Why Every Stressed Person Should Try a Gong Bath

Why every stressed person should try a Gong Bath

When you are feeling stressed-out the best way to unwind and relax is a Gong Bath to let go of the tension from the body and mind. Gong meditation is a unique type of sound practice that creates vibrations to bring healing and therapeutic benefits to the body and the mind. Sound therapy has been used for a long time to bring healing to the body as disease comes into the body when we are vibrating at a non-optimal frequency. Gong sound therapy has been practised for thousands of years and belongs to one of the oldest Southeast Asian musical instruments. The origins may be traced back to the second millennium B.C. In Chinese history, gongs are mentioned around 500 A.D.

Gong bathing can help reduce stress and liberate emotional blockages. Scientific research suggests sound therapy prompts damage human DNA strands to repair themselves. Music therapy is the most mainstream form of sound therapy and been shown to relieve a number of health problems. It is now frequently offered in clinical settings like hospitals and clinics. The sound of the gong reaches the body on a cellular level encouraging integrated healing of the body, mind, and spirit. When the gong is played properly it produces a whole spectrum of harmonics that are based on pressure waves of sound, which vibrate the energy meridians in the body. The sounds of the gong can recalibrate the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, and raises the frequency of your electrical magnetic field (the aura) that surrounds your body.

A gong meditation is practised laying on your back and all you need to do is rest in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. The gong usually starts softly and progressively the volume increases. The gong sound is changed frequently to avoid producing a fixed monotonous rhythm. The first brainwave state to be reached is alpha. Alpha brainwaves are associated with creativity and feelings of relaxation. This state is followed by an influx of theta waves. Theta waves are associated with deep meditation, hypnosis, and REM sleep. The sounds from the gong can be very loud. The best way to embrace the gong is to surrender, relax, and let go. The gong is your guide and you will ride the waves of the sound current to a deep relaxing state.

Erin O’Hara, Founder of Golden Yogi

If you are interested in finding out more about Gong Baths, we have some exciting workshops coming up - including Gong Bath Training with Methab Benton.

GONG BATH & YOGA NIDRA WITH MEHTAB BENTON

Master Gong Practictioner Training

The Power Of Mantra

The Power of Mantra

Mantras are sound projections that alter the thought patterns of the mind and the chemistry of the brain. The word mantra means “man” = mind, and “trang” = wave or projection. The power of the sound has a definite predictable effect on the chakras and the human psyche.

One of the most powerful tools we have for meditation is the power of using mantra whether it’s internal (silent) mantra in the mind or chanting aloud to create the sound vibration. Mantras are used to elevate and modify consciousness through the meaning and rhythmical repetition. The rhythm of the mantra allows the mind to come into the neutral meditative mind to change the thought patterns and break repetitive or negative thought cycles.

The use of mantra is known as Naad Yoga. It is based on the experience of how sound vibrations affect the body, mind, and spirit. Mantra works through the movement of the tongue on the meridian points. There are 84 meridian points located on the hard palate of the roof of the mouth - 32 pairs (64 points) on the hard palate surface directly behind and along the inside of the teeth and 20 points located in the curve on the central part of the palate. As we move the tongue to chant mantra we create a code that helps to change the thoughts and the mind. It is no different than a phone number - if you want to ring a friend you dial their number but if you ring any random number you will not be able to get hold of your friend. Mantra works in a similar way. The mantra that you chant works like a code on the upper palate of the mouth to stimulate the meridians to affect the energy flow in a particular way through the body and mind.

There is no system of nerve connections between sections of the brain but instead there is a neurotransmission of fluid. Different chemical liquids are excreted into different parts of the brain and messages are transmitted to different parts of the brain through fluids.

