Bathe in the dulcet tones of bowls and chimes at these Indy sound baths
Local sound bath instructor Jen Knife creates beautiful tones with her crystal bowls. | Photo by @jenknife
Now that temps are cooling down, we’re ready to turn up the volume on some R&R — starting with sound baths.
What’s a sound bath?
A sound bath is an experience wherein a facilitator uses tools such as singing bowls to create vibrations + sounds that wash over a room of people lying down with yoga mats, blankets, and pillows.
It may sound like justa bunch of hocus pocus, but instructors and participants believe that these vibrations and sounds can help them rest, meditate, align their chakras, or even physically heal their bodies. At the very least, you can get a good hour-long nap out of one.
If this sounds like music to your ears, read on for tips + local studios where you can find one.
Blankets and pillows are essential for keeping you cozy during a sound bath — bring your own or call ahead to see if they’re offered by the venue.
Some sound bath participants report having powerful emotional responses to the experience, while others simply lay there and try not to think about their to-do list.
Regardless of what camp you’re in, your body temperature will naturally cool when you’re prone for an extended period of time, so layers, sweaters, and socks are recommended. If you really want to get cozy, you can even bring your own blanket. Most indoor sound baths will provide pillows or yoga bolsters to keep you comfy, but it’s best to call ahead to confirm.
Where do I find a sound bath?
Here are a few places that regularly offer sound baths led by local instructors. Check their upcoming events calendars to find specific dates:
Know of someplace we missed? Or have your own sound bath testimonial? Let us know.
Events
Friday, Oct. 6
First Fridays at NMB! | Friday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Indianapolis | Prices vary | Check out all NMB has to offer with $10 day passes after 5 p.m. for climbing, plus browse local artists selling their goods in the Top Out Cafe.
Saturday, Oct. 7
2023 Indianapolis MORE THAN PINK Walk | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Indianapolis | Free | Join Susan G. Komen’s signature fundraising event to fight breast cancer.
GermanFest | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 12-6 p.m. | Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis | $10-$15 | Discover your inner German and party at the Athenaeum with vendors, Durstig games, live wiener dog races, strong man competition, Zwergenland for the kids, bier, and German food.
Sunday, Oct. 8
The Thirteenth Hour Haunted Attraction | Friday, Oct. 6-Thursday, Nov. 2 | Times vary | The Thirteenth Hour Haunted Attraction, 915 S. Shortridge Rd., Indianapolis | $25 | Get the living daylights scared out of you at one of Indiana’s most terrifying haunted houses.
Monday, Oct. 9
Heartland International Film Festival | Thursday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 15 | 7 p.m. | Multiple locations | $12-$20 | From local films to blockbuster sneak peeks, there are 120+ mesmerizing movies at this 32nd annual film festival.
Tuesday, Oct. 10
Haverstick’s Fall Music Night | Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Haverstick, 9111 Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Stop by the 3rd Annual Fall Music Night to hear local talent as you indulge in fall drinks and treats.
The food scene in Indy is about to get even more loco, with Loco Restaurant Group Inc. planning new concepts in downtown’s Cummins Inc. building and Fountain Square’s Forte apartments. Keep an eye out for Loco Fresh Mexican Taqueria + American cuisine spot, Crazy Neighborhood Bar & Grill, opening by December. (IBJ)
Travel
Fallbreakers, take note — today through Monday, Indianapolis International Airport expects to have the busiest days in its history. Airport personnel recommend that travelers (especially those flying in the morning or late afternoon) get to the airport two hours ahead of takeoff. (WISH)
Plan Ahead
Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and IndyGo just announced that it will be providing free bus service all day so Hoosiers can exercise their right to vote. Check out our voting guide for more info. (WISH)
Ranked
Indianapolis has been named No. 10 on BonusFinder.com’s list of top cities for visiting NFL fans, thanks to factors including the prestige of the franchise and the number of nearby sports bars. Touchdown. (IndyStar)
Hoosier
ICYMI, only 30 people have hiked to each of the 50 tallest points across the US since 2018 — and Indy’s own Jim Korn is now one of them. His journey to accomplishing the massive feat took nearly 30 years. Congrats, Jim. (WTHR)
Community
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Real Estate
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Active
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Holiday
Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Indianapolis
More new displays await you at the Eiteljorg. | Photo via Eiteljorg Museum
Monday marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day all about honoring our Native communities. Though not a federal holiday, many cities + states have made it official.
The Eiteljorg Museum is hosting two events for those who want to observe the day:
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | $10-18 | Experience traditional singing and dancing presented by the powwow drum group Warpaint, as well as storytelling and artistic demonstrations from members of the Onondaga, Nanticoke Delaware/Lenape, Lumbee, and Tsimshian nations, tribes, and communities. Smoke Signals Indigenous Foods will also be selling delicious culinary fare.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Free Day | Monday, Oct. 9 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free | Enjoy free admission to the museum, and special programming including cultural performances from artist and storyteller David Boxley + basket-weaver and language revivalist Kandi McGilton. You can also get a guided tour of the Native American galleries.
My sound bath experiences have mostly involved me passing out until the instructor starts talking again. But if you really want an intense experience, I recommend making a pilgrimage to The Integratron near Joshua Tree, CA. After a large group of my friends left an emotional session there together, one told me that I’m a pretty crier, which I guess is a good thing?
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