singing bowl meditation

Singing Bowls

Listen to the soothing tones of singing bowls to encourage relaxation, stress relief, and mental clarity.

Goal

Achieve inner calm and relaxation for both body and mind.

Problem

Experiencing difficulty in finding:

  • Mental clarity
  • Emotional balance
  • Physical relaxation
  • Focus and concentration

Solution

Singing bowl meditation is an ancient practice that uses the soothing vibrations and sounds of singing bowls to create a calming environment.

In a nutshell:

  1. Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably.
  2. Place the singing bowl on a cushion or soft surface in front of you.
  3. Hold the mallet gently and lightly strike the bowl’s rim to create a sound.
  4. Slowly move the mallet around the rim, maintaining consistent contact.
  5. Focus on the sound and vibrations, letting them guide you into a relaxed state.

My Take

Singing bowl meditation is kind of intriguing (grab a coffee, lean back, and check out this video to get an idea). However, I have only used the “simplified” version so far – listening to an 8h Spotify playlist 🎧. But even these digital sounds have quite a soothing impact (well, my wife actually complained about it when she entered my home office room; she thinks it’s rather annoying – so obviously, it’s not for everyone 😅).

Anyway. Basically, what happens is that the soothing vibrations resonate throughout the body, calming nerves and hence your mind. These vibrations seem to stimulate the body’s relaxation response, lowering stress levels and promoting deep relaxation.

Compared to other audio methods, the sound of the singing bowl is uniquely effective to me in drowning out distractions. I find the “simplified” version with the playlist also perfect for deep-focus work 👨‍💻

PROS

  • Easy to learn and practice
  • Creates a unique, calming atmosphere
  • Can be done alone or in a group
  • Suitable for all ages

CONS

  • Requires an investment in a singing bowl 
  • May not be as effective for people with hearing impairments
  • Can be challenging to master the technique 

INSIGHTS

I actually enjoy the playlists I found in my music app to calm down. And for now, that’s good enough for me. However, if you think it’s worthwhile further exploring this using real bowls, here are my 2 cents:

  • Start simple: I’d start with a beginner-friendly bowl (and a lower investment to first check if this is actually fun and relaxing).
  • Experiment: I’d also experiment with different mallets to find the one that produces the sound I like.
  • Education: I think I’d also try a guided singing bowl meditation on YouTube to get more into it and learn the basics.

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