We can project the authentic self through the use of our word. Chanting mantras either silently or aloud is a conscious method of controlling and directing the mind. We create every word we speak and even every word we think. When we chant a mantra we choose to evoke the positive power in the particular syllables, rhythm, and frequent of that particular mantra. Simply by chanting mantra we are sending vibrations into motion that shall have the effect. For mantra, it does not matter whether we understand the meaning of the sound or not, as the mantra is the frequency of the sound vibration. By vibrating a particular combination of sounds you tune into various levels of intelligence or consciousness. We have the power to choose what we project and what we think. Through the use of mantra, the words, and the rhythm have an effect on our consciousness. 

“A person can tune his or her own consciousness into the awareness of that totality with the use of a mantra. By vibrating in rhythm with the breath to a particular sound that is proportional to the creative sound, or sound current, one can expand one’s sensitivity to the entire spectrum of vibration. It is similar to striking a note on a stringed instrument. In other words, as you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you.” ~ Yogi Bhajan

Kundalini Music

Music and Mantra is such a huge part of Kundalini Yoga. When Yogi Bhajan took the teachings of Kundalini Yoga to America in 1969, a fusion of Western-style music and mantra emerged. The mantras that we use in Kundalini yoga are in the sacred language Gurmukhi. The meaning of the mantras are encrypted in the vibrations of the sounds, and the way that they resonate internally through the body. 

When we chant a mantra, the meridian points in the upper palate of the mouth are stimulated by the tongue in a particular rhythm and pattern. This initiates a chain of chemical reactions in the body, to rebalance the energy throughout the glandular system and organs. The vibration of sounds reasonate in the body to promote energy circulation throughout the Nadi channels (the body’s energetic pathways).

Sounds vibrations connect us to the infinite flow of energy.  We do not even need to understand the meaning of the mantra for the power of the vibrations to bring energetic balance, and healing to the body and the mind.

In Kundalini yoga classes, you might chant along with the music, use it to set a pace or rhythm for a particular movement or breath pattern, or just listen to the mantra during relaxation periods.

I wanted to share some of my current favorites to inspire you during a home yoga practice, relaxation, or to enjoy in the car. 

The best place to purchase the music is Spirit Voyage (www.spiritvoyage.com) or iTunes Store. Alternatively, you could search for the songs on Spotify.

 Favourite Songs I love to Play in Classes:

• Aad Guray Nameh by Mirabai Ceiba (Awakened Earth)
• Anand (bliss) by Snatam Kaur (Anand)
• Ong Namo by Ajeet Kaur (At the Temple Door)
• Pavan Guru by Gurunam Singh (Breath of Devotion)
• Suniai by Ajeet Kaur (Darshan)
• Ong Sohung by Snatam Kaur (Shanti)
• Ardas Bhaee by Jai Jagdeesh (Of Heaven & Earth)
• Mul Mantra by Mirabai Ceiba (Mountain Sadhana)
• Mera Man Lochai by Sirgun Kaur (The Cosmic Gift)
• Longtime Sun by Snatam Kaur (Celebrate Peace)
• Ra Ma Da Sa by Snatam Kaur (Grace)

Beautiful Meditative/Relaxation Songs:

• Crimson Collection 1 & 2
• Crimson Collection 6 & 7
• Chattr Chakkr Deep Relaxation by Mirabai Ceiba
• Suni-ai (slow) by Snatam Kaur (Shanti)

Great Dance Beats/ Upbeat Songs:

• Wahe Guru Wahe Jio – Feat. Russell Brand by Kamari & Manvir
• Adi Shakti by Kamari & Manvir
• Bhangra Remix:  Kundalini Mantra Fusion Mix – whole album
• Kundalini Technology by Kamari & Manvir – whole album

Favourite Albums:

• Shanti by Snatam Kaur
• I am Thine by Jai Jagdeesh
• Light of the Naam: Morning Chants by Snatam Kaur
• Anand by Snatam Kaur
• Miracles Abound: Meditations for Transformation by Jai Jagdeesh
• Sevati by Mirabai Ceiba
• White Sun by White Sun
• Bhangra Remix:  Kundalini Mantra Fusion Mix
• Liberation’s Door by Snatam Kaur
• Prem Siri by Nirinjan Kaur
• Grace by Snatam Kaur

The Essence of Emotions

Discover the principles for working with emotion in your practice and in your life, that will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered. 

