Wild and Windy
Last weekend saw me on Hac Sa Beach playing in the hush! Beach Concerts x YO-GA Wellfest in Macau. Our venue was relocated to the beach this year and the organisers spent considerable time and energy creating a level surface both for the stage and participants. What no one could anticipate was mother nature's intervention. Tropical storm Toraji brought massive tidal surge and strong gusts but fortunately little rain. The show did go on and to give credit to the other facilitators and organisers no classes were cancelled.
I am a proclaimed anemophile and pluviophile - lover of wind and rain.- albeit depending where I am - in the middle of the South China Sea on a yacht in T8 was an experience I will never forget lying on the floor of the cabin spread eagled vs safely ensconced in my living room with my cat curled next to me listening to the wind and rain lashing the roof. Being near the ocean is particularly exhilarating with the roar of the waves stirring up all those healthy negative ions.
As a gong player I admit beaches are not my favourite location simply because of the sand. One has to take care setting up and disassembling the gongs. Fortunately Hush arranged a spacious stage where we assembled 9 gongs. Playing in nature to the rhythmic sound of the waves is intoxicating. Entraining my play with the rise and fall, the crashing of the sea, the receding of the wave - the audience and I become one with nature.
The violent gusts transformed the gongs into an array of swinging gates. Joyously you use the moment to collaborate mindfully and playfully. Truly in sync with the rhythms of nature.
Remember Me
Remember me.
As a career counsellor I asked clients to write their obituary. After all, isn't it better for you to summarise your own life rather than have others do it for you? My notes along with favourite photos are safely tucked away with my will. This simple act can save your loved ones hours when the time comes.
Monday is Remembrance Day. A day to reflect and thank those that came before, who selflessly sacrificed their lives so that we may live.
I invite you to take a moment to think of people who played a significant role in your life - it may have been one conversation with a stranger, an inspirational teacher, a chance encounter or parent. Occasionally I receive an email from old students thanking me for a conversation that changed their lives. For me, this is how I wish to be remembered.
One Woman, Two Hands
I was recently described as 'HK on steroids'. Is that purposeful passion looks like I wondered? I describe myself as 'one woman, two hands, inspired by a dream, fuelled with a passion to serve. I do this as a catalyst to elicit profound relaxation and inner peace through gongs, walking on labyrinths and kundalini yoga.'
In 2008 I became a certified professional career counsellor to support teens in understanding the links between their values, motivators, skills and interests to craft a career path towards living a life of choice. Two videos I shared with clients were Steve Job's graduation lecture at Stanford and Randy Pausche's Last Lecture. I highly recommend both.
Life is most certainly not linear, sometimes you hit walls, suffer disappointments and loss. Having a strong identify of who you are, what drives you and why can help you navigate the 'dark nights of the soul'.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. C.S. Lewis
I express gratitude daily for being able to utilise my myriad skill set to make a difference, to satisfy my curiosity with variety and opportunities for continuous learning. Last week I was in Los Angeles visiting Don Conreaux who continues to inspire by example - who at the age of 90 is still teaching and looking to the future.
This week I invite you to reconnect to your passions, pick up that old hobby or start a new one. Visit a museum, see an old friend, whatever it is to rekindle the get up and go spark that leaves you feeling content and whole.
Spaced Out
Last weekend HK hosted a Space-Out Competition. Yes, truly. Participants space out for 90 minutes, with any hint of activity resulting in disqualification. Falling asleep, talking, or fidgeting all count as activities. Heart rates are checked every 15 minutes, while an audience votes for their favourite. Founded ten years ago space-out was created by South Korean visual artist Woopsyang after she suffered from severe burnout. Part competition, part performance art the event is now hosted in Beijing, Rotterdam, Taipei, Hong Kong and Tokyo. For the spectator it is as exciting as watching grass grow. My generation was taught idle hands were the work of the devil so the mere concept of spacing out and having an audience too is beyond the realm of imagination.
