Sound Healing with Anissa

A sound bath is an opportunity to pause the momentum of everyday life and give your nervous system a chance to shift gears.As you rest comfortably, you'll be immersed in the sounds and vibrations of instruments such as crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, chimes, drums, and more. The sounds provide a gentle and supportive pattern interrupt from the speediness of everyday life—a chance to step out of the constant pull to do, accomplish, and move on to the next thing.During a sound bath, there is nothing you need to accomplish. You don't need to know how to meditate, quiet your mind, or "do it right." You simply get comfortable, listen, and allow yourself to receive.

Before the event begins, every participant fills out a brief intake form. This helps the licensed massage therapist (LMT) understand your needs, sensitivities, and preferences ahead of time. Your form stays near your space throughout the event, so the LMT can check in and tailor each touch to you.Come dressed in comfortable clothing (athletic wear works well), and you'll settle onto a yoga mat, supported by pillows and blankets for your comfort. As you rest, you'll be immersed in a live sound bath using instruments such as crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, chimes, drums, and other sound tools. The sounds create a shared environment of relaxation while the massage provides individualized care.Throughout the session, the LMT moves from person to person. At a Soften & Unwind event, you can expect two rounds of hands-on massage over the course of the gathering. It's less about a single long session and more about the integration of therapeutic touch with the sound bath experience. Moments of touch woven into the rhythm of the sound bath offer an opportunity to settle more deeply into the experience, so everyone receives personal care within the collective gathering.

You'll get comfortable. Most people choose to lie down on a yoga mat, but you are welcome to sit or find whatever position allows you to feel supported and comfortable.You'll listen. I will guide you through the experience using a variety of instruments. Each sound bath is a little different—expect both sustained sounds and periods of silence.Your mind may wander. That's completely normal. The goal isn't to clear your mind or stop thinking. If your thoughts pull you away, you can simply notice and gently begin again, returning your attention to the sounds.You might fall asleep. That's okay, too. You don't have to stay awake or remain focused the entire time to have a meaningful experience. If your body settles into sleep, you can let it.

Come prepared to get comfortable. I recommend bringing:A yoga mat or something comfortable to lie onA blanket—you may feel cooler as you relaxA pillow for your head or to support your kneesAn eye pillow, if you enjoy using oneWater for afterWear comfortable clothing that allows you to relax. Layers are a good idea so you can adjust your temperature as needed.

Sound baths are generally gentle experiences, but they are not appropriate for everyone.For safety reasons, sound baths are not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy, for individuals with seizure disorders, or for those with medical conditions that may be aggravated by sound or vibration.If you have a medical condition, are sensitive to sound or vibration, or have questions about whether a sound bath is appropriate for you, please consult with your healthcare provider and feel free to reach out to me before attending.

Not at all.A sound bath is not a test of your ability to meditate. You don't need to clear your mind, sit perfectly still, or know any particular technique.If your mind is busy, that's okay. The sounds can provide a gentle point of attention, giving you something to listen to while allowing your thoughts to come and go.The practice is simply to notice—and, when you remember, return.

You are welcome to sit in whatever position is most comfortable and supportive for you. If you have specific physical or accessibility needs, please reach out to me in advance so we can make the experience as comfortable as possible.

That's completely okay.You don't have to stay awake to "get the most" out of a sound bath. If your body settles into sleep, let it. Rest is welcome here.