How do you respond when emotion arises on your mat or in your life?  What thoughts pass through your mind?  What happens in your physical body? 

The healthy processing of emotion leaves space in its wake.  This space gives us the ability to choose how we respond to situations in life, rather than being driven by our reactive emotional energy. In this choice we find freedom and the agency to act in alignment with the person we truly want to be.  

Contrary to what the mind may tell us, emotion is not anything to be ashamed or fearful of. In fact, emotion arising during the practice of yoga is a powerful opportunity for healing on a deep and sustainable level.   

As our practice evolves we begin to realise more is happening than physical rebalancing alone.  Yoga touches all parts of our being.  Through movement we are not only rebalancing our physical body but our mental, emotional and spiritual bodies as well.  They are all intimately connected.  

Since everything is energy, emotions are simply a form of energy.  Energy that is either in motion or stored and stagnant.  Moving our physical body through yoga asanas (postures) simultaneously moves our emotional body.  As a result, emotional energy previously lodged deep in the body may begin to shift.   

Have you ever cried on your mat or felt a build-up of tears that never quite broke through?  If so, you are not alone.  As teachers we often see the heaving of chests in half-pigeon pose or following a heart opening sequence.   

This rising of emotional energy is not anything to be concerned about.  Instead it is an opportunity for transformation and evolution.  

To truly and effectively transform and release emotional energy we must examine all the ways we relate to it – both on our mat and in our daily life.   As we investigate our relationship to emotion we may find our current approach lacking sustainability and effectiveness.  Herein lies an opportunity for a new way, idea or solution to be established.   

One such new way may be reframing the common idea that emotion is “negative” or undesirable. Instead, we can learn to see the value and messages that lies within our emotions.  For example, at its root, anger simply means "I don't want this".  With this new perspective we can meet our emotions with curiosity, acceptance and compassion in order to release them.  

This new understanding of the nature of emotion and the reprogramming of our relationship to them is one of the ways we shift from passive victim to empowered creator of ourselves and our lives.   

Find out more... check out our upcoming event The Essence of Emotions -with yoga teacher and life coach Jessica Mackie.

http://goldenyogi.co.nz/events/

Written by Jessica Mackie

Power of Kundalini Mantras

We are creating with every word we speak and thought we think in our mind. The power of mantra is amazing to elevate your consciousness and balance the mind. Mantra is a key element used in Kundalini Yoga to alter patterns of the mind on a physical and metaphysical level. The sound vibrations of mantra have the ability to elevate or modify consciousness through their meaning and rhythmical repetition. 

All the mantras typically used in Kundalini Yoga are in Gurmukhi, a sacred Indian language, and occasionally, in English. By chanting mantra we invoke the positive vibrations of the mantra into our energy field. The science of mantra is based on the knowledge of sound vibrations. Sound vibrations affect our mind, body, and spirit through the movement of the tongue, the mouth, and the changes in the chemicals of the brain.

Yogi Bhajan described mantra as:

“By vibrating in rhythm with the breath to a particular sound that is proportional to the creative sound, or sound current, one can expand one’s sensitivity to the entire spectrum of vibration. It is similar to striking a note on a stringed instrument. In other words, as you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you.”

Simply by chanting the mantras we are setting vibrations into motion that shall affect our mind, body, and infinite connection. Download the printable PDF to deepen your understanding of the most frequently used mantras in Kundalini Yoga.      

Finding Balance and Preventing Burnout

We all live busy lives trying to balance work, business, family and hobbies - the life of a householder. It’s easy to think we are invincible and take on too much. But when we are trying to burn the candle at both ends eventually the body and mind can’t keep up with the lifestyle we are trying to live.  

In the short term, the body can cope with the extra pressure and stress as adrenaline kicks in to give us extra energy. However, if the stress and pressure is prolonged over a longer period of time then it is detrimental to our health and wellbeing. The high levels of the stress hormones (cortisol) will eventually lead to adrenal fatigue or burn out. 