Spacing out means to position two or more items at an equal distance from one another or to become unaware of one's surroundings. (Watch the Secret Life of Walter Mitty to see examples.)
When was the last time you spaced out? Teachers frequently encounter this behaviour in classrooms however doing nothing for many living in a fast paced 24/7 bustling city is challenging at best. Taking a break to allow our minds to decompress, bodies to relax, nervous system to reset is crucial for long term health. Dr. Herbert Benson, founder of Harvard Mind Body Institute first coined the term ‘Relaxation Response’ when the heart rate and blood pressure drop due to either mediation or repetitive movement such as walking.
I am enroute to California to present to the Labyrinth Society AGM. I will share with them my 15 year journey with these amazing tools. Walking the narrow continuous circuitous path is a kinaesthetic activity that focuses the mind instilling a sense of release and mental calm. I am the Asia Representative for the Labyrinth Society and if you have visited the studio you may have noticed the curvy white lines on the floor of the studio. There are also permanent labyrinths at St John’s Cathedral and Star Ferry in Central too. In Nov I will restart regular labyrinth walks and facilitations and invite you to take a break by taking a walk.
Give thanks
Painting by Norman Rockwell
Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. William Arthur Ward
This weekend I will commemorate Canadian Thanksgiving - historically when we gather to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Today is Cheung Yeung when we honour our ancestors and those who have passed before us. A time of reflection and appreciation through prayers, family meals and the lighting of incense.
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schweitzer
One way to differentiate between gratitude and thankfulness is that gratitude is a general appreciation of life, while thankfulness is an active response to someone for a particular event or experience.
“My day begins and ends with gratitude.” Louise Hay
There is a direct correlation between living a life of gratitude and overall wellbeing. Incorporating gratitude into your morning ritual will lift your spirits and if done before bed will ensure a better and deeper night’s rest.
This week I invite you to think of individuals who have done something kind to or for you and then call or write to express your appreciation. Doing so you will make not one, but two people happy.
For further inspiration refer to Charles Plumb, ‘Who packed my parachue’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqtUlMA3Jqo&ab_channel=Speakers.com
Order within Movement - Plato
Order within movement. Plato
Pythagoras is credited saying Each celestial body, in fact each and every atom, produces a particular sound on account of its movement, its rhythm or vibration. All these sounds and vibrations form a universal harmony in which each element, while having its own function and character contributes to the whole.
On a macro level the sun tells the time, the moon tells the day and the stars tell the month. The earth is dominated by natural rhythms such as the tides, the seasons, day and night. There is music wherever there is rhythm, as there is life wherever there beats a pulse. Igor Stravinsky
On a personal level our circadian rhythm or wake / sleep cycle operates on a 24 hour clock. Other examples of human rhythms at a physical level are our heart and breathing rates. At a molecular level the body is a highly efficient complex masterpiece of nature that is the culmination of the frequencies of 210 types of cells, 206 bones, our organs, tissues, and emotions.
Life is about rhythm. We vibrate, our hearts are pumping blood, we are a rhythm machine, that’s what we are. Mickey Hart In peak condition our bodies operate in perfect functional harmony. Otherwise, we are in need an energy tune up. Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul. Plato
Rhythmic gong playing is a perfect antidote. When we hear a rhythm we like, our neurons fire in time with the music. Thus connecting our bodies and emotions resulting in a realignment of our spiritual, emotional and physical presence.
How else may we achieve harmony? Mickey Hart, the percussionist of the Grateful Dead has created a unique genre of art called Vibrational Expressionism. He believes Everything has a vibratory and rhythmic fingerprint, a pulsing matrix of frequencies we experience as colour, sound, matter, molecules, galaxies, states of consciousness. He manipulates paint using subwoofers and other instruments to create a connection between music, art and the cosmos. The paintings are psychopomps or guides to elevated states of being, to unseen realms turning visual light into representations of the artist’s conscious and subconscious experiences. What I do with gongs, he instills with art.
This week I invite you to take a moment to simply gaze at the painting above. What do you see? How does it make you feel?
