Sunday, February 7, 2021

What is Tibetan Singing Bowl and How It's Working?

Tibetan singing bowls are a type of bell that vibrates and produces a rich, deep tone when played. Also known as singing bowls or Himalayan bowls, Tibetan singing bowls are said to promote relaxation and offer powerful healing properties. Tibetan singing bowls in meditation practice.

In addition, some wellness practitioners (including music therapists, massage therapists, and yoga therapists) use Tibetan singing bowls during treatment.

How Tibetan Singing Bowl Works?

There are a few different theories that have been proposed to explain why Tibetan singing bowls might be beneficial. Such theories suggest that:

  • The vibrations that the bowls produce may affect the mind and body.
  • The sounds the bowls create may impact brain waves in order to induce relaxation.
  • They may induce the same psychological effects and benefits as listening to music.

Some of the possible uses for singing bowl therapy include:

Stress relief, Improving sleep, Lowering blood pressure, Reducing depression, Stimulating the immune system, Pain relief, Balancing and harmonizing the body, Enhancing other healing practices.

How to Use Tibetan Singing Bowls?

To create sound with a singing bowl, firmly press the accompanying mallet in a circular motion against the bowl’s outside edge or rim. When you hear a bright, clear tone, you can slow down the motion. Use your full arm to make the motion, rather than just rotating your wrist.

You can also make the same circular motion against the outside belly of the bowl. Additionally, you can gently stroke the bowl before beginning the circular motion.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

How to Use Sound Healing in Your Life

There are a handful of ways to use sound therapy for your own personal healing. The most popular techniques that are being used today are:

1) Singing Bowls & Bells
Whether made out of Tibetan metal or quartz crystal, singing bowls make a soothing ringing sound when a felt-tipped mallet is rubbed around the edge. Rhythms can also be produced by striking the edge of the bowls and bells. The vibrations and tones that are emitted can slow down breathing, brain waves, and heart rates. This produces a deep sense of calm and well-being.

2) Gong Bath
A gong bath is an ancient Asian sound healing technique in which the participant is surrounded by gongs that are struck. Gong baths feel like massages because they vibrate all of the water within the body, which produces an amazing sense of well-being.

3) Om Chanting
The sacred, familiar “aum” is known as the mother tone, which comprises the frequencies of all other sounds. Repetitive chanting of this tone is the first step to meditation. Research shows that chanting can stabilize heart rate, lower blood pressure, produce endorphins, help the mind focus, and alleviate stress levels.

4) Humming
This simple sound greatly affects our emotion. It can keep us healthy by reducing stress, enhancing sleep, and producing happy chemicals in the brain such as oxytocin. It can also improve airflow between the sinuses and the nasal cavity, which helps circulate oxygen throughout the body, and can protect the health of sinuses.

5) Classical and Soothing Music
Classical and soothing music can be used to enhance learning and creativity, for pregnancy and child development, and to help alleviate high blood pressure and muscle tension.

6) Kirtan
Kirtan is a form of music that narrates, recites, tells, and describes an idea of a story. In a kirtan practice, a leader sings the mantra and the audience sings it back. Through this exchange, the audience is able to connect with each other. Kirtan allows for meditation, free expression, giving and receiving, and safe vulnerability. These abilities lead to inner healing.

Our bodies, minds, and spirits always want to be in a state of balance, yet outer stimuli and noises can distract and prevent us from maintaining a state of harmony. Sound has the power to bring us to the source of the inner peace we all desire.

The Dos And Don’ts Of Playing A Singing Bowl


New to singing bowls? Haven’t gotten around to playing lately? Help is here for those who need a refresher course and a nudge in the right direction. Read our quick rundown of eight singing bowl tips.

DO begin with intention

We love how perfectly sized our Tibetan singing bowls are for portability. It’s easy to whip it out for a grounding, centering moment in the middle of a hectic day. But it’s just as important to take the time to settle into some singing bowl sessions. Especially if you’re just beginning or want to play for a longer stretch of time.

Move to a quiet area and select a comfortable upright posture. Close your eyes, take a few deep belly breaths, and fully arrive at the present moment.

DO try different techniques

Everyone at Silent Mind has a “default” way of playing. Some strike their bowls a lot, some quick play the rim clockwise, others slowly play the rim counterclockwise. Having a preference, or way of playing that feels natural, is great. Still, mix it up at times and try other techniques for playing. You’ll be amazed at your bowl’s range.

DO stay close to the rim

Pay attention to where your arm is positioned before it meets the bowl. It’s best to keep it relaxed, down, held close to the side/rim of the bowl. Beginning by holding it far above the bowl or stretched out to the side to swing in might lead to rattling or inconsistent sounds.

DO take proper care of your bowl

The daily environment and general long-term conditions a bowl is kept in will impact the sound. You should keep your bowl free of dust and prolonged moisture, and use only pure lemon juice and water to cleanse it. Brush up on our top ten tips for keeping your singing bowl beautiful for ages.

DON’T let your fingers touch the sides

Dull sounds that don’t resonate? Make sure you’re not touching the sides of the bowl as you play. Even though you’re not striking that area, the sound comes from the entire bowl. It needs to remain free and clear of fingers in order to generate those good vibrations.

