Myth, Mystery, Magic and Miracles
December 21 is the winter solstice marking the longest night of the year. For the Chinese it is called Dongzhi or ‘winter arrival’ as it marks the official start of winter. The days will progressively grow longer to bring balance and harmony between yin and yang on June 21. It is also the day the Kitchen God goes to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor on the conduct of a family. Interestingly in the west we also believe our behaviour is monitored as to whether we were naughty or nice by our friend in the red suit.
Sparkling lights, ornate shop windows and the sounds of carols fill the air. Infectious good cheer, long school breaks, festive food and ‘happy holiday hugs’ abound. At no other time of the year are the feelings of happiness, love, excitement and brotherhood expressed so freely. The dark cold nights of the northern hemisphere are rich with mystery, myth, magic and miracles.
I do not know of any adult who still believes in the myth of Santa however we keep it alive generation after generation until the magical appearance of presents under the tree is revealed. One year my brother attached a horseshoe to a fishing rod and plopped it in the snow on the roof outside his bedroom window. In the morning he excitedly said ‘Santa’s been here…’ The truth was out, the bubble burst however the mystery still remained.
Magic is performed by humans while miracles are events that are physically impossible or impossible to confirm by nature and are attributed to the presence of a divine power. The Bible has numerous examples of miracles such as Jesus’ conception. In the movie Miracle (awesome by the way) the USA hockey team overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to beat Russia in the 1980 Olympics. Sometimes we believe miracles only happen to others I think otherwise.
Miracles happen everyday, change your perception of what a miracle is and you’ll see them all around you. Jon Bon Jovi
Albert Einstein said There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. So To live at all is miracle enough. Mervyn Peake
The miracle is not to walk on water or in thin air, but to walk on Earth. Walk in such a way that you become fully alive, and joy and happiness are possible. That is the miracle that everyone can perform....If you have mindfulness, concentration, and insight then every step you make on this Earth is performing a miracle. Thich Nhat Hanh
PS Midnight December 24th to dawn January 6th is regarded as a microcosmic experience of the macrocosm. It is a time to connect and correlate the cosmic and yearly rhythms, to contemplate our connections to our future. The ancients believed the 12 days of Christmas were a portal to the heavens and therefore the future.
‘In the darkness of winter’s night, when the great breath of the Earth Mother finds its greatest point of inhalation, human beings are afforded the grace to touch into both magic and miracle. In the pause between her mighty in-breath and out-breath there is a still point of rest. This still-point has long been known as the Holy Nights. In these blessed Nights, the angels circle the globe as if in a great cosmic dance. They long to speak to listening human hearts. Throughout the ages the ‘listening ones’ on earth have heard the angelic chorus; they have received messages of Peace and Love. What is received during these sacred days and nights, resounds a thousand-fold in the year that follows. In this year before us a great light is striving to find willing human hearts. May we each be the listening ones during these Holy Nights. May we work with angels.’ Claudia McLaren Lainson
Rudolf Steiner, believed that at this time the veils are the most thin between the spirit realm and the human realm. And as such was the best time to set intentions, to plant seeds and to go inward in prayer and meditation. Join me on Dec 21 in the journaling class to receive instructions how to do so during this magical period.
Time Keeps on Slippin
Where did 2024 go?
In his 1890 book, ‘The Principles of Psychology’, philosopher and psychologist William James wrote that ‘the same space of time seems shorter as we grow older’. This is referred to as 'log time'. As we age, a year becomes a smaller fraction of our entire lives up to that point. For a 5-year-old a year is one fifth (or 20%) of their life, but a year to a 50-year old is one fiftieth of their life (or 2% of it) so it seems to pass ten times faster.
The bad news is time flies, the good news is that you are the pilot. Michael Altshuler
While there is no way to slow down chronological time, we can affect psychological time for our experience of time is perception.
In a recent study of 918 adults led by the psychologist Ruth Ogden, 77% of respondents agreed that Christmas seems to arrive more rapidly each year. (14% were neutral on the issue, while only 9% disagreed.) An Iraqi sample with the same question about Ramadan received a very similar response.
Why?
Children have many new experiences, and so process a massive amount of perceptual information. They have an unfiltered perception of the world, which makes their surroundings appear more vivid: time passes slowly. Adults on-the-other-hand have progressively fewer new experiences, our lives become more automatic and de-sensitised through familiarity. As a result, we absorb less new information: time passes more quickly.
Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new. Paracelsus
The key to slowing our perception of time is novelty. Try something new, learn a new language or hobby or change your daily patterns. Doing something new means your brain has to pay attention. When it pays attention, your perception of time is altered. Neurogenesis occurs birthing new brain cells and structures to hold new memories. Other suggestions include mindful practices such as meditation and gong baths.
