Have you attended a Sound Bath workshop at weSPARK yet? This Friday the talented El Larson will be leading this amazing workshop. A sound bath creates a space where guests can reach a state of deep relaxation and connect with their subconscious through the use of Tibetan singing bowls and harmonics. This unique practice can assist with healing, relaxation, pain relief, anxiety, improved stress reduction, energy balancing, overall awakening, and altered consciousness. Interested in becoming a guest at weSPARK Cancer Support Center? Call us today to schedule your intake appointment! Don’t forget to check out our monthly schedule to sign up for FREE programs, classes, support groups and individual therapies vailable for free in Los Angeles to cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones.

Tell us about yourself! How did you begin your work in sound healing?

Personally, I’ve always been obsessed with music, and most often it was the sounds used that determined whether I liked it or not. I started DJing (techno, minimal, etc.) in ’99, which I guess was my introduction to manipulating an environment with sound. On my way back to The States after living in London, I detoured to India for six months and at the beginning of my travels, visited some Buddhist caves. Sonically, they were mind-blowing — I was bathed in my own voice. It was such a visceral experience and completely redirected my life. I read everything I could find about the principles and ancient practices of sound ‘healing,’ and when I finally settled in Los Angeles, I built a sound chamber in the alcove in my apartment. I started teaching yoga, and while giving adjustments could feel frequencies not only in myself, but in other people’s bodies. I finally found my teachers, Diáne Mandle and Richard Rudis in Encinitas, who specialize in the ancient, singing Tibetan Bowls — I wanted to learn from the roots of what I had initially experienced.

What are the benefits of a Sound Bath workshop and how do you think they will benefit cancer patients and their loved ones?

A sound bath is a vibration-rich sonic environment designed to ‘bathe’ its participants in sound, bringing them to a meditative state. This sound is created by playing various instruments including Himalayan metal or crystal singing bowls, gongs, didgeridoo, voice, drums or electronic instruments. I use very old metal bowls from the Himalaya, a synth and some other instruments to create the sounds that respond to the collective energy created in the room.

With no melodies or lyrics for the mind to attach, sound and simple rhythms can induce Alpha or Theta brainwave states (out of ‘thinking mind’) and brings people more in touch with their subconscious. In subconscious states, we can release deep levels of stress and old, stale emotions and habits that may not be relevant or helpful anymore. 

I begin this workshop with practical exercises (breath, some vocal toning) so participants can take home a few tools if they don’t have access to instruments. Making sound with the voice is a really good way to release and/or generate energy — anyone who has yelled at traffic has done this intuitively. Directing your voice (or sound meditation, or instrument playing) with some intention to balance energy can be even more beneficial.

Tell us about your experience with weSPARK. What led you to our facility and how can your work help benefit individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis in the Los Angeles area?

This will be my third time doing a workshop at weSPARK. I love the space and am always touched by the people that come and how different parts of the workshop help different people. Casey reached out to me last year, and I was so grateful we connected. Releasing stress and balancing energy is beneficial for everyone, but especially for individuals with cancer, whose bodies are going through a significant amount of stress, relieving some of that so more energy can go towards healing and navigating the process is of huge importance.

You are facilitating a Sound Bath Workshop on Friday, April 21 at 6:30 PM. Can you guide us through what a Sound Bath class looks like?

I begin with some meditation and practical exercises: listening, breath, vocal toning, etc. We do these together as a group so participants can feel what works for them and hopefully have some tools to use in their own time. I pass around a few instruments for them to try to see if they’re something they may be interested in purchasing on their own. The second half of the workshop is the sound bath, where the guests recline and relax to the sounds.

What do your guests take away after participating in your class?  

Hopefully they feel more relaxed and have some exercises they can practice on their own.

How do you practice self-care? 

We live in the foothills of Pasadena, right up by the mountains where it’s really quiet and peaceful. That in itself has been huge for staying balanced. Besides that, I meditate, practice yoga, hike with my pup, and occasionally do trades with friends who do sound, reiki, breath work etc. 

What inspires you?

The environment (natural and built), the cosmos, people I meet. 

What is something people might not know about you?

I’m a kung-fu movie aficionado. 

Visit El’s website to find out more about her practice and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube! weSPARK Cancer Support Center is located in Los Angeles and offers completely FREE programs, workshops, classes and individual therapies to cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones.  Remember to take a look at our monthly program schedule for more information about the services we offer.

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