Crystal waves

By Lyz Cooper

Picture yourself at the edge of the sea. A wave gathers, rolls towards the shore and then draws back into the water. There is movement, followed by space. Another wave comes in its own time.

This practice, adapted from “Sound surfing” in my book, The Healing Power of Sound, invites you to explore that rise and fall with a crystal singing bowl.

You can imagine the shoreline wherever you are. If you have a suitable place to take your bowl beside the sea, you might enjoy letting the natural waves accompany you. Choose a dry, stable spot well away from the water, and keep your bowl protected from sand.

Create your wave

Set your crystal bowl on its supporting ring on a stable, level surface. Sit comfortably, with enough room to move your arm freely.

Using a suitable playing stick, carefully circle the rim with gentle, even contact. Allow the sound to grow gradually, like a wave gathering.

Keep it soft. You are creating a gentle swell, and there is no need for a loud or powerful sound.

When the tone feels comfortably full, lift the stick away and let your hand rest.

Let the wave carry you

Follow the sound as it gradually fades, like a wave flowing back into the sea.

Imagine your personal space expanding with the sound. A little more room around your body. A little more room to breathe. Space for your shoulders to soften and your jaw to relax.

You might picture tension flowing away with the retreating wave. There is nothing to push out or force: simply an invitation to ease, as the sound becomes quieter.

Let your breathing find its own comfortable rhythm.

When the sound has faded, stay with the silence for a moment.

Begin again

When you feel ready, gently circle the rim and create another wave.

Let it gather, lift the stick away, then rest with the fading sound. Explore the difference between creating the wave and allowing it to carry you.

Continue for around five to ten minutes, or for less time if that feels enough. Keep the volume comfortable throughout, and pause if you need to.

Return gently

Finish with a few quiet moments. Notice the space around you, the support beneath you and how you feel now.

Perhaps something has softened. Perhaps you simply enjoyed a few minutes beside your imagined—or actual—sea.

Allow yourself time to return before moving on with your day.

To explore an instrument for this practice, read our guide to Choosing a Crystal Bowl, or discover Soundworks Private Selection appointments.