Until next week, go well.
PS Take a look at these links to see Mickey in creative action.
https://www.mickeyhartart.com/
Let it Be
It is not a matter of letting go – you would if you could. Instead of ‘let it go’ we should say ‘let it be’. Jon Kabat Zinn
On this day in 1969 The Beatles released Abbey Road, their last-recorded album however they had previously recorded enough material for another. Behind the scenes the band was preparing to break up. So Phil Spector was ‘given the shittiest load of badly recorded shit with a lousy feeling to it ever,’ which he transformed into the album Let It Be, released on May 8, 1970. The band officially broke up April 10, 1970.
Speaking words of wisdom let it be, let it be.
The Dalai Lama says,
If you can do something about a situation, why worry?
And if you can’t do something, why worry?
Easier said than done. Let it Be is a song of surrender and accepting of the now. Gongs instantly connect you with the present. On a physical level they evoke profound whole-body relaxation; on a mental level you slide into theta or lucid dream state and on a spiritual level you connect to the universal life force or Zero Point Field. The end result of which is a delicious state of suspended animation where time has no meaning, you are at one. Join us to let it go, to let it be.
Peace is in Our Hands
Twenty five years ago the UN General Assembly adopted a Declaration of Peace, establishing International Peace Day on September 21. A gong sister in Slovenia has created a massive campaign to enlist gong players from around the world to play together in the name of peace. As of writing 84 countries are participating. If you are a sound practitioner or meditator I encourage you to join by scanning the QR code below. But first a few thoughts on peace.
Peace means either a state or period in which there is no war or freedom from disturbance, or tranquillity. (Oxford Dictionary)
Yet we make war so that we may live in peace. Aristotle.
If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbours. If there is to be peace between neighbours, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart. Lao Tzu
Oh peace, there you are
Where have you been
All this time?
Right here inside you.
anon
John Lennon says, Peace is not something you wish for; it is something you make, something you do, something you are and something you give away. And Nobody can bring you peace but yourself. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Michael Jackson says it begins by looking in the mirror, and Mother Teresa suggests, Peace begins with a smile. The wisdom of the ancients said Begin with a smile, then take one minute of patience, for one year of peace. Greek Proverb
For me, as a gong player I am the light in the dark, the peace in a storm. Leo Tolstoy. Plato said rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul to transmute and uplift.
As a teacher of gong - Just as one candle lights another, I light thousands of others. So one heart illuminates another, one can illuminate thousands of other hearts. Leo Tolstoy
If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. Jimi Hendrix Music is the message of peace, and only music brings peace. Zubin Mehta
In 1984, Dr Robert Muller, Secretary General of the UN met my teacher Don Conreaux on a Gandhi cross-country peace march. Since then he and now I have been inspired by his words.... “The day of world peace will come when people will gather in circles all over the world, join hands, give thanks for life and breath, and listen to all the gongs and bells ringing around the globe celebrating the first 24-hours of a world without war!” This day is predicted as Wesak Day May 2025.
The gong players of the world are beginning NOW. We know that anything upon which we set our minds can be achieved. We know that peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be kept by understanding. Albert Einstein We know that Peace comes from within and World peace begins with inner peace. Dalai Lama
This week we congregate together to create a world of peace and love, where music is the universal language. Henry David Thoreau
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I am not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us and the world will live as one. John Lennon
The Breakfast of Champions
People often ask me ‘why’? ‘why do you do what you do?’
My answer is simple– for the deep, profound satisfaction for having made a difference in the lives of my clients. How do I know? By their feedback.
Good words are worth much, and cost little. George Herbert
Previously I taught feedback skills using the Whale Done approach by Ken Blanchard. He reiterates the powerful ratio of positive reinforcing feedback to constructive / negative feedback of 4:1. Unfortunately most feeback is ‘gotcha’ - when something is done ‘wrong’ not, ‘right’.
Take a moment to think of the last time you complimented someone. Or received a compliment. If it wasn’t today it is too long ago.
