“Unleashing Happiness” a monthly blog by Karen Lee Stevens

Director of Wellness Programs, Karen Lee Stevens tackles topics related to mental health and the human-animal bond, along with a healthy dose of humor (because let’s face it, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying!).

BLOG POST #18 – Good Vibrations-Part 2

February 7, 2025
by KAREN LEE STEVENS

Okay, so my first foray into the world of Sound Healing wasn’t quite perfect, but it was pretty darn close.

Last month, I had the absolute pleasure of leading a Sound Bath at our Wellness Retreat, and let me tell you, the good vibes were definitely humming. Crystal bowls sang, bamboo chimes tinkled, drums carried a deep, soothing beat, and a wave of tranquility washed over everyone — including some of our wonderful therapy dogs, who decided to embrace the “wellness” part of the retreat with some serious snoring. It was the kind of day that made you believe in the power of sound healing (or at least the power of a really good nap).

So, what went slightly sideways? Let’s just say Mother Nature had opinions about how our event should go. First, the temperature decided to impersonate a refrigerator. Then, there was a brief cameo from some raindrops. But the real star of the show? The wind. Now, we’re hearty dog people; we can handle a little breeze, just not during an outdoor Sound Bath. My carefully orchestrated finale of gently spritzing Himalayan salt-infused lavender spray on each participant went a little askew, resulting in a few of our therapy dogs getting a snoutful of the lovely-scented spray.

Still, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and at the end of the Sound Bath, I brought out my weighted tuning fork and invited participants to stay for a “hit” of the deeply resonating fork.

Now, you might be thinking, “Tuning forks? Aren’t those just for musicians?” Think again! While musicians definitely use them to ensure perfect pitch, tuning forks have a much deeper story to tell. In the realm of sound healing, they’re like tiny vibrational wizards, gently nudging your body back into harmony.

Tuning forks have existed for hundreds of years. Initially used for scientific purposes, it wasn’t until more recently that researchers discovered the therapeutic potential of tuning forks on (and around) the body. You see, each fork vibrates at a specific pitch, and these vibrations can have a calming effect on your nervous system. Some believe they can even alleviate pain by disrupting pain signals and promoting the release of endorphins. The vibrations can also stimulate blood flow, which can help to nourish tissues and speed up recovery. Some practitioners even believe they can help to release blocked emotions and promote emotional balance.

And here’s the coolest part: while you primarily hear the sound of a tuning fork, you also feel its vibrations (especially with weighted tuning forks, which are placed directly on the body). These vibrations can gently penetrate deep tissues, promoting circulation and easing muscle tension. As one of our Sound Bath participants so eloquently put it: “Wow, it’s like having a purring cat sitting on my lap!”

So, even though my Sound Bath debut involved a rogue breeze, a lavender spray snafu, and possibly some slightly confused therapy dogs, the magic of sound healing – from the soothing bowls to the vibrating tuning forks – shone through. It wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty darn close.

If Sound Baths are something you’d like to try, I’m now offering Sound Baths to the public! They provide a unique and memorable way to enhance any event, whether a corporate gathering, a team-building activity, or a special occasion with friends and family.

Visit https://therapydogsamerica.org/event-listings/ to learn more and book your Sound Bath experience today. You can also email me at karen@therapydogsamerica.org. All proceeds from private Sound Baths go directly to supporting Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara.

Have a question or comment? Email Karen at Karen@TherapyDogsSB.org.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions about your health.