Hi, this month I am publishing the second part of an essay I wrote for my Gong Practitioner Training course. This time we consider how gongs support our spiritual growth as well as the 'future of gongs' and how they could support our individual and collective evolution.
Spiritual Growth
Gongs can play a significant role in spiritual growth and the process of awakening. The transformative power of gong baths, sound meditations, and other gong-based practices facilitates deep introspection, self-awareness, and expansion of consciousness. This spiritual journey promotes growth, self-discovery, and a greater understanding of one's purpose and true sense of self.
Due to the holistic nature of gong work, there is a connection between ‘healing’ and spiritual practices. Doctors and scientists have evidence-based research showing that spiritual awakening can positively impact our healing and well-being on the physical level. An American epidemiologist, Jeffery Levin, discovered over 250 published studies that clearly show the largely beneficial effects of spiritual practice on health. Physician Larry Dossey has cataloged evidence about spirituality, prayer, and healing.[i]
It would be unwise not to cross into more subjective and esoteric realms when discussing spiritual healing and growth. The more holistic principles of kundalini, chakras, and subtle energy, which identify the other domains in which the gong weaves its magic, can be traced back to the 8th Century BC and Kashmir, India, the birthplace of Kashmir Shaivism and Tantra. These non-dualistic philosophies see everything holistically. That is to say; everything is connected to everything because everything is understood to be everything.
The gong is primordial in its very nature; it produces the first sound Om or Aum, the ancient first sound of the universe from which all other sounds came. If this is true, it resonates with Sources’ very essence. It is this realm we are transported to when listening to the gong and explains why we can transcend our current reality and remember our truest nature when immersed in healing sound. For many, this ‘peak experience’ can be a spiritual awakening experienced for the first time during a gong bath.
It would be impossible to say how the gong has informed my spiritual growth in less than several thousand words. If I am to comment, the gong has brought me to a sense of surrender. To my metaphorical knees, it helped me see that I am here to serve, simply helping others on their way.
Possible Future of Gongs
“Sound will be the medicine of the future”
Edgar Cayce
Human beings, throughout history, have faced physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that necessitate healing. The complexities of modern life have only intensified these challenges, leading to a global healing crisis. Technological advancements, rapid urbanisation, increased stress, and disconnection from nature have contributed to a global healing crisis in the modern era.
The potential role of sound healing with gongs in the evolution of humans and society is speculative; we can explore some possibilities based on current trends and understandings.
Expanding Awareness and Consciousness: Sound healing with gongs, like other modalities, can expand human awareness and consciousness. This is of critical importance if we are to tackle the increasing physical, psychological, and spiritual challenges we face individually and collectively.
Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being: Sound healing with gongs has been shown to have calming and stress-reducing effects on the mind and body. Gong baths and other sound healing sessions might become more widely incorporated into preventative wellness routines and therapeutic interventions, potentially contributing to a more balanced and resilient society.
Integrative Healthcare Approaches: As complementary and alternative healing modalities gain recognition and acceptance, there is a growing trend towards integrative healthcare. Gong therapy may be integrated into hospitals, clinics, and wellness centres, offering a holistic approach to healing.
Community Building and Social Connection: Sound healing experiences like group gong baths or sound meditations can foster community and social connection. In a society that often faces challenges related to isolation and disconnection, the communal aspect of sound healing with gongs may help strengthen social bonds and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.
Research and Scientific Exploration: While sound healing has gained popularity, further scientific research and exploration are needed to fully understand its mechanisms and effects. Scientific findings can provide a stronger foundation for integrating these practices into healthcare and societal frameworks.
Conclusion
Gongs have an extensive historical background and are deeply intertwined with the human quest for healing and growth.
The New Age movement's focus on self-exploration, personal growth, and spiritual development created a receptive audience for sound healing. As awareness of sound healing and its benefits continues to grow, the future of gongs in healing appears promising. This is timely as we face chronic levels of stress on a global scale. Scientific research is beginning to uncover sound and vibration's physiological and psychological effects on the human body. Integrative approaches that combine traditional healing practices with modern scientific findings will likely gain momentum.
Beyond simple healing, gongs and sound have a potential role to play in enhanced levels of human awareness, well-being, cognition, memory, and attention. Higher levels of cognitive performance could lead to realisation of our potential, both individually and collectively, as we seek to solve the many challenges faced by living on an overpopulated planet. Albert Einstein once famously said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” Could the gong elevate our consciousness and provide powerful insights into creating a bright future for one and all?
As a practitioner and student, I have witnessed and experienced the gong’s exceptional healing powers and ability to stimulate creativity, cognition, and spiritual awakening. It is lovely to be part of a community that is raising levels of connection and building communities and social contact between people in a time of increasing isolation. As the field of sound healing evolves, gongs are poised to play an increasingly significant role in supporting harmonising humans and nurturing human growth.
[1] https://debphelps.com/2022/06/integral-sound-healing-session-vs-group-sound-bath/
[1] https://www.collegeofsoundhealing.co.uk/what_is.php
[1] https://www.delamora.life/blog/science-research-on-sound-for-healing?format=amp
[1] https://www.delamora.life/blog/science-research-on-sound-for-healing?format=amp
[1] Shelia Whittaker - Sound Healing With Gongs
[1] Ikigai – the Japanese secret to a long and happy life.
[1] Sir Ken Robinson – Do Schools kill creativity? Ted Talk 2007
[1] Shelia Whittaker – Sound Healing with Gongs
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