When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy. Samuel Goldwyn
Positive feedback highlights what someone did well that you would like them to do again. Giving it makes cents.
Employees who report receiving recognition and praise within the last seven days show increased productivity, get higher scores from customers, and have better safety records. They’re just more engaged. Tom Rath
Today is National Encouragement Day. I invite you to make a conscious effort to offer specific timely positive feedback to at least 5 people. You will be glad you did.
A Life that Matters
Intention derives from the Latin in- ‘towards’ + tendere ‘stretch’. It means an aim, course of action or plan. It also refers to the healing process when the edges of a wound are brought together leaving minimal scaring.
Currently I am reading The Power of Eight by Lynne McTaggart who conducted years of research into the power of group intention. The phenomenal results for the intended as well as the intendees / senders is nothing less than gobsmacking. (future newsletter!)
Jonathan Goldman states that ‘sound + intention = impact’
As a gong player I always begin with an intention and invite the receivers to do so too. This is the difference between a ho hum, pleasant experience vs deeply profound personal transformation.
Wayne Dyer said, Our intention creates our reality.
And Intention + action = outcomes
Intention without action passes the time.
Imagine for a moment if one person can inspire a second person to be intentional, and another. Those people can work together and can become a movement. They can make an impact. John C. Maxwell And if we intentionally use our everyday life to bring about positive change in the lives of others, you begin to live a life that matters. John C. Maxwell
Isn’t that our ultimate purpose on mother earth?
read the poem - https://www.poeticexpressions.co.uk/a-life-that-matters/
Awake in a dream
image of a human iris taken by Marc and Phoebe Aviles)
Dormiveglia is an Italian word that neatly describes the state when you are no longer awake but not completely asleep. It is a compound of dormi meaning ‘sleep’ and veglia meaning ‘wake’ and perfectly describes theta or lucid dream state. Dormiveglia is the ‘magic time between sleeping and waking (or vice versa)… when you grasp the tail-end of dreams with your fingertips and enjoy the warmth of your bed, content to just be. George Orwell’s Italian version of 1984 describes it as being suspended in a fantastic half-sleep that kept him from opening his eyes.
During a gong relaxation the powerful vibrations of the gongs induce this state of nothingness. Some describe it as bliss, some feel as though they are floating outside or disconnected from their physical body, Theta is the most important sleep state for the rejuvenation of the brain, removal of its toxins and waste, and the deletion of unnecessary sensory input. It is like pressing RESET.
We have >6M sensory receptors in the body, 70% are in the eyes. The brain receives about 11M bits of information every second during our waking day however we can only pay attention to 70-80 BPS. It is no wonder so many suffer from sensory overload that manifests as autistic like symptoms when we are simply overwhelmed.
One of the best ways to rebalance or recalibrate is to elicit lucid dream state often. Even a short weekly power nap with the gongs will result in improved sleep, decreased stress and improved overall wellbeing in a just few weeks. So what is stopping you?
Altered States
The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness. Lao Tsu
Altered States was a 1980’s movie featuring William Hurt as a pychopathologist who experiments on himself under the influence of hallucinogens in a sensory deprivation tank. He elicited altered states of consciousness with unexpected results. If you don’t have access to a SDT then you may induce ASC by any of the following means:
· Pathological (Epilepsy, brain damage)
· Pharmacological (psychoactive substances/hallucinogens)
· Physical and physiological (infections, sleep deprivation, fasting and sex)
· Psychological (music, meditation, hypnosis)
· Spontaneous (day-dreaming and near death experience)
At Red Doors rather than immersing ourselves in a water tank we bathe in a symphony of vibrations that entrain our brainwaves to shift us into various states -
· Beta or awake state, slipping into a
· Hypnagogic state (the transitional state between waking and sleeping)
· Lucid dreaming (we say being ‘awake within a dream’) or Theta
· Out-of-the-body experience (your conscious self is not bounded by your physical body)
· Hypnopompic state (the transitional state between sleeping and waking)
· Returning to Beta / awake
The rich mix of sounds creates a plasmic vibratory soup, resonating every molecule within the sonic envelope. The intensity of sounds induces profound relaxation where you are hyper aware and receptive; our brain is entrained with the frequencies around us.
