Practice
Sound
Let the body be played, not improved.
These pages describe traditional and personal practices. They are not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment. Experiences vary. If you are unwell, speak to a GP or another clinician as well as David. Terms of use.
Where it comes from
Group ceremonies with David often close with a soundbath — bowls, voice, and the simple medicine of being sung to. You do not need to understand frequencies. The nervous system already does.
What it is
You lie down and receive sound. Bowls, voice, or other instruments move through the room. Thoughts keep happening; the body often stops bracing. Many people leave feeling heavy and quiet. That is rest, not a medical procedure.
Sound is usually the closing of a hapé and meditation evening at Soul Barns. You can also rest with a single bowl or a recorded piece at home — the instruction is the same: stop trying to have an experience.
What to expect
- You may fall asleep. That is a valid session.
- Tones can bring unexpected emotion. Let it pass through.
- There is nothing to visualise and no correct way to listen.
How to work with it
- 01
Lie down as if you mean it
Blanket, jumper, something under the knees if the back complains. Cover the eyes if the room is bright. Tell the body it can stand down.
- 02
Listen with the bones
When the mind names the notes, let it. Come back to vibration in the chest, the floor, the jaw. Hearing is not only in the ears.
- 03
Leave slowly
When the last tone fades, wait. Sit up on an exhale. Speak later. The first words you say will set the tone of the night.
Prepare
- Arrive with time. Late arrivals interrupt everyone, including you.
- If you are sound-sensitive or have tinnitus, sit further from the bowls and tell the facilitator.
Aftercare
- Hydrate. Go home the long way if you can.
- Avoid turning the car stereo up to “keep the feeling.” Let silence do some of the work.
Safety
- Very loud or close metal bowls can be overwhelming in pregnancy or with certain neurological conditions — say if you need a gentler placement.
The natural close to hapé, cacao, or a long sit.