— Chloë Goodchild

There is nothing strange, “New Age,” Religious, or cultish about using sound as medicine. Primal humans used sound for healing and also to increase their understanding of the world they lived in. They prayed to the spirits for what they needed by using their voices in emotional ways. They released energy of loss by keening long, low sounds of mourning. They celebrated good fortune by drumming, dancing, and singing. They kept their families and tribes balanced by using communal sound gatherings where all were bonded in a bold rhythm. They learned the sounds of birds and animals in order to know their “medicine” and what they could teach them. In our modern world, there is no culture that lives with all the sound influences experienced by our ancestors.

Sound wellness, as our ancestors knew it, was left behind with the times; but will eventually reclaim its place in our lives along with other healthy practices that are gradually becoming mainstream; like yoga, meditation, aerobic exercise, etc.

When Sound Wellness finally returns to our daily lives, there will be no question about rising each morning, singing to the sun, drumming a little rhythm to get started, and going on with our day. Sometime during the day, we will stop what we are doing and go through a series of vocal exercises and maybe a little movement to quickly refresh our minds – much like taking a “coffee break.” Later we will release all the tensions of the day through a session of singing, drumming, and dancing before we enjoy a good meal with our loved ones. Before we sleep, we will hum a series of tones that will take us quickly into the deepest most restful sleep ever.

If you’re still not convinced you “can sing,”  it helps to consider your voice as an integral part of life on all levels. Simply put, if you are breathing, or talking, your body is making music. Your cells are making music. Your bones are making music. Your body is full of music and you are singing.

When we finally allow ourselves to use our natural voices and rhythms for dynamic wellness, we will realize what a healthy life really feels like. There are many ways to experience our own sounds. We can sing songs, sing tones, make nature sounds, drum and dance, or simply hum softly to ourselves. There is no wrong way. but some techniques are more beneficial and healing for the body, mind, and spirit. We would love to share them with you.