Personally, I am a shower toner. There is something about the acoustics of the tiles, and the fact that I am already cleaning myself, that really speaks to me. I go for it, with gusto! (My poor neighbor!) I recommend toning forcefully enough to feel the physical vibration in your chest, throat, mouth, and/or head. It is a powerful experience, and I feel cleansed and refreshed when I am finished. I have also toned together with others, which can really magnify the experience. Last month, after one group toning session in particular, I was filled with such a deep sense of balance and euphoria -- I couldn't stop smiling the entire evening, and I literally wanted to dance the rest of the night away. (Wish I had!)
Recently, I completed an intensive, weeks-long workshop with sound healing guru Jill Mattson. While discussing the practice of toning, Ms. Mattson offered a suggestion for toning with children. She explained that the vowel sounds recommended for toning with adults can often be difficult to remember, so she suggested simply using the musical scale from the song "Do Re Mi" (Rodgers & Hammerstein, The Sound of Music). I was intrigued and excited, not only to tone for myself, but to tone with my children! "How AWESOME would that be?" I thought. I was always looking for ways to infuse mindfulness and consciousness into the daily fabric of my children's lives, especially in playful ways, and this seemed like a perfect activity. I couldn't wait to try it.
So, the following morning while coloring down in our playroom, I asked my two boys if they wanted to sing a little with me. My sons quickly responded with a heart-felt "Sure!" (bless them, they are always up for an 'adventure' with mom, large or small). [Insert moment of panic] immediately following my suggestion, when I realized my children had never even seen The Sound of Music, and (sadly) had never heard Julie Andrew's gorgeous rendition of "Do Re Mi."
I was quick to think on my feet, though, so I told my two eager beavers that I wanted to show them a video first (thank you, Google!). Up popped the clip from the original movie; down we all plopped to watch. They enjoyed it, so after several viewings, I asked them to sing along with me. They joyfully obliged. And then we danced. And it was silly. And fun.
We all felt wonderful afterward.
And for that, I am grateful.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!