Floating on Air
At the beginning of last week, I saw an event I was interested in at a yoga studio in a neighboring community. The name of the class immediately caught my attention, Floating Sound Bath. As I read the description, I thought to myself, “I should sign up for that class.” Then went on with my day and it fell off my radar until just a few hours before the event. I decided then and there to just go for it and clicked the book and pay now button.
I had been to the studio a handful of times so I was familiar with the layout. The description of the class read, “Allow Canella to guide you through a gentle restorative aerial yoga practice while Saloni takes you on a journey through sound. The ultimate healing combination.” Hand raised, “I want some of that.” I love trying new things that will feed my mind, body and soul.
I had done one other aerial yoga class three years ago so I was a little familiar with the yoga silks. The silks were made up of a soft fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling and lowered to 12 inches above the floor for this particular class. Even though you think they are easy to get in and out of, only having done it once before gave me a little pause….LOL. For this specific class, our bodies would be suspended in the silks like a cocoon. After the instructor gave us a little guidance the class began to climb into the silks.
As I got into one side I totally fell right out of the other end! Oh my gosh…..yep, I tumbled out. Clearly, I didn’t have the method down from before. The instructor came over to assist and then walked away stating we all needed to make sure our heads were completely covered. I totally forgot that piece as mine was hanging over the edge. FOR THE LOVE OF. I hadn’t allowed enough room, and already cocooned in the silk, I had to wriggle my way down as the instructor was already guiding us through the process. By the time I was settled in, my breath was deep and my brow was sweaty….HA!
For the next hour the instructor led us through a beautiful experience with music and sound. Being suspended and floating on air gave us the opportunity to hear the sounds and feel the vibrations from every angle. Saloni played several different instruments, some of which I’d never heard or seen like a kalimba (thumb piano). Some familiar ones included: crystal singing bowls, chimes, shakers, and a wooden flute.
Saloni mentioned we would each get whatever energy and vibrations we needed throughout the session. As the different instruments were played, I understood what she meant. Once she started playing the wooden flute, I had energy that was flowing from my head to my toes. It was like my body had tingles running through it in the most energetic and beautiful way. I would describe the music as American Indian sounding and immediately felt connected to my Dad and I knew he was with me. He was always drawn to stories and the history of American Indians. Each time the instructor played the instrument, the same tingles would appear. My body reacted to some of the other instruments, but nothing as strong as when the wooden flute sounds enveloped the space. It was hard to believe when the session was over. It felt like minutes rather than an hour.
The instructor asked us to share our experience and when it was my time to contribute, I described the feeling I had when she played the flute. She revealed she kept getting messages to play the instrument and felt like it was meant for me to hear and connect. She also asked if I had trouble showing my emotions and I had mentioned I didn’t think so, but had been working on myself over the last several years. She felt I was a little closed off.
I promise, I’ve been trying. In the past, I’ve been told, I needed to dig deeper than surface level with my emotions, and this was just another reminder for me to stay on the path. I’m committed to my transformation and continual growth and discovery. Floating on air, and connecting with my heart was another way for me to practice self-love. What ways do you practice self-care?
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS … I was excited to learn she had another class scheduled, and then unfortunately would be moving. Bummer.