DON’T lose your cushion

When we sit in meditation, we let our head balance or float effortlessly on top of an aligned spine. Think of your cushion as a spine for your singing bowl. Ours aren’t just decorative; they are designed to perfectly balance a singing bowl in the palm of your hand. This also helps moderate how rough we are with our instrument.

DON’T grip your striker too tightly

Speaking of rough, avoid tensing up as you grip your striker. A tight grip makes it more difficult to sustain the song as you play the rim. Plus, it’s not very relaxing. Unlike some other instruments, we do not need to hold tension anywhere in the body to play a singing bowl.

DON’T forget to practice

People love how easy it is to play singing bowls. But we understand that not everyone will take to it like a duck to water. There’s no shame in having to practice with your singing bowl. It helps refine technique and locate the best possible sound of each unique bowl.

Monday, August 10, 2020

New From Silent Mind: Mindful Intentions Sound Therapy Tracks


Silent Mind loves coming up with more purposes for singing bowls, and occasions to play them. That’s a huge reason we’ve made them the perfect size. They can go wherever peace and harmony are needed.

Yet it must be acknowledged that no, it isn’t always a good time to play the Tibetan singing bowl, and we’re not just talking about driving. You probably don’t want to play the singing bowl when:

  1. Riding public transportation. I mean, we’re sure it would be beneficial, but not everyone would appreciate it.
  2. In the midst of a yoga or meditation practice. We use singing bowls at the end and beginning all of the time, but we are otherwise occupied in between.
  3. In the middle of the night. When you wake up and desperately want to go back to sleep, playing an instrument is hardly an activity you want to go for.

However, these are all instances where singing bowl sound therapy can really help. Commutes are stressful, healing practices are improved with singing bowl sounds, and you want to be lulled back to sleep.

For all of the times when your bowl and striker are a hindrance more than a help, Silent Mind has begun rolling out a soothing, satisfying series of sound healing meditation tracks.

Chakra Meditations

The centerpiece of our first sound healing audio collection would be the chakra sessions. Each of the seven chakras is addressed with the appropriate frequency to create an immersive experience. We feel that meditators of all levels will appreciate how complex, entrancing, and at times, totally relaxing these specific tracks are. At the end of your short session, check-in with your body and mind, and note what has shifted.

Also, these meditations are suitable for those who don’t know much about chakras. In fact, you don’t have to have any interest in the concept of chakras to benefit. You can enjoy them simply as ambient tracks that go from daily background music to evening meditation.

Bonus Meditations

The sound of a singing bowl is a great complement to soothing human voices, as well as nature sounds. Our additional tracks from this premier release include a stunning vocal-assisted meditation, and a forest-themed sound therapy session.

You might find yourself turning in to your favorite track while doing everyday activities, like working at your desk or making dinner. We recommend arranging the tracks on your custom playlist for seamless sequencing that helps you work, move, study, and sleep better.

Start Sound Healing Today

We at Silent Mind love giving our customers exclusives, whether it be first dibs on a new product or a heads up on a huge sale. But we are also committed to accessibility. To that end, everyone can enjoy the Mindful Intentions Sound Healing Notes collection on Amazon today.

Take a listen and let us know what you think. Which track is your favorite, and why? Do you already enjoy singing bowl tracks? Tell us in the comments, and be sure to check back in soon.

Friday, August 7, 2020

The Best Tibetan Singing Bowls For Your Home Practice

What do you do when your usual yoga studio is closed? When the meditation center has shut its doors? When things feel crazy, uncertain, or just plain wrong? This is what a home practice is for. Home practices make routine and discipline possible at all times. They ensure that no matter what else is happening in the world, you have the tools and space to ground yourself in the present.

The most important tools are the techniques you rely on for a strong everyday yoga, meditation, or mindfulness practice. In addition, it helps to have the right Tibetan singing bowl. Use it to clear your space, mark the beginning and end of your practice, or enjoy some soothing sound therapy.

What matters most in Tibetan singing bowl? Sound, vibration, aesthetic, size? We got a head start on picking the perfect singing bowl for your home practice space.

The Quiet Corner

If you are like many other people, you have had to improvise a space. Maybe one corner of the office, den, or bedroom is now a contemplation space- and that is okay! Make tight spots all yours with our placid Blue Colour singing bowl. The unique finish is calming but adds character to space.

Since kids love colorful, shiny objects, they’ll want to play it, too. Therefore, it’s a top pick for teachers and families.

The Modern Minimalist

Are you inspired by sleek, elegant lines? Is a singing bowl all you need to recharge energy levels and boost confidence? Then our Power and Strength singing bowl will fit right in at home. The smooth black finish is tough to make, but we think Silent Mind’s artisans have done an exceptional job.

The Everyday Meditator

Meditation and mindfulness are no big deal; it is just your lifestyle. You probably do not even have a dedicated space for your practice. For those who love a singing bowl that sounds and looks good absolutely everywhere, you’ll love the classic, bestselling Balance and Harmony design.

