Bathing in the sounds and vibrations of gongs

The sound bath was to celebrate the summer solstice and it raised money for the RNLI.

“I’m hoping you’re going to chill out, relax, enjoy yourself and go home feeling like you’re floating on a cloud.” That’s what Kerry-Ann Lawrence tells me, who’s hosting a sound bath on Old Hunstanton beach to celebrate the summer solstice. And to be honest it sounds perfect.

The holistic therapist is joined by Melanie Carnell and Damo Toomer who’re both Reiki healers. Having never been to a sound bath before I’m keen to know what to expect. “So we have different instruments, it’s not necessarily just the gongs,” Kerry-Ann says, “It’s different sounds so you relax in the vibrations, you listen to the frequency and it balances your energy field.”

The event is also raising money for the local RNLI, “Which does so much for the community so it’s nice to be able to give back,” Kerry-Ann adds.

Some people are already lying down on their yoga mats, eyes closed and ready. Sarah Mortimer, who’s been to a sound bath before, says it’s lovely to be doing this one on the beach - to be ‘out in the open and enjoying a bit of nature’.

Tim, from Hunstanton, is here with his family. He’s also new to this. “I’m very much looking forward to totally chilling out.” I ask if he thinks he may fall asleep “Well I’ve got my wife next to me so she’ll tap me on the leg if I do and start to snore!”

A few minutes later it begins. The sun is shining and you can just hear the waves in the distance, a perfect setting. Then Kerry-Ann and Melanie begin to strike gongs and Damo walks around with chimes and rattles. And for the next hour the sounds are gentle and soothing and I feel myself relaxing more and more (I don’t hear any snores but perhaps I’m the one who’s dropped off).

Before you know it the hour is up and I hear a murmur of appreciation. Many thanking the hosts saying things like ‘what a wonderful evening’ and ‘an amazing experience’. Some go for a swim afterwards. It’s Damo’s first time doing a sound bath outside, “To be on a beach as well is such an amazing feeling. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

And so will I.