This week I invite you to Make use of time, let not advantage slip. William Shakespeare
Rather than letting Time slip into the future, allow Time, as he grows old, (to) teaches many lessons. Aeschylus. It is never too late so Hurry up: your dreams are waiting for you, but they will not wait forever. Paulo Coelho
Brain Rot
‘Brain Rot’ is ‘the’ word for 2024. Oxford Dictionary’s definition is “the supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.”
Brain rot is caused by excessive technology use such as:
binge-watching
doom scrolling – scrolling for distressing and negative news.
zombie scrolling – scrolling with no destination while staring vacantly at screen
video gaming- to the point of losing the distinction between reality and fiction
social media addiction – incessant need to check social media feeds
Not only affecting our cognitive function, excessive use of social media leads to a decline in self esteem falling into the comparison trap reinforcing negative self worth resulting in higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
While not yet clinically recognized signs of brain rot include:
Lethargy
Mental fogginess
Reduced attention span
Difficulty organizing thoughts
Trouble recalling important information
Challenges in decision-making and problem-solving
To compound the negative effects one’s sedentary lifestyle leads to munching on ultra processed foods containing memory losing additives such as high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, alcohol, and high-sodium foods takes their toll on mental and physical wellbeing.
Brain rot doesn’t only affect the youth. According to a Stanford University study adult brains are negatively impacted by excessive screen time of >2 hrs a day outside of work hours. And adults who watched television for five hours or more per day had an increased risk of developing brain-related diseases like dementia, stroke, or Parkinson's. This study found that excessive screen time hinders sleep and shrinks your brain – specifically your grey matter that is responsible for everything from movement to memory to emotions.
https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/05/30/what-excessive-screen-time-does-to-the-adult-brain/#:~:text=Another%20study%20found%20that%20adults,at%20screens%20late%20at%20night.
The good news is that determined, consistent, intentional lifestyle changes can reverse brain rot.
Start by tracking your screen usage and then set reasonable boundaries and limits.
Delete distracting apps and turn off notifications
Begin your day with no screen time for one hour. Then throughout the day consciously reduce screen time, include healthier food choices, introduce physical activity, ensure regular sleep, and ensure social engaging activities. Another tip if you work on a screen all day is the 20-20-20 rule. Simply look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of the day.
Other ideas:
Curate Your Feeds
Diversify your media sources
Find positive content that uplifts and inspires you
Pursue Non-Digital Interests such as hobbies, sports etc
Turn off your digital devices at least an hour before bed.
The benefits of reduced screen time will be evident in only a matter of weeks. Isn’t it time to regain control over our exposure to social media and start living as opposed to watching the world from the sidelines? I invite you to start now.
December 10 is World Digital Detox Day.
Now spanning over 70 countries, this global movement encourages the conscious consumption of digital media for our wellbeing. With over 7.5M followers it is one of the largest wellbeing movements in the world. As the WDDD Ambassador for HK I invite you to learn more here https://www.worlddigitaldetoxday.com
The correlations of excessive exposure to social media and links to ADD and ADHD are well documented. Countries such as Australia have written legislation prohibiting access to social media for 16 yr olds and under. Although initially unpopular, in the long run children will learn to socialise, be more creative, and have better problem solving skills.
I invite you today to take the WDDD oath to limit exposure to digital media as well as to practice digital fasting on a regular basis. https://www.worlddigitaldetoxday.com/oath
This simple act can be your first step towards regaining control of your life.
Whale Songs
Nothing compares to the mesmerising sounds of whales. Their whistles, clicks, and pulsed calls are used to socialise and select mates, to echolocate and navigate, to feed and to mark territory.
Captain Wm. H. Kelly was the first person to recognize whale singing for what it was in 1881. Since then we’ve learned songs are area specific and evolve over time. Marine biologist Philip Clapham describes them as "probably the most complex in the animal kingdom."
Songs range from 20 Hz to of 24 kHz (while human range of hearing is 20 Hz to 20 kHz) with pulsing modulations in frequency and amplitude interspersed with silence. Lower, long frequencies travel across oceans and are used for distance echolocation and communication. Higher frequencies are more effective at shorter distances, and can reveal distance to the target, size, shape, speed, vector of movement and discern densities of objects.
Ambient noise from boats has doubled with each decade since the 1960’s, equivalent to 12 decibels, reducing the range at which whale sounds can be heard. One would expect the whales to respond with higher pitches, but no, blue whales are decreasing the Hz of their songs at a rate of approximately 0.35 Hz/year. This is called the Lombard Effect.
These magnificent creatures travel the world’s oceans, some have the longest annual migration known on the planet. Their complex harmonic vocalisations belie a language that we are at the infancy of understanding but never-the-less serve to mystify us.
Katy and Roger Payne released the best-selling Songs of the Humpback Whale in 1970, since then whale songs have been incorporated in human music and are the subject of increased research.
We believe that gongs are the sound of creation. With friction mallets we create ethereal riffs simulating whale songs, where we as the sound alchemist combine the cosmic with the common, the universe with the universal to take you on a sonic journey that transcends time and nature.
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.