Cover Image for Fri Oct 6, Sound Journey @ the Hook Exp. Entry 6pm

Fri Oct 6, Sound Journey @ the Hook Exp. Entry 6pm

 
 
Registration
Past Event
Welcome! To join the event, please register below.
About Event

When you pre-register, we'll know how many spaces to save for everyone.

Is this your first or second group Sound Meditation event?
Please Visit EntheogenIUSound.com and read:
Sound Meditation Guide for First Timers

For Ages 16 years and older.

The Venue:

The Hook Experiment - Oxford, PA

Your Sound Practitioner:

Matthew Kramer - Dauphin County, PA

Ticket Cost

There is no official cost for this event. We are happy to share our sound meditation with you! In the spirit of Sacred Economy, we suggest a contribution of $20 to $30 at the door (or afterwards). Can't afford any amount, Please come anyway! We exchange hugs too 🫂.

Important - Are you bringing friends with you?
Your VIP registration here online only saves a space for you. Please make sure each of your friends also books VIP online so that we can ensure there is space for them on their arrival.

Did you book a VIP and can't make the meditation?
Please contact us right away so that we can free up the space for another guest - in your email confirmation you can contact us. Space is very limited, and we are expecting a large turn out.

ARRIVAL AND START TIMES

6:00pm - General Entry. Doors open at 6p for anyone and everyone - space available. We are expecting a large turn out, so please register online so we have a feel for how much room we'll need

6:25pm doors close - And we start shortly! This will allow you to settle in comfortably, find a suitable spot, and set up your yoga mat and other items. Early arrival also presents an excellent opportunity to have any queries you may have addressed by a sound practitioner.

This is an AGE 16+ event. We're delighted to welcome participants of age 16+ to this event. Don't forget to register the young ones as VIP so we can save space for them. However, some aspects should be kept in mind for the benefit of all attendees. This is a meditation session where participants are expected to lie still and quiet on a mat for the full duration. A deep respect for oneself and others is intrinsic to this practice, as any movement or noise can distract fellow meditators and interrupt their meditative state.

Therefore, while this event is suitable for all ages, it is particularly fitting for those who are comfortable engaging in an hour of silent and motionless meditation.

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Important information
for your comfort and benefit

IMPORTANT INFO, PLEASE READ, ESPECIALLY IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST SOUND MEDITATION EVENT 😁

*** BELOW IS TAKEN FROM ***
https://www.EntheogenIUSound.com
by, Christopher Reagoso

I'm thrilled you're joining us for our upcoming sound meditation immersion. Here are some recommendations for a seamless experience, particularly if you're new to this.

Comfortable Seating or Lying Down Materials 

I recommend you to make your comfort a priority during our sound meditation session. Lying down and fully relaxing is an essential part of the experience. However, a yoga mat on its own may not provide the comfort you need, especially if you'll be lying flat on your back or on your side for more than an hour.

So, in addition to your yoga mat, consider bringing along some soft, fluffy cushions to place on top. This added layer will enhance your comfort significantly. A blanket could also be useful - you can use it to cover yourself for added warmth and coziness during the session.

Some of our participants prefer to bring a sleeping bag or a sleeping bag cushion for an extra layer of comfort. It's also a good idea to consider padding for under your knees and a comfortable pillow for your head. For sessions held during daylight hours, an eye cover can help create a more conducive environment for meditation by blocking out the light.

Remember, the goal is to create the most relaxing and comfortable space for yourself. So, if you come carrying an array of plush and cozy items, rest assured, you're heading in the right direction and are well-prepared for the session!

Water Bottle with a Cap

Hydration is vital for overall health, and it plays a particularly important role when it comes to optimizing your experience with sound meditation. Interestingly, did you know that your brain, out of all your body organs, uses the most energy? Consequently, it needs plenty of water to function optimally, along with a light meal, which I'll touch on later.

During sound meditation, your mind actively participates in a deep process of relaxation and introspection. Even though this might seem peaceful and restful, it actually requires significant mental energy. As a result, you may find yourself feeling thirsty after the session, much like you would after a workout. Even tranquil practices like these can stimulate vigorous mental responses, which may call for extra hydration.

So, my advice to you is to bring a water bottle with you. Sipping water post-session not only helps replenish any lost fluids but also aids in grounding your energy. It's a simple yet effective way to transition you from the meditative state back to your usual pace of life.

Also, it's important to come to the session well-hydrated. Just as you would prepare for a long car ride, remember to take a quick restroom break before your journey into sound meditation begins!

Eye Mask

Many attendees I’ve noticed find it beneficial to cover their eyes during a session. This technique can help you focus more intently on the soundscape and less on any visual distractions around you. That said, you may also appreciate the visual aspect, which is why I often incorporate a subtle light display in dimly lit rooms. This can provide a gentle focal point if you wish to open your eyes and momentarily re-engage with your surroundings.

