the breath and the sounds of the
instruments. Let them pass without judgement or irritation. Gong Baths
take place in a live environment not a soundproof box.
After The Session
Allow time after the Gong Bath to come back to full wakefulness. Check
you are grounded before you leave the room - take your time, drink water
and chat. You can ask questions or share your experiences with the
group, your next-door neighbour or individually with me.
The benefits of the Gong bath will continue for the next few days. These
may include relief from pain, better sleep, feeling energised, positive, and
a sense of wellbeing. Sometimes people experience the release of
emotions and may burst into tears for no apparent reason. Others may
become aware of solutions to problems and make changes in their lives.
People often comment that they feel reset and balanced.
Look after yourself. Spend time in nature walking or gardening, rest and
relax. Your body may be adjusting to a different way of being. Drink
more water than usual to flush your system and eat nourishing food.
If you have any questions or would like to book a place on the next session you can contact
me by email: sue@gongsound.co.uk or text 07803 015578
Further information is available at www.heverhealth.com/gong-bath.
All events are also listed on my personal website. www.gongsound.co.uk
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