Sounding Off: Baths Abound

Dive into a unique Reiki-infused sound bath with guided hypnosis in Yoga Soup’s ongoing Sunday Soundscape series every third Sunday of the month (February 16; $35). The 75-minute journey with Danielle Elese focuses on harmonizing our internal waters, the element that comprises most of our bodies. Sound has a profound impact on water, affecting its behavior and structure, influencing the human body in a multitude of ways, down to the blood in our veins. Elese elicits the healing through a soundscape that combines 432Hz crystal bowls, Tibetan sound bowls, chimes, gong, percussion, vocal toning and song with a guided hypnosis visualization. 

On February 23, the sound series sports a musical sensory experience with Avatara that begins with a brief science-based meditation aimed deep into the heart. This meditation can help those who are curious about adding something new to their practice that may assist in healing and manifestation goals, potentially reduce blood pressure, and allow stress to melt away. Avatara provides sacred sound, light therapy and medicinal aromatherapy via large gongs, gem-infused 432Hz crystal singing bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, native flutes, drums, rattles, drone soundscapes, vocals and more.

Also at the Soup

The next event at Yoga Soup’s Enhanced Embodiment Series – which helpfully mashes up plant medicine and movement – takes place February 15 ($35). The event combines a simple ritual based on Kanna – a heart-opening and mood-boosting South African succulent – with the more intensely physical activity of mashing, a form of barefoot massage. Kanna, which has been used for 300 years by San and Khoikhoi people living in South Africa, works to improve focus and other cognitive functions while treating anxiety, depression, and chronic pain thanks to its ability to inhibit serotonin reuptake. Participants will learn about – and then have the opportunity to experience – the gentle effects of the plant. They will then learn the techniques and engage in a session of mashing; a practice meant to create deep, relaxing and lasting effects in the body by compressing muscles and connective tissues with the strong pressure and broad surface area of the feet. Attending with a partner is recommended but not required. 

Yoga Soup is at 28 Parker Way in Santa Barbara. Details and registration at www.yogasoup.com/events

Sacred Space… and Sounds

Alternate Friday mornings at the Summerland store, studio and gardens are set aside –  for an immersive sound bath with Brandon Kaysen aimed at helping participants reach a deep state of relaxation while regenerating the body, mind and spirit. The cost is a bit steeper than at other studios, but that’s partly because each session is limited to just 10 people, with Kaysen – who has more than a dozen years of experience – at the helm. Mats, blankets and hot tea are provided. Following the sound bath, enjoy the peace and beauty of Sacred Space’s gardens. 

Ten is also the limit for a Breath & Sound event ($65) with Madeleine Pizey on February 22, when the facilitator will offer a guided circular breathwork practice complete with soothing sound healing and hands-on reiki support. The combination is meant to create a swift journey to help participants disconnect from the busy mind to reconnect with the body and heart, resulting in feeling relaxed and at home in your body. (Pizey also leads weekly Yin + Sound events – gentle yoga sessions bookended by brief sound bowl experiences every Monday night back at Yoga Soup.) 

Meditation for the Masses

Sacred Space also offers a donation-based Community Meditation – guided by Reiki healer Guille Neal at the shop’s outdoor covered workshop space. Offered on a sliding scale — pick your donation amount from $1 to whatever feels right – the goal of the event is to provide an opportunity for peacefulness, relaxation and a deeper connection with your inner guidance. Registering in advance is recommended.

For more info visit www.thesacredspace.com or call (805) 565-5535

Davis Dives Deep 

Over at the Santa Barbara Yoga Center, Jim Davis leads a 75-minute sound bath meditation on Valentine’s Day evening ($30), a deep resonance event held by candlelight. Davis provides the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls tuned to 432Hz, enchanting melodies from instruments like the Baglama and Ebow guitar, resonating gong, gentle tones of Koshi Chimes, ethereal sounds of the kalimba, rhythmic ocean drum, and his own harmonious vocalizing. The session finishes with a collective meditation for peace followed by a cup of tea. 

Info at (805) 965-6045
or www.santabarbarayogacenter.com

Down to Earth at All Saints 

Tickets remain available for the Sacred Earth-Sacred Soul evening talk and morning retreat at All Saints-by-the-Sea, in Montecito February 14-15. On that occasion, the wisdom teachings of John Philip Newell and the spiritual practices of Cami Twilling will combine to summon us to an awareness of the sacredness of Earth and of every human being; keys to transformation and healing in our lives and world. 

Visit https://tinyurl.com/AllSaintsHeal for more details and registration

Online Opportunities: HAI There

The Human Awareness Institute, which several years ago shortened its name to its initials, underwent a COVID-spurred transition to become a largely online enterprise. HAI – whose active communities span North America, Europe and Australia – had previously offered several in-person sessions annually to introduce its workshops on love, intimacy, communication and connection These were frequently held in Santa Barbara and environs. Today, online is the best way to experience HAI’s Intro to Intimacy workshop, short of traveling to Michigan or beyond. 

Newcomers and returnees are invited to experience a taste of the transformative power of opening your heart and shedding all judgment and shame over the 150-minute workshops slated for February 22, March 8, and April 5. The safe, fun, supportive and welcoming environment is meant to help participants uncover the essential ingredients to inviting more love and connection into your life and cultivating happy, healthy and loving relationships. Or you can just dive right into an in-person Connecting in Love (Level 1) weekend event in Northern California, with workshops scheduled for February 21-23, April 21-23, or May 30-June 1.  

Visit www.hai.org