Expressive Arts Tools
Sound and Music

Sound and Music

Using the voice for healing is an Expressive Art's tool. No special skills are required to produce sounds that can affect healing in the body. You have used sound healing anytime you say “Ahh-h,” “Ha!” or “Yum-mm”. These simple sounds tell the body that you are pleased. Sometimes, you may need to say, “Yuck!” or “Uggg,” and release negativity. Another tool, toning, is the repetition of sounds that can affect every cell in the body. When you tone or hum, you will experience a calming effect.

Mantras can be created that may help you interrupt negative thoughts. Negativity is a barrier to creating the life you want. Ruth will help you compose a mantra that is helpful for your life situation. One mother of three daughters with genetic maladies found this mantra helpful: “The world is uncertain. I do what I can.” When things were out of control, the mother found this mantra very comforting.

Music is used during the sessions to create moods and to help you move through challenging life situations. You have experienced the healing power of music anytime you choose music that uplifts your spirit or that lulls you into sleep. The visual arts like watercolor are deepened by lyre music. Movement activities are accompanied by gentle drumming or singing. Rhythm instruments may be used to help tell a story or to create a beat describing a feeling. The rhythm of the drum can help you set up a pattern that supports breaking obstructive habit or thought patterns.

Storytelling is an important tool in sound healing. Ruth may recite a story that is chosen for you. You may be lead to further customize the story. You also have stories that are part of your family culture. Telling these stories and depicting them in simple visual art will help you know how you can transform or incorporate the story. For example, when life’s circumstances seem difficult, one business and family man remembered a family story. The story was about his father’s family that lived on farm. A fire broke out that destroyed the farm house. There were eight children and the parents standing outside watching the fire. The father rubbed his face and felt the whiskers and said, “I don’t even have a razor. But I’ll get one!” This represented the acceptance of a tragic situation and a simple plan to move on.