Do you already guide people through sound spaces and regularly lead sound meditations or gong baths for larger groups? Then you know from your own experience that holding a sound space means much more than playing a gong or singing bowls . It means opening up a clear and supportive space—for processes, silence, emotions, or deep relaxation. What later becomes tangible in sound already grows during the preparation.
Especially during gong meditations, sound baths, or singing bowl meditations, your presence and authenticity are just as important as your instrument and your experience.
Here are 7 important tips for maintaining and opening an authentic sound space—simple and practical.
1. Prepare yourself
Your own space is just as important as the space you open up for others.
Before your event begins, schedule some time for yourself if possible. This can take many different forms. Here are a few examples:
- Be mindful of your breathing or focus for a few minutes on a specific breathing technique that feels right for you today.
- Feel into your body and observe the sensations without judgment.
- Set a clear intention for your event and try to internalize this intention by imagining how it feels.
- Find a deeper grounding by visualizing roots growing from your body into the earth.
Your authenticity, energy, and groundedness are palpable. Find out what exactly is good for you so that you can be fully present in a room.
2. Know your space
When using a space for the first time, allow extra time or visit the space in advance and check the following, among other things:
- Temperature, light, ventilation
- Cleanliness and atmosphere
- Placement of your sound instruments
- Space for mats, blankets, pillows
- Room acoustics
- Function of technology or loudspeakers
A carefully prepared space gives you and others stability—and you can concentrate fully on your game and the people around you.
3. Create clear framework conditions
A brief orientation at the beginning of the sound meditation helps participants settle in and relax more easily. Here are a few suggestions for you:
- Welcome the group and briefly introduce yourself.
- Brief explanation of the procedure and duration
- Confidential handling of any information that may be shared
- Practical matters, such as turned-off cell phones or what to do if you need support
Clear agreements before the sound session begins create trust and can help participants to be present in the here and now.
4. Do less – hold on to more and be more
During a gong bath or singing bowl meditation, it is not necessarily about "doing" something. Rather, it is about:
- perceive what is visible in the room
- staying present in your own body,
- when participants feel emotions, not wanting to "fix" anything,
- Giving space to everything that wants to show itself, without judging.
When participants go through emotional or physical processes, you can accompany and strengthen them with sound and your presence—this allows each person to experience things at their own pace.
5. Use sound dynamics mindfully
singing bowls to meditations or sound baths with gongs or singing bowls :
- Low frequencies have a grounding effect on most people.
- Volume requires sensitivity
- Breaks are just as important as sound
- Less is often more – the reverberation carries
If you observe the energy in the room mindfully, you can adjust your game again and again.
6. Closing the session deliberately
After an intensive sound session, it is extremely important to allow sufficient time for integration. In addition to allowing time for silence, offering your participants a warm cup of tea, some fresh air, or an invitation to share their experiences can also help them "come back." Here are some more tips:
- Allow sufficient time for silence and reflection.
- Invite participants to feel the ground beneath their feet, feel the texture of their clothing, or focus on sounds in their surroundings.
- Offer water, tea, or a small snack.
- Open the windows and let fresh air into the room.
- Invite people to share a word or briefly reflect on their experiences.
7. Provide tips for aftercare
Even after a session, participants may experience heightened emotions. The body sometimes needs more time to process what it has experienced. To make this easier, you can point out that after-effects are possible—and that self-care is important. Here are a few suggestions:
- Light exercise, such as walking and stretching
- Journaling to write down experiences or thoughts
- Sufficient rest after a sound session
- Gentle self-massage
You too can consciously close your space: turn inward for a few moments, observe your breathing, give thanks inwardly—and return to your everyday life.
Note: Of course, there are many other aspects that can be important when creating and maintaining a space. You may find some points here that don't quite fit with your way of working with sound. Even though some basics are indispensable for us, much remains individual: what you or your participants need and what makes your sessions special can vary greatly. Our tips are therefore always intended as suggestions.
Conclusion: Sound begins with you
During a sound session, a gong or singing bowl a mallet are your tools. Although your experience with your instrument naturally plays a major role, your inner attitude also determines how the space really feels.
They are:
- your presence,
- your grounding,
- your clarity,
- your authenticity,
- that carry a sound space – long before the first note is played.
