Gong Therapy
Article written by amazing friend and guest blogger: Drea Segura at www.loveandtrustlife.com
What is Going Therapy
I have had more than a few people ask me, "What the heck is gong?" I would like to give a brief description of what gong is and also what it is not to help those who are interested to understand more about this ancient and transformational art.
What is Gong?
The gong is one of the first musical instruments created and it contains within it all of the sounds of creation. It's unpredictable to the mind and powerful to the healing of many stressors and dis-eases that one may carry.
The gongs that are used in meditation are symphonic gongs, they play all of the sounds of creation. What is so powerful about the gong is that it is unpredictable. Because of this, the mind will literally surrender after 90 seconds allowing a deeper meditative state. The sound and vibration of the gong will enter the body through the different chakras.http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-91/The-7-Chakras-for-Beginners.html Once the mind has surrendered to the gong, a deep relaxation occurs and many times the relaxation is so deep one may fall fast asleep!
A gong meditation may be received by sitting in a chair or simply lying on the ground, comfortably with a pillow and blanket. Sometimes, those experiencing gong for the first time will get restless, and find that the chatter in their mind is difficult to let go of. This is normal. The more and more you are exposed to the gong, the easier it will be to fall into a deeper meditative state. During a session, many describe the feeling of floating, flying, vibrating, ascending from their bodies and taking off into space. Some people cry, some laugh, some breathe intensely, some see colors, hear birds chirping, water running, monks chanting, wolves howling…the list is endless. The experience that one has during a gong meditation is intensified in comparison to a meditation done in silence. The vibration of the gong will harmonize the body, and those who are willing to receive will find that they will have a release of some kind during a session.
It is common to set an intention before a meditation begins. Some may set an intention of something specific, and others may set an intention to release that that no longer serves them. Often times we are not specifically aware of the stress or dis-ease that our bodies are holding onto, and the gong will be able to reach those parts that are not in harmony, and aid in it's release. The effects of a gong meditation may stay with you for up to 40 days and 40 nights.
What the Gong is NOT…
There is often a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to the purpose of a gong meditation. I have heard many express their concern that these meditations have negative or "evil" intentions. There is fear that one will open their mind to the universe and allow bad spirits to enter their mind.
Often times people will associate the gong with superstitious beliefs or with witchcraft. The gong is an ancient musical instrument that has been used for things such as calling for service or meals or played for healing and celebration. The purpose of the gong is not to open the mind to anything outside of itself, it's purpose is to help the mind and body let go.
Because it's tones play all of the sounds of creation, it is able to take the mind from an alpha state, where you are fully awake and alert, to a beta state where you become more relaxed, to a theta state of meditation. "Theta brings forward heightened receptivity, flashes of dreamlike imagery, inspiration, and your long-forgotten memories. Theta can bring you deep states of meditation. A sensation of "floating." And, because it is an expansive state, in Theta, you may feel your mind expand beyond the boundaries of your body."http://www.toolsforwellness.com/brainstates.html
The thought that the gong has anything negative or evil connected to it is a false belief. The main purpose of the gong is to heal, and it does so by allowing one to truly release the energy that is preventing the body and mind from healing itself. It's beauty and transformational capabilities are truly miraculous, and definitely an experience that you should try at least once in your life.
