Get Centered with a Sound Bath in Dayton

I had heard about sound baths but never experienced one until recently. Acorn & Owl in Yellow Springs hosts sound baths as well as yoga and other offerings from an authentic Mongolian yurt to help people find comfort and wellness.

What is a sound bath?

A sound bath is a type of meditation that uses singing bowls to create sounds that help you relax and get into a meditative state. Some believe sound waves in general and sound baths specifically can have healing effects and help with pain reduction and provide other health benefits. Here’s a good article about sound baths.

For me, the second the sound bath started, it was immediately relaxing – it’s like a massage for your brain. My mind went all over the place like it always does when I’m in a meditative-type situation. But the fact that I, an overly anxious and high-strung person, got so relaxed so quickly really speaks to how special sound baths are.

More about Acorn & Owl

Acorn & Owl is the third location of Empowering Wellness LLC mental health counseling. This is a space for Empowering Wellness’ clients and the public to enjoy the benefits of yoga, sound baths, EMDR intensives, personalized retreats, and individual therapy.

Acorn & Owl owner, Ryan Taylor, started offering sound baths earlier this year.

“My hope for participants is to share a space that is unconventional and unique to challenge participant’s expectations and allow them to focus on their whole self for a deeper wellness opportunity – for relaxation, therapy, yoga, and connecting more to nature,” explains Taylor.

And good news: These sound baths have been so popular, they are increasing the frequency by offering them more than once per month. They also offer yoga and retreats.

The sound baths are done in an authentic Mongolian yurt. Taylor explains, “It is built by hand by a family in Mongolia, imported, and built by my family here; it’s a unique blend of tradition, adventure, intimate atmosphere and cozy warmth. The yurts have evolved over a millennia and include symbolism that connects us to the past. Overall, it’s a space that nurtures both comfort and a deep connection to the world around us.”

Tips for a relaxing sound bath

After trying a sound bath for the first time, here are my tips for getting the most out of this wonderful experience:

• I wish I had taken off my Apple Watch beforehand. All the little buzz notifications took me out of the experience.

• Also, I’m glad I wore comfy, warm clothing because it was perfect for relaxing and zoning out during the sound bath.

• Sound baths at Acorn & Owl are one hour. It’s a good idea to make sure you use the restroom beforehand so you’re not preoccupied and you don’t miss any of it.

• No need to bring anything – all of the yoga mats, bolsters, cushions, and blankets are provided by Acorn & Owl.

Ready to dive in? Sign up for a sound bath here.