Some experience visions, memories, or feelings of profound interconnectedness with all of creation. Others, feel light, expansive, or deep peace and tranquillity. Each experience is unique to each participant. An element shared universally is a sense of being transported beyond the confines of the egoic mind into the boundless expanse of the soul.
Now imagine combining the power of sound with the power of suggestion. To have a qualified guide to gently lead our subconscious to a personal goal using imagery, queries and intentions. Next week on the eve of the full blue moon we are delighted to collaborate with Aldo Privileggi, Holistic Healer and Hypnotherapist. Author and internationally sought after practitioner of 11 years who facilitates private and group events to release subconscious energetic blocks creating a sense of ease and wellness. This represents the first collaboration of its kind, combining two powerful practices to uplift, release and embrace the sense of oneness with oneself and the universe. We hope to see you.
Lion’s Gate - 8-8-8
Today is Lion's Gate, a yearly spiritual and astrological event when the star Sirius is halfway through the constellation of Leo. Sirius is known as the 'spiritual sun' because it is the brightest star in the night sky and has the attributes of Jupiter being growth and wisdom, and of Mars, known for determination and ambition.
On this day, the Sun, earth, Sirius and Orion's Belt align with the pyramids of Giza creating a cosmic portal for manifestation and change. Orion is affiliated to the Egyptian God Osiris, and Sirius to the Goddess Isis, both creators of the universe and for whom the pyramids were built. It's believed there are two lions sitting in front of the pyramids, at the entrance of this portal.
In numerology eight represents luck, prosperity and positive energy, strength and determination/ power - just like the lion. Turned on its side, the infinity symbol denotes the boundless disposition of the Universe. Repeated numbers magnify In this case 888 is associated with abundance, success, and financial prosperity.
Coming in the same week as a new moon creates a perfect opportunity to set your intentions. This is a time for a re-birth of your true self. To align your actions to your heart's desires. To choose a path and walk it. Go well.
Doing nothing
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. Anne Lamott
Gong experiences relax, renew, restore and rejuvenate. But what do I do? The Dali Lama says every year we should visit somewhere new. I choose a yearly pilgrimage to my roots.
Imagine travelling to the far side of the world to stay in a rustic cabin built by my father on a lake where my family has visited for well over 100 years. Walking beaches that appear magically when the tide recedes leaving miles of fine sand, listening to the refreshing summer rains pattering on the roof while nestled in front of a fire, reflecting on the haunting call of the loons in the middle of the night or getting one's hands dirty tending my pine grove are simple pleasures. Sometimes paradise is challenging - it is amazing how crafty a little mouse can be. Fortunately they love peanut butter. Following the circadian rhythms and playing my gong daily - what more could one ask for? I return content and at ease.
Sometimes it’s OK to do nothing. Izey Victoria Odiase
For the first time I had internet, both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand I stayed connected without driving 20 miles and sitting in a Tim Horton's carpark while the challenges of running a studio were never far from mind. Thank you to Kaman, Aimee, Stephanie, Yumi, Zi Hing, Dorothy and Dylan for ensuring continuity of classes in my absence.
Today I receive the new shipment of titanium gongs and the Paiste shipment as well as new rainsticks and gong bags. The power nap is back and the class tonight has a few free mats when we will welcome the new 38" titanium house gong called 'Rain'.
I look forward to seeing you all again and to a busy fall beginning with level 1 and 2 training in Sept.
Contradictions
Meet the newest gong in our collection, appropriately titled Rain, a magnificent 38" titanium gong crafted by Martin Blase.
I recently gave a talk to Svaram Sound Institute sharing thoughts on shifting global consciousness using sound. In the course of my research I uncovered a number of contradictions and this week I wish to share them with you.
