The Best Sound Baths in California
For some, the very notion of meditation can often seem like a daunting task. We’ve all heard about the health benefits and read about the case studies on meditation. We’ve even felt inspired to meditate ourselves. However, when that magic moment to meditate finally arrives in amid busy day, we struggle to bring ourselves to actually partake in the process. Especially those of us that remain mercifully inundated by our busy work schedules and daily responsibilities, the thought of actually reaching a calm, meditative headspace seems almost laughable.
Enter sound baths. Sound baths are a meditation class for the can’t-relaxers, the my-brain-wont-shut-off worriers and literally, everyone in between. Sound bathing is intended to assist in facilitating a shift in your brainwave state through “frequency and entrainment with sound.” The sounds during these meditation classes are created by a wide range of instruments with different frequencies, ranging from drums and singing bowls to gongs and chimes. With the help of a sound bath guide and these beautiful instruments, even the most novice individual can achieve peace.
While still fairly new to the scene, sound bathing has already garnered great attention in California, promoting healing and relaxation to all who participate.
We rounded up a few of our favorite sound baths in California, where you an seek enlightenment or simply enjoy a vibrational massage for your mind, body and soul.
Integratron – Joshua Tree
If you’re up for a day trip and a little meditative experimenting, then head out to the desert to experience sound bathing at the Integratron. Tucked away among the desert bedrocks of Joshua Tree National Park, Integratron welcomes all visitors to come and soak in the magical meditation sound waves. According to creator George Van Tassel, the historical Integratron structure is a “resonant tabernacle and energy machine sited on a powerful geomagnetic vortex in the magical Mojave Desert. This one-of-a-kind 38-foot high, 55-foot diameter, all wood dome was designed to be an “electrostatic generator for the purpose of rejuvenation and time travel.”
The location of the Integratron is an essential part of its functioning and was built on an intersection of powerful geomagnetic forces that is said to concentrate and amplify the earth’s magnetic field.
Integratron visitors can book a private sound bath for 1-30 guests with prices ranging from $250-$800, or join their public sound baths for $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends.
Integratron
2477 Belfield Blvd Landers, CA 92285
(760) 364-3126
The Green Yogi – Manhattan Beach / Berkeley
Meditation classes by the beach will have anyone searching for the sign up sheet. Couple an ocean view with entrancing music and candle-lit, guided meditation and you may never leave this sound bath. The Green Yogi, which sits one block from the beach in Manhattan Beach, Calif., offers just such a calming paradise. Perfect for meditation beginners, this one-hour guided beachside sound bath at the Green Yogi combines the healing sounds of various instruments, like crystal bowls and gongs, to induce a state of deep relaxation. “This is a great way to introduce yourself to the practice of meditation or to expand upon your existing practice.” Meditation practitioners of all levels are welcome.
The Green Yogi – Manhattan Beach
3504 Highland Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 546-YOGI (9644)
Visit thegreenyogi.com for more details.
Wanderlust Sound Bath – Hollywood
Let your worries melt away and allow your soul to find solitude at the Soulstrology Soundbath at Wanderlust in Hollywood, Calif. Soulstrology Soundbath guests have the chance to let go and listen peacefully to the guided sound bath meditation at Wanderlust. After a brief yet inspirational lecture, attendees get to lie back and drift off into a deep relaxing meditation as Holy Fire Karuna® and Usui Reiki Master, Ambi Sitham, performs a reiki infused sound bath with carefully curated planetary gongs, crystal singing bowls and chimes clearing your energy field and aligning your chakras. If you don’t know what chakras are or how to align them, have no fear. All you need for this sound bath is a willing heart and the ability to find a comfy spot on your mat to relax, release, receive!
Wanderlust
1357 N Highland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 967-8855
Visit wanderlusthollywood.com for more details.
Sound Meditation SF – San Francisco
Further up the California coast is Bay Area-based sound bath, Sound Meditation SF, which follows the vibrational-healing philosophy of Nada Yoga. Hosted by musical artist, Guy Douglas, and yogi-practicing entrepreneur, Simona Marie Asinovski, the Sound Meditation SF classes are dedicated to deepening your meditation practice with sound. This monthly meditation event hosts hundreds of devotees at such locations as Grace Cathedral in addition to a semi-regular meet-ups at the Conservatory of Flowers. Class attendees have the chance to decompress and lay in relaxing yoga-driven pose, savasana while the instructor uses gongs, crystal singing bowls, shamanic drums, and chimes to create healing vibrations. This event is hosted at rotating locations in San Francisco. Next event is on January 26 at 8 p.m. at the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Tickets go on sale on January 16.
Visit soundmeditationsf.com for more details.
Inner Sounds Yoga – San Leandro
Lead by Melissa Felsenstein, Bay Area sound practitioner with over ten years of sound healing experience, the Inner Sounds sound bath will help you travel through sound and space as you fall deeper into a relaxed state for optimal meditation. Melissa’s sound meditation baths are focused on restoring the nervous system through deep relaxation. Therefore, each sound bath has a limited amount of participants to ensure each person has adequate space, sufficient props, and a distraction-free environment. While some participants have often reported experiencing colorful visuals, emotional release, muscular tension relief, mood elevation, and a deep inner calm, others may simply drift off into the deepest sleep they’ve experienced yet. Wherever you comfort lies and the sound bath takes you, you will be safe and surrounded by love.
The next Inner Sounds Yoga event is January 19, 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m., with tickets going for $20/$25 day of.
Square One Yoga San Leandro
1225 MacArthur Blvd.
San Leandro, CA 94577
Visit innersoundsyoga.com/soundmeditationbaths for more details.
Originally published on Bloom Farms