om spirit
encourage deep muscle relaxation, improve
sleep patterns, break down toxins, stimulate
circulation, regulate hormonal functions
and strengthen the immune system. Some
sound therapies – gong therapy, for example
- attack stress, an underlying cause of
innumerate physical problems.
Putting the science aside, the most
obvious benefit of using sound in yoga and
meditation is focus. Meditative sound –
whether it’s a gong, singing bowls, drones or
Laraaji’s ecstatic zither – locks the mind into
the moment; it’s a kind of fast-track route
to mindfulness. Sitting quietly with your own
thoughts can be tricky, especially for novices - transcending those thoughts even trickier.
Sound provides a focus point, quietens
the mind and helps you fine-tune your self
observation.
In recent years, Laraaji’s pioneering
laughter workshops have drawn as much
attention as his deep listening sessions.
“Fifteen minutes of heavy laughter will boost
your immune system by working the thymus
in the chest, to increase the production of T
cells”, Laraaji says. “It works on the pituitary
gland to stimulate endorphins, dopamine
and serotonin. Laughter expands the
endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels,
which promotes the increase of the flow
of blood. Heavy laughter also expands the
capacity of our lungs to inhale fresh air and
exhale stale air.”
For those interested in making sound
a more integral part of their yoga and
meditation routine, there’s an opportunity to
get some first-hand experience of Laraaji’s
unique methods next year. In June 2018,
Laraaji will run two immersive sessions at
CAMP, a new residential arts centre in the
French Pyrenees. Based in a renovated 19th
century hotel in Aulus les Bains, surroundedby snow-capped peaks, ancient forests and
glacial lakes, CAMP hosts masterclasses in
music, art, literature and other disciplines,
with sessions run by the world’s most
acclaimed practitioners; the course list reads
like a who’s-who of modern arts and music.
Laraaji’s short course will offer a small
group of 14 adventurous students the
opportunity to take part in deep listening
workshops with live performances from
Laraaji, guided relaxation and meditation
sessions, nada yoga, gong workshops and
Laraaji’s renowned, pioneering laughter
therapy. All sessions are full board, and
include optional mountain expeditions in the
school’s spectacular surroundings.James Birchall is director of Fuse Art Space,
and one of the founders of CAMP. More
info on Laraaji’s course, and CAMP’s other
courses, can be found at: campfr.com