The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

The Power of Sound

Our modern lives are extremely noisy. From the rumble of passing traffic to the hum of heating and cooling systems to the audio pumping out of our televisions, stereos, and computers, we rarely have the luxury of focusing on just one sound—let alone complete peace and quiet. For most of us, it’s difficult to remember a time before all the noise, and perhaps we’ve grown so accustomed to it that we don’t even notice it anymore. But whether or not we’re aware of it, all those competing sounds can clog our minds and prevent us from achieving deep focus and relaxation.

For contrast, let’s go back for a moment to the beginning of human history, a time before highways and electricity and the Internet. Back then, the only sounds to be heard were the sounds of nature—wind in the trees, a rushing stream, insects and animals and fellow human beings. Musical instruments and song are just about as old as humanity itself, so throw those in there, too. Now imagine a world with just these sounds. Peaceful, isn’t it?

This chapter is all about the power of sound to transport you to a quieter, simpler time, or perhaps deeper inside your own mind. The instruments and practices discussed in these pages have long histories and multiple applications in various spiritual traditions. Perhaps you’d like to add chanting to your yoga practice or incorporate flute music into your meditation routine. Maybe you’ll even try your hand at learning a new instrument or join a group activity such as a drum circle. However you choose to experiment with these powerful sounds, they will surely open up a new dimension in your life.