In 1930 John Maynard Keynes said that man would be faced with the problem of how to use his freedom given all the latest time saving inventions. A century later Geoffrey West said that Rather than being bored to death, our actual challenge is to avoid anxiety attacks, psychotic breakdowns, heart attacks, and strokes resulting from being accelerated to death.
80% of workplace illness is stress related. And, mental health is the # 1 personal medical spend globally yet < 2% of government medical budgets are allocated to mental health with 70% of that allocated to psychiatric institutions.
According to the Global Wellness Institute in 2023 the Global Wellness Industry was worth US$5.6T. The US market is the largest at US$1.8T but only 5% of that is spent on Mental Wellness. (including sound and meditation). Life expectancy increased in last 50 yrs (avg 73.4) yet > 50% is in less than optimal health and 12% in poor health.
We live longer, but not better. We spend significant personal discretionary income on wellbeing but are not healthier. Mental health is the root of most illnesses yet our time and resources are spent elsewhere.
The ancients believed a healthy mind meant a healthy body but in the 1800's modern medicine shifted from preventative to curative. Since then physicians diagnose, treat and prescribe. Rather than seek ways to restore energy flows and well being.
I invite you to share your thoughts as to why we choose to detract from leading lives of harmonious good health? I look forward to your comments.
Tipping Point
June 21 is summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Starting tomorrow the days incrementally become shorter. Consider it a tipping point in our calendar.
A Tipping Point is a threshold, critical mass, boiling point moment that leads to sudden, dramatic radical change.
Scientists identified 25 earth system tipping points some of which are critical including warm water coral reefs, permafrost, and the ice sheets.
The 3% rule states a small but devoted group of people can bring about change through deliberate long-term effort. But still, 3% is 3%. I am starting with me, myself and I.
Derek Sivers in this short Ted talk illustrates how a lone nut becomes a leader of a movement in minutes. The key is the first follower.
https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement?language=en&subtitle=en
For years Don Conreaux has shared the prophesy of Robert Mueller that the people of the world will gather in circles holding hands and world peace will be declared in 2025. Given the state of the news it seems an impossible. I believe otherwise. As sacred sound practitioners we have the capacity, skills and resources to elicit change on a global level – to shift consciousness towards peace and harmony.
I am currently preparing a speech for Svaram Sound Institute where I will be outlining my thoughts for radical social change through enlisting the talents of sound practitioners (bowls, gongs, voice, sacred instruments) and meditators. A first step is an invitation to consciously set the intention for ‘peace on earth’ for all full and new moon events. As individuals we impact our immediate audience, our intentions impact the planet.
I invite you to take advantage of this month’s full moon and summer solstice to join me in beginning this practice. Share it with your associates and together we will elicit societal change for peace.
Hum, Ho, Hug
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Since 2019 Mental Health has been the number one disease burden in the world. 50% of the world’s population will suffer from a mental disorder in their lifetime. Women twice as likely as men and the onset of depression starts in the teenage years. We know sub-optimal mental health leads to poor physical health, increased medical spend and earlier deaths. Currently life expectancy globally has never been higher but 50% of our lifespan is now sub-optimal.
Today I share a few simple techniques to pump those happy hormones.
Humming to yourself stimulates the vagus nerve and the secretion of nitric oxide, endorphins and oxytocin. It increases oxygen, melatonin, lowers BP and cortisol.
Ho ho ho - Laughter yoga is a fantastic way of stimulating the release of endorphins and “happy” hormones like dopamine and serotonin resulting in a better mood, reduced pain, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and lower stress levels and rates of depression.
Hugs – They say four hugs per day is an antidote for depression, eight hugs per day would achieve mental stability and twelve hugs per day would achieve real psychological growth. Longer hugs of 20 sec are shown to reduce the effects of stress. Disney has The Hug Rule – their characters may never let go of a child’s hug first. Why? Walt said “You never know how much that child may need that hug.”
