Playing with SOUND!
by Karen de Kock
We use the word ‘sound’, quite often in our daily conversations. Someone may say something that you do not like the ‘sound’ of. The price of something does not ‘sound’ right. Or something ‘sounds’ true.
Sound has a profound effect on us. The sounds that you surround yourself with, or are exposed to, may not always be good for you. We all know how we feel when we hear the dentists’ drill, very few people would describe that as a ‘comfortable’ sound. Any form of drilling, whether through a concrete wall, ceramic tile etc has an effect on us which can be uncomfortable and jarring.
The sound of a siren in the street, whether it’s an ambulance, police car or emergency vehicle will inevitably catch our attention. The high pitched, urgent quality of the sound, affects us.
The effect of sound on our bodies, are immediate. Our bodies consist of up to 70 % water. Sound travels five times faster through water than through air. Therefore, our bodies react to sound even before our ears have heard it.
In the field of Cymatics, the effect of sound on matter has been studied since the 1950’s and it is fascinating to see the patterns that sound can create. The effect of the voice on matter has also been studied in Cymatics. Our voices can be weapons of destruction or instruments of healing. Maybe you remember how your body reacted to your father’s ANGRY voice, as a child, when you did something you were not supposed to. Or the Maths teacher shouting at you for not knowing your times tables. You can also remember the effect of your mother’s SOOTHING voice as she sang you a lullaby, just before you fell asleep.
As a healthy, fun exercise, PLAY with your voice. Make sounds that you have not made in a long time. Feel like a child again and ROAR like a lion feeling the effect of strength and power from deep inside your stomach. Instead of bottling up frustration and anger, shout it out! I suggest that you do this in the privacy of your car or when no one is around. Make silly, nonsensical sounds or have a conversation in gibberish, and laugh at the absurdity thereof. Laughing is also a healing sound that shakes things loose, releases so much built up tension and uplifts you. Everyone feels better after a good laugh.
Children love when we tell or read a story using different sounds. Tell a story to your colleagues and friends, in different voices. See how they respond and laugh about it.
Hum your favourite tune while you are preparing supper or polishing your shoes or making a lunch tin and feel the calming effect on your body as the sound of your voice vibrates internally.
Sing “Na na na na na” ( the tune of ‘You can’t catch me’) to all those things that get you down and try to rob you of happiness. Feel that sense of control and power that your voice can bring you.
One word of caution though: Do NOT sing “Na na na na na” or “Wela kepela “to your boss, you might just get fired!