An eye mask can be an excellent tool to aid in deepening your meditative state, particularly if you're someone who can easily be distracted. Think of it as a personal visual boundary, allowing you to retreat into your inner world without external visual interruptions.

You can even seize the opportunity to turn your eye masks into a mini aromatherapy session! By lightly infusing your mask with calming essential oils like lavender, you can enhance your sensory journey, combining the auditory experience with soothing scents. This can elevate your sound meditation experience and help you achieve a deeper level of relaxation.

Use your mask to aid you in creating an environment where you can truly immerse yourself in the sound (and perhaps scent), enhancing your comfort, focusing your mind, and grounding your soul.

Journal and Pen

Calling all experienced (and especially aspiring) writers! I highly encourage you to consider journaling - whether you're already into writing or if you're new to it. Sound meditation is quite an illuminating journey, serving as a fertile landscape for a spectrum of insights, thoughts, and unforeseen self-discoveries, both profound and seemingly ordinary.

This unique sensory adventure often provokes a variety of emotions.  It sparks creativity. It even occasionally unearths long-forgotten memories that can be insightful to reflect upon later.  These emotions, this creativity, and the forgotten memories can sometimes be short lived (especially if you are new to sound meditation).  Memorialize them in your journal.

Jotting down your thoughts and emotions in a journal soon after a sound meditation is a wonderful practice. It allows you to preserve and extend the benefits of your experience, ready to be revisited and integrated into your life at a later stage. The simple act of writing provides you with an opportunity to process the session at your own pace, reinforcing your understanding and absorption of any insights gained from the session over time.

Don’t write, no problem!  Make audio notes, or video notes!  You have an opportunity to save these moments.  And later savor those moments.

Oh, you’re still reading!  Thank you.  After you get to the end, please send me an email and ask me how you can take the journaling experience to the next level.  Love to hear from you.

Comfortable Clothing

The importance of comfort during any meditation practice, I can’t stress it enough. When you're preparing to join me, please ensure you wear clothing that's loose and comfortable. This is important because even though you’ll be laying still for most of the sound meditation, you don't want anything to restrict your small movements or circulation during the session.

It is common for your body to cool down during a sound meditation, since you’ll be laying still. This can be particularly true if the session is held in a larger, more open space. Therefore, I recommend wearing layers and bringing a small blanket. This way, you can add or remove clothing as necessary to maintain your comfort throughout the session.

Remember, the key to a fruitful sound bath is being relaxed and undistracted, and that begins with what you wear.

Be On Time! (Hint: Early is on time)

Whenever you see the start time for a sound meditation, aim to get there 15 to 30 minutes before that, especially if you're still getting a feel for how these sessions run. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask – especially if you’re visiting a new sound practitioner for the first time!

Trust me on this, padding in a bit of extra time before everything starts allows you to settle in, decompress, and get your mind in the right zone. It's not the best vibe to be "that person" who shows up at the last minute and scrambles to set up while everyone else is primed and ready to go — or, even worse, arrives after the session has already begun. Plus, some practitioners, myself included, prefer to close the space to additional entrants so everyone inside can fully immerse themselves undisturbed by the tardy in the sound bubble we carefully craft for those present.  That said – if you’re running late, please let me know – happy to help you: I have some short pre-journey exercises I can take the group through while you are pulling in or parking keeping everything smooth and easy and give you a welcoming arrival.

Oh, and another thing! These sessions aren't just about the meditation — they can be quite the social event, too. Whether you're going with some pals or flying solo, there's always a chance to mingle with others who are as stoked as you are to embark on this immersive, shared journey. There's usually a buzzing chatter and palpable anticipation before the session, and post-session, everyone loves to exchange their unique experiences. It's all part of the whole experience, you know?

Set an Intention

I've got this little piece of wisdom to share with you before we dive into our sound session, drawn from my own journey as a sound practitioner and chats with others exploring this path.

Consider setting an intention before we start the sound meditation. Think of it as pinning a destination on your mental map. It'll give you a focal point during the meditation. It could be a personal goal you're mulling over, a characteristic you're trying to nurture but are struggling with, or maybe a certain vibe you're wanting to invite into your life in a more profound way. And it's okay if it's nothing fancy or complex. The simplest intentions can sometimes carry the most weight.  Or go for the gusto.