Human connection - Originating from the the 7-Day Happiness Challenge from The New York Times Simon Sinek recently shared his 8 min rule. He suggests having a code between you and your close network to indicate you need to talk. It was shown that 8 min is the optimal time for sharing and caring.
A healthy mind is a healthy body. Juvenal
So today, lift your mood, share these practices and see if indeed we can make this world a better place if we can.
Lessons from the hive
The busy bee has no time for sorrow– William Blake
Monday was World Bee Day. These often overlooked insects are essential to our survival for their role in pollinating the vast proportion of our food crops. There are three types of bees - the queen who lays the eggs; the all female worker bees who collect pollen, build the hive and take care of the pupae. And the male drones which number about 200 per hive. Lacking a stinger, their only role in life is to mate with the queen.
Their name describes the sound they make, a steady hum within a narrow bandwidth created by the rapid beating of their tiny wings. Some bees beat their wings a mind-blowing 230 times a second. It is no surprise that unmanned aircraft in the 1950's were named 'drones' and the verb 'to drone' means to go on and on without stopping.
As a musical style droning has been utilized by composers such as Purcell and J.S. Bach to evoke powerful emotions in the listener while more recently the development of synthesizers led to drone based music styles such as ambient and industrial music. This genre continues to evolve with the advent of new technology to evoke a wide range of emotions.
Droning is one of my 'go to' gong techniques. Using one mallet I maintain a slow repetitive tone for an extended period of time to quickly induce a mesmerizing and meditative state. Listening to drones supports relaxation and stress relief, improves focus and increases creativity - especially useful for stress, anxiety and depression. Just another example of lessons learned from nature to help us maintain our inner peace.
The hum of bees is the voice of the garden– Elizabeth Lawrence
Anticipation
With building anticipation I waited impatiently for the last seven nights. My Queen of the Night generated a small hairy bud as an appendage off the edge of a leaf a week ago and since then I have gone to bed each night on tenterhooks – so as to not miss this yearly event. At 2200 last night a gentle perfume wafted into my lounge and I was presented with this flower in all its glory.
Sometimes referred to by its Chinese name, Tan Hua (as in Crazy Rich Asians) or in Vietnamese as “Da Quynh”, this epiphytic orchid cactus is reclusive only revealing its stunning flower at night once a year. In Vietnam it is common to invite all your neighbours to witness this fortuitous event.
The observance is an omen of happiness and because of its rarity, good luck. Its short flowering is a metaphor for how good things don’t last. The flower emanates harmonizing energies to build relationships and heal discord. It attracts abundance and amplifies financial health and career success. (Just like a gong.) In many Asian cultures from India to Malaysia it is used to treat respiratory ailments, reducing pain and inflammation.
Gazing at a rare flower is just one of nature’s ways to share indescribable perfection. Who can’t help but feel a lifting in their heart?
Nature’s Chorus
Before dawn the forest erupts in sound. With a half opened eye I ask ‘why’?
Because it is the perfect time to sing. There is less background noise and the air is so still, sound carries around 20 times further than it would later in the day. This is important if you are looking for a mate or protecting your territory. Some scientists believe that the high frequencies of bird songs stimulate the stomata on leaves to open wider allowing for a greater exchange of air, water and nutrients leading to faster growth.
Birds only sing when there are no predators. When they sense danger, they fall silent. As humans evolved we subconsciously to relate bird songs with safety. This is why we feel relaxed and at peace when we hear it. Spiritually birds are totems for fresh beginnings and it is believed that their songs are a sign the universe is working to answer your prayers.
Ok. It's possible that birds may sing just for the joy of it. Kyo Maclear
A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. Chinese Proverb
This week I invite you to open your windows and listen to the sounds of nature before dawn and if you like, join in to. sing a song, sing out loud, sing out strong….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0hvfn-nkz0&ab_channel=WISDOMMUSIC
I want to sing like birds sing, not worrying who listens or what they think. - Rumi
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.- Henry Van Dyke