sound meditation

sound meditation

Sound meditation is a gentle, inward practice that uses sound as a support for awareness rather than an experience to be followed or received. In this space, sound, breath, body, thoughts, and emotions are all welcomed into attention, without effort, analysis, or expectation.
This form of meditation is designed to support rest, regulation, and reconnection, especially for those who feel mentally busy, emotionally full, or quietly exhausted. It offers a way to meditate that does not rely on concentration or control, but instead invites a natural settling of the nervous system and mind.

what is sound meditation?

In sound meditation, carefully chosen instruments are played slowly and intentionally, with silence woven throughout. Rather than continuous sound, there is spaciousness—allowing sound to arise and fade naturally within awareness.

Sound is not something you need to focus on or follow. Instead, it acts as a gentle anchor, helping attention rest more easily in the present moment. Awareness is invited to include whatever is already here: breath, bodily sensation, thoughts, emotions, and the sense of space that holds them all.

This practice allows meditation to feel more accessible, especially for people who find silence challenging or who struggle with a restless or busy mind.

brass buddha figurine beside red and white stick

how sound meditation differs from silent meditation

Silent meditation often asks the practitioner to rest attention on an object such as the breath, a mantra, or awareness itself. While deeply valuable, this can feel difficult or effortful for some—particularly beginners or those with sensitive nervous systems.


Sound meditation offers an additional point of support. Sound gives the mind something gentle and neutral to rest with, reducing the sense of effort or “trying to meditate properly.” Silence is still present, but it is held within a wider, more forgiving field of experience.


For seasoned meditators, sound meditation can offer a different doorway into stillness—supporting a shift from focused attention into open, spacious awareness, and allowing deeper layers of experience to be met without strain.

how this practice is held

Nothing is forced or analysed. There is no expectation to feel calm, clear, or peaceful. Whatever arises is met gently, as part of a shared field of awareness. You are always welcome to lie down, sit upright, or move as needed. Meditation here is an invitation, not a direction.

This class unfolds gradually and may include:

  • Awareness of breath and natural breathing
  • Sensation and embodied presence
  • Thoughts and emotional tone as they arise
  • Elements of the RAIN practice (Recognise, Allow, Investigate, Nurture)
  • Periods of guided and unguided silence
  • A gentle opening into spacious awareness
stainless steel bowl on white table cloth

THE Instruments and Why They Are Helpful

The instruments are chosen for their ability to settle the mind and calm the nervous system. They may include Himalayan and crystal bowls, Shamanic drum, chakapa, native flute, chimes and other percussive instruments, Played slowly and sparingly, they help:

  • Support relaxation of the nervous system
  • Encourage slower deeper breathing
  • Soften mental agitation without overwhelming the senses
  • Create a sense of containment and safety

Sound is used to support meditation, not to lead or drive an experience.

Sound Meditation vs Sound Baths and Sound Healing

This practice is intentionally different from sound baths and sound healing sessions.
Sound baths often involve continuous immersion in sound, with participants receiving the experience passively.
Sound healing may include energetic intentions, therapeutic goals, or specific outcomes.
Sound meditation, as offered here, has no healing agenda and no energetic work to engage with. It is not about receiving sound, but about noticing how sound, breath, sensation, and awareness are already moving through you.
The emphasis is on presence, rest, and self-awareness rather than transformation or release.

why might this practice be for you…

Elderly People Meditating in the Park

The benefits of sound meditation

These benefits can arise naturally, without effort or striving. with participants often reporting:

  • Reduced stress and nervous system settling
  • A quieter, more spacious mind
  • Improved breath awareness
  • Greater sense of grounding and embodiment
  • Increased capacity to be with thoughts and emotions gently

who is this practice for

There is no prior meditation experience needed for this practice and is suitable for:

  • Complete beginners to meditation
  • People who struggle with silent meditation
  • Those experiencing stress, overwhelm, or mental fatigue
  • Sensitive nervous systems
  • Seasoned meditators seeking a softer, more spacious practice
  • Anyone looking for rest, integration, or reconnection
Woman meditating in a room with musical instruments.

Trauma-Informed and Choice-Led

Choice is always prioritised

You are free to move, rest, or step out at any time

Nothing is imposed or required

Meditation here is about safety, agency, and kindness towards your own experience.

this is An invitation for you…

To Pause

To Breathe

To Be Exactly As You Are

Sound meditation offers a way to rest without effort, to be present without striving, and to discover that awareness is already here—quietly holding everything.

sound meditation Classes

Sound meditation: embodied awareness

The Womb, SOUL WELLNESS HUB, Burnley Road, Sowerby Bridge. HX6 2TL.

Wednesdays 7-8pm