One of the classes we’re very proud to have on offer at The Refinery is Mindful Meditation and Gong Healing with Leo Cosendai. But while we’re big fans of gong meditation (or gong bath meditation, as it’s often referred to), we understand that some people won’t know much about it.
If you’re looking to join one of Leo’s classes and don’t know what to expect, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our simple guide…
Simply put, it’s a form of sound therapy in which a gong is played to aid healing. The gong is played softly for the purposes of relaxation, so it’s really not as noisy as it sounds!
Gong meditation is a very ancient technique from Asia, a complete sound bath that produces an amazing sense of well-being through the vibration of all the water within the body (our bodies are 80% water).
The sound vibrations emitted by gongs send signals that are interpreted at the biological, energetic and emotional levels, directing the cells to develop in a homeostatic rather than unbalanced manner.
Gong meditation helps to heal your resting nervous system, as well as helping you to tackle life on a day to day basis by relieving tension and quieting the mind. While you’ll feel deeply relaxed during the class, some people will also find it helps them to relax outside of the session, sleep better and deal with stress more easily. Gong Baths bring an intense sense of well-being and re-stabilize the balance of energies. Gong healer Dr. Michelle Hebert says, “It’s a cleansing process for the subconscious mind.”
Leo will greet you and advise you to get a mat, blanket and bolster – the point is that you need to be comfortable during the practice, so don’t scrimp on your props!
Leo then guides you through some pranayama (breathing exercises) before the gong healing begins. You’ll then be asked to lie down and get warm and comfy, before the healing and relaxing sounds of the gong begin in the background for the remainder of the session.
Leo’s class lasts for an hour. It flies by, trust us!
Relaxed and at peace. The effects should last well into the evening and even the next morning, you will feel an incredible sense of calm and focus.
Everyone!