The Yoga Lover

Yoga studio? Your home is a yoga studio. There is always space to roll out your mat, and you do not call it ‘naptime’- it is just savasana. From pranayama to chanting to hours of relaxing yin, the Peace Mantra singing bowl will be right by your side with an inspiring message.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

How to Take a Tibetan Singing Bowl Sound Bath at Home

Sound baths are a truly transcendent way to relax. A sound bath is a meditative practice where we immerse ourselves in healing sound, most often singing bowls. It’s a sound therapy session that can help us destress, refresh, and even enjoy biological benefits like lower blood pressure.

Many new-wave sound bath lovers discover them in corporate settings or meditation centers. However, you can create a soothing sound bath on your own at home. Today, we’re telling you exactly how.

Preparing a Home Singing Bowl Sound Bath

Naturally, the most important ingredient for singing bowl sound bath. If you have a collection, this is the perfect time to bring them all out and alternate creating sounds for your bath.

Using bowls of varying sizes and sound adds dimension. If you’re looking to shift energies in your home as well as the body, multiple tones and frequencies can enhance the effect. We recommend our classic bestseller collection as well as our quartz crystal chakra singing bowl series.

If you’re looking for a particular size and sound, you can even order a custom singing bowl. Silent Mind singing bowls are always authentically made by artisans in Nepal using locally sourced materials from the Himalayas.

If you only have one singing bowl, that’s fine. There are no rules when it comes to the number or size of singing bowls used for a sound bath.

Once you choose your spot, make it comfortable. A folded blanket or low cushion on the floor is suitable to sit on while playing. Some people also prefer low natural lighting, aromatherapy, candles, and any other type of ambiance they find relaxing.

Arrange your singing bowls around your sitting spot and prepare to clear the energy of your space in the way you choose. You could smudge with sage, start by ringing Tingsha bells or strike a higher-pitched singing bowl.

TAKE A SOUND BATH

Once you’re seated, take a moment to set an intention and decide what you want from your sound bath. If you could command your singing bowl to emit a particular kind of energy, what would that be?

Sit and meditate on this for a minute, taking full, even breaths. Now begin to play, alternating bowls or playing techniques in whichever sequence or pattern feel right to you. Strike one and let it ring while you make another sing, or alternate striking and playing the rim of one solitary singing bowl.

As you play, do your best to stay relaxed. Be mindful not to tense the shoulders or ask too much of your wrists.

One of the greatest things about creating a sound bath is what it can do for others in your home. Let anyone else present lay in savasana while you play; children especially may prefer this to regular old naptime. Plus, they’ll be a lot calmer afterward.

If you’re not quite ready to dive into making your own sound bath yet, Silent Mind has you covered. We’ve added some meditation tracks to Spotify which is a good introduction. Be sure to wear headphones for an immersive experience.

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Singing Bowls And Kids: Making Time At Home Mindful


Wondering how you’ll keep the kids occupied this summer? Currently, struggling with schooling and entertaining them at home? Singing bowls easily fit into lesson plans, routines, and rules of the house. If you want to make time at home more mindful – but not more boring- check out some ways our kids are using singing bowls.

A Music Lesson

Teaching kids about the arts at home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Unlike other musical instruments, singing bowls are relatively inexpensive and easy to play. Listen to some singing bowl tracks online and have your little ones try to recreate the sounds along with the recording.

For kids who do have experience with musical education, have them identify what note their singing bowl plays. Have them experiment with different playing techniques to alter the sound, or play other instruments like gongs, bells, and chimes to accompany the singing bowl.

A Reward

Little ones love praise and acknowledgment for good behavior. And in the long term, it reinforces that good behavior. If you’re homeschooling right now, try using a singing bowl as a reward. When your child gets an answer right or behaves, invite them to strike the singing bowl. It’ simple, but incredibly fun for small kids who love an opportunity to make a little noise.

Over time, they’ll build positive associations with the sound. Later in life, they’ll have no problem turning to a singing bowl to boost their mood and destress.

Games

Tibetan Singing bowls can even be incorporated into mindful listening games. Play your singing bowl around the rim, and have the kids listen carefully for the second that the sound fades away completely. At the moment the sound disappears, they either sit down or if sitting, raise their hand. This type of engagement is good for keeping kids in the present moment.

Relaxation and Quiet Time

Naptime is a struggle. If your children insist they’re not tired and fight taking a rest, try this. Instead of saying its naptime, do a few yoga postures. Downward dog, butterfly, and child’s pose are all good beginner postures they can do. Finish with savasana, where the child will lie down on their mat with their eyes closed. Begin playing the singing bowl as you encourage them to relax, not “nap”.

Chances are, they’ll drift off to sleep- whether they meant to or not.

Singing bowls are good for bedtime too, as a simple ritual that signals things are winding down at home. At Silent Mind, we keep different singing bowls for all purposes- one for mindful listening games and music lessons, one for routines and rewards, and one for naps and bedtime.

Are you currently homeschooling, and what are your biggest challenges? Do your kids practice mindfulness or play the singing bowl? When did they first start using a singing bowl? Let us know in the comments, and share your own ideas for other parents!