Sound-induced and sound-accompanied processes of consciousness

Abstract

Sounds are a powerful tool to induce and accompany mind-altering processes. These last from about a minute, as in the sound pause, to over an hour, allowing correspondingly deeper effects to be achieved. This paper presents the basic elements of sound meditation, sound journey, sound massage, gong experiences, and a breathwork process accompanied by gongs. A distinction is made between relaxation processes, sound-accompanied meditations and so-called transformational processes. For the latter, a special process structure is proposed which is divided into a preparation phase, induction phase, post-resting phase and integration phase. The mechanisms of action are also discussed to some extent. Just looking at the sound characteristics can explain part of the mental effect. However, there are great individual differences, and the effects can vary significantly depending on the personality structure, spectrum of personal experience and current state of mind. Soft sounds can have a relaxation function and put the listener in a mindful and meditative state, shifting attention from cognitive thought processes to the non-conceptual awareness of sound and body. In contrast, more powerful sounds and rhythms involving body activities can lead to mental activation and trigger deeper processes with altered states of consciousness that can be of a revealing nature and thus guide the client through life issues.