I sometimes have a hard time intention setting myself … there are days when I meditate on the very concept of setting an intention. I'm drawing a blank on what my intention should be? It's all good! It turns into this kind of introspective scavenger hunt. I dive deep into the pool of my thoughts, seeking hidden gems. Sometimes I come up empty-handed. Often I come up empty handed. Other times, I uncover areas of my life or facets of myself that could use a bit of polishing or boosting. And sometimes, I just chill out and let the sounds carry me away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Really, there’s no correct way to go about this. It's your ride, and you're in the driver's seat – it's all about the journey. The intention is like a helpful signpost, something to guide you along the way. But don't hesitate to take a mental detour if you're feeling it. Some of the most incredible revelations happen when we give ourselves permission to just exist, letting the rhythm of the sound guide us to our own heartbeat.

Just a thought for you to chew on before we kick things off. But remember, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself. Relish the experience in your own special way.

Keep an Open Mind

One of the most crucial things I can share with you is that the experience of sound meditation is remarkably personal and distinct for every individual.

The variety of experiences people have is vast and completely normal. It is essential not to concern yourself too much if your personal journey seems to diverge from what you've heard from others. Each of us has our own path during these sessions, informed by our unique internal landscapes and interpretations of the sound waves.

My mission is to create a safe space and soundscape for you to meditate; for your relaxation and inner exploration. To achieve this, one of the most effective strategies is to approach the session with an open, receptive mind. Try not to carry any predefined expectations or assumptions into the session with you. Instead, allow yourself the freedom to experience the session fully as it unfolds.

As the sounds resonate throughout the room, let yourself be carried by these waves. Feel how they interact with your physical presence and your inner self. Feel the sound entering through your fingers and toes sparking energy, and occasionally grounding it, through your limbs and core. Feel the goosebumps. Encounter a sound that is challenging? Invite it in. They're all designed to wash over you, immersing you in a sensory experience that can help quiet the mind and bring focus to the present moment.

Remember, your journey through sound meditation is about you, and only you*. This is your time for introspection, relaxation, and possibly discovery. So, embrace it in your own unique way, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

*Some of my friends, especially those that make Sound a regular part of their life, approach sound meditation with the intention of a shared group experience as well and all go to the same mind-space.  If this is your first sound meditation, or you’re otherwise new to the experience, allow me to make it all about you so you can learn where the sound takes you.

Eat Lightly Beforehand

I want to share something super important with you before you join me for sound meditation. You know how your brain is like this major power station? It uses more energy than any other organ in your body. And just like any other power station, it needs fuel and water.

My advice to you is to have a light meal before you arrive for the session. Don't stuff yourself, though – lying down with a full belly can be pretty uncomfortable, not to mention it can also be a bit distracting when you're trying to get into that deep meditative zone.  Also eat foods that are agreeable to you as you probably don’t want to become a part of the sound show.

As I’ve already mentioned, staying hydrated is super crucial for this. Water helps deliver energy to your brain and assists in flushing out any waste. That's biology doing its magic!

And there's one more thing – when you overeat, your body diverts blood to your digestive system to help process all that food. That's blood that your brain could really use during our session.

Respect for the Communal Sound Space

A polite heads-up before you attend a sound meditation. I can't stress this enough - turn your cell phone completely off. Not on silent, not just muted, but totally off. You might even want to consider leaving it in your car.

I know, it sounds drastic in our always-connected world, but trust me on this one: The whole point of the session is to disconnect, relax, and let the sound waves wash over you. That's pretty tough to do if your phone is buzzing with notifications or calls.

Remember, we're sharing this intimate experience with others. It's super important that we respect not only their space but your peace and quiet too. The sound journey, usually considered a personal journey, is as much a communal one as a personal one when we choose what to bring into the space.

If you're on call for work or dealing with a potential emergency, it might be best to postpone your sound meditation experience. This might not be the best time to truly immerse yourself in the session if you're expecting interruptions. Don't worry though - there's always another session around the corner when you can fully commit to the experience.

All ages are welcome

Our sessions are open to people of all ages, as long as they're capable of spending the entire time in quiet meditation. It's a chilled out, reflective space where you can truly connect with yourself.  Please come ready to delve deep within yourself, find a sitter if you have little ones, and invite anyone you think might appreciate this unique experience. Just let the soothing sounds be your guide.

Imagine this: we're all lying on our mats, maintaining a silence and stillness that stretches throughout the session, which can last anywhere from an hour to two. This silence isn't just about preserving the peaceful ambiance for others - though that's incredibly important as even small disturbances can disrupt someone's focus - but it's also about respecting your own meditative journey, allowing you to fully immerse in the experience.

Sound meditation is not a music gig; it's a unique and deeply personal journey facilitated through the power of sound. It's an experience designed to guide you into and through self-discovery, encouraging introspection and tranquility.  It’s hard to “put an age” to that, so everyone of any age is welcome in the space if they can lay still with the group in meditation.