During the first full moon of 2023, I attended the Full Moon Sound Bath at The Yoga Place located in the Whittington Place. It is in Hot Springs, Arkansas near the downtown Central Avenue strip filled with historic bath houses, shops, and restaurants and about 15 miles from the future site of Mariposa’s Place of Wellness. The cost of the 90-minute session was $30.00 per person. Participants were instructed to bring a yoga mat, blanket, and pillows as needed for comfort. In addition to socks to keep your feet warm, and comforting beverages such as tea or water.
Erika Muelle led the Sound Bath
in four phases, beginning with guided breathing exercises in a seated position, followed by lying supine. She then used a variety of musical instruments to create soothing, overlapping vibrations including crystal singing bowls, drums, and a gong. The vibrations are believed to lead participants into a deeper state of relaxation. At the end of the session, she guided us back to a feeling of awareness by instructing us to first be mindful of our breath, bring movement to our limbs and other body parts before concluding the sound bath by playing an affirmation entitled “My Healing” by Sophia Spallino. The complementary practice of Sound Baths may have a positive impact on one’s health and well-being to prevent and manage physical and psychological health issues. There is some research evidence that meditative sounds relieve stress, tension, anxiety, and promote a positive mood.
Overall, my Sound Bath experience was very positive. By the end of the session, I felt not only relaxed, but also refreshed, renewed, and restored. However, during the session, I did long for my cozy weighted blanket and sweatshirt. The more I relaxed, my body temperature dropped, so I will keep note of this in the future. Additionally, I will likely use an eye cover with aromatherapy to further intensify the experience. There were over 20 people present, mainly women, that filled the candlelit room. Throughout the session, I could hear cars driving by, creaking floor boards, a few snores and heavy breathing….but embraced it all as part of the experience.
A full moon may not be significant to some, but for others it bears special meaning, such as a phase that represents completion, abundance, or TRANSFORMATION. Fortunately, you do not have to wait until the next full moon to visit The Yoga Place or a Sound Bath session led by Erika Muelle.
Be a Butterfly…Transform Your Life!
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