You will know you are overstepping the limits if you start to feel like you wake up every morning like a truck has driven over you. You do not feel rested or refreshed from sleeping. For most people, to keep their busy lifestyle maintained rely on stimulants to keep going and give them energy during the day – coffee, energy drinks, black tea, chocolate, etc. 

Even a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation a day can help...

If this sounds like you then maybe it is time to make some lifestyle changes to reduce your stress and rebuild your energy stores. These lifestyle tips will help you find your balance:

Nutrition

• Eat real foods and avoid processed foods to give you body energy and fuel.
• Make time for meals – not eating lunch at your desk or on the run.
• Eat breakfast – coffee does not count as breakfast.  If you are limited for time make a smoothie.
• Have healthy snacks handy to snack on throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels balanced.
• Drink at least 8 cups of water daily

Sleep

Try to get at least 6-8 hours sleep every night.  The body cannot function on no sleep.
Prepare the body for sleep by dimming the lights, turn off the tv and phones, have a warm bath, or cup of herbal tea about one hour before going to bed.
Give yourself time to unwind after work to let go of your day.

Disconnect from technology

Create boundaries.  You do not need to answer all emails instantly. 
No checking emails or Facebook in the middle of the night or first thing when you wake up. 
Do you really need to be on your phone or sending messages while you are out for lunch with a friend – can they not wait until after?

Exercise

Exercise gives you more energy by boosting your blood flow and endorphins in your body.
A little and often is better than over exhausting yourself by pushing yourself too hard.
The hardest part is getting yourself to the gym or out for a walk or jog, but once you’re done you remember how good it makes you feel!

Breathing and Meditation

During the day your mind collects thoughts - you need time to process the thoughts and clear your mind.
Meditation is like filing away all the old thoughts to give you more clarity and release anything that maybe on your mind or bothering you.
Diaphragmatic Breathing will calm the body and nervous system.  When we get stressed we tend to forget to breath!  Take a few minutes a day to breath and oxygenate the body.

Taking time out

Sometimes the workload seems like it never stops.  It is important to schedule time off even when you are extra busy as you will find you will be more productive when you come back to work again. 
Do things you love and spend time with friends and family.
Find hobbies that you enjoy – so you don’t just slip back into work.

Written by Erin O'Hara, Naturopath and Kundalini Yoga teacher

WANDER-FUL WANDERLUST

On March 23rd over 3500 New Zealanders enjoyed an array of yoga and healthy fun at Western Springs Park in Auckland. Erin was incredibly grateful to teach alongside a team of inspiring and world class international teachers. For those of you that were there, you will agree that Erin's Kundalini class was pure magic - with everyone coming together for the 'Elevate your Energy' class. With yoga, meditation, hula hooping, music, dancing, organic treats and more - there really was something for everyone. To Jacque and Jonnie Halstead, and their amazing team - thank you for inviting us to be a part of the festival fun! It really was amazing! We can't wait to share even more yoga fun at Wanderlust Great Lake Taupo 2015. 

" This was the best class of the day for me - beautiful Kundalini, big breaths, only just coming down from the energy high now! " 

~ Astrid Schirnack ~

ERIN'S WANDERLUST HIGHLIGHTS

~ Sunrise meditation with Duncan Peak was pure bliss. Feeling the warm sun shining on your face while connecting with breath and chanting some mantra was a great start to the day.

~  The Lululemon tent fun:  face painting, beautiful hair braiding, henna tattoos, and special edition Wanderlust clothing ... a fun place to hang out and get beautified!!

~  Teaching on the main stage at the Festival. It was awesome to share my love for Kundalini Yoga and see hundreds of people embracing the practice and coming together to raise consciousness.

~  Seeing the Auckland Community come together to share a special day embracing all styles of yoga, healthy conscious living, and connecting with liked minded beautiful people!

---