phone 0756 2651281
located in Langley Park, Durham, UK
ELEMENTAL SOUNDS
Elemental Sounds - what do we do?
Individual sound baths (1-to-1 and 2-to-1)
Private sessions are held at our home in Langley Park and are limited to no more than two people at a time. The focus of these sessions is on deep relaxation. Paula plays two gongs: a 32" Paiste Sound Creation gong with an amazing low, growling sound and a Paiste 34" symphonic gong, which has a huge range of sounds, from soaring highs to deep lows; also a dozen or so Himalayan singing bowls and other instruments, including chimes and sometimes a tongue drum and a harmonium. At the end of the sound bath you are invited to try the instruments for yourself, if you wish.
Pillows and blankets are provided (though you're welcome to bring extra to make sure you feel really cosy) along with a double, padded futon for you to lie on. If lying down is difficult it's possible to sit in a chair instead. A session lasts for at least an hour and costs £35 for one or £40 for a couple. For the payment, cash on the day is possible, otherwise PayPal or bank transfer.
Recent feedback:
"It was all I could have wished for!" - Jen., December 2022
"Beautiful!" - Fay, February 2023
"Wonderful! I haven't felt so relaxed for a very long time." - Anne, June 2023
"Brilliant, as ever. This session was very calming" - Peter, December 2023
"Wonderful" and "Profound beyond my expectations" - Kate, February 2024
Group sessions
Gong baths
Gong baths are a particular kind of sound journey, or sound meditation. No water is involved but the name evokes the waves of sound that wash over and through you during a gong bath, leaving your whole being refreshed and revitalised.
Tarquin and I present our gong baths together. Between us we typically play 5 gongs and about 14 singing bowls, a frame drum, tingsha and a range of other instruments, sometimes including waterphone and swarmandal-tanpura. Most of our participants lie down during a gong bath, as this is most conducive to a relaxed, meditative state, though you may be seated if you prefer. It's important that you feel comfortable during the gong bath and for this reason we ask you to bring plenty of blankets or a duvet or sleeping bag, cushions or pillows and a yoga or camping mat to lie on.
A gong bath lasts for an hour and you should arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time in order to be settled before we begin. At the end there's no need to rush away. Do take time to return to a fully grounded state before setting off for home. We find that people often feel 'spacey' or unreal after the gong bath, which can be quite an intense experience. It's also very pleasant for everyone taking part to chat and compare experiences and you are welcome to take a closer look at the instruments and ask any questions.
(See Events page for dates)
"I loved my first experience of a gong bath. I loved everything about it, from start to finish. Thank you so much." - Jude
Workshops
In August 2017 Tarquin and I held our first 'Introduction to Singing Bowls' workshop at the Vitality Pilates Studio in Langley Park, Durham. We ran a repeat session in October 2017 with more following, most recently on 12th January 2020. We hope to resume these later in 2024.
I am also keen to bring professional sound practitioners to the North East to share their knowledge.
Over the weekend 1st-2nd April 2017 Michael Ormiston and Candida Valentino came up to Durham from London to lead a workshop and perform a concert / sound journey. More details on my Past Events page.
This follows a pair of events that I organised in 2014 when Michael and Candida taught highly informative and enjoyable workshops on 'An Introduction to Khoomii (Mongolian Overtone Singing) and Himalayan Singing Bowls'. They also treated us to some stunning, unforgettable performances; firstly a superb concert held in March 2014 at Witton Gilbert's medieval parish church and, on their second visit to Durham, a superlative sound journey, in which Tarquin and I were generously invited to participate.
(see Contact & Links page for more about Michael and Candida)
On Sunday 9th August 2015 Jana Runnalls from Glastonbury came to Durham to hold a special workshop for us at Witton Gilbert Community Centre. The workshop consisted of a morning of mantra, followed by an afternoon of Shamanic drumming and chant. Over 20 participants travelled from far and wide (from Hull and South-East Scotland) for this hugely enjoyable and inspiring workshop.
(see Past Events page for description and Gallery for photos)