I’ve recently moved out of New York City, after living there for 30 years, and moved onto a peaceful island in the Gulf of Mexico. The immense periods of solitude and quiet have been an adjustment, for sure. Instead of hearing sirens, doors slamming and booming music from the streets below my apartment, I now hear the sounds of birds chirping, the leaves rustling, rain falling, geckos chattering and an occasional neighbor’s voice.

A friend of mine, sensitive to subtle energies, whom visited within weeks of my moving into the apartment had said, in no uncertain terms, “There’s a funky energy in this apartment.” I agreed, finding that my mood would change, as if for no apparent reason, upon making my way back into my apartment. I was even told, by my energy healer, that there was a vibration of depression that my new apartment was holding onto, a vibration, which pre-dated my arrival. Apparently, an artist, with a therapy dog, inhabited the apartment I now rent.

I burned sage, but the energy still seemed rather ‘thick’. I couldn’t see this vibration of thickness, but could feel it. Knowing there have been studies showing the efficacy of Tibetan singing bowls upon one’s mood, I decided to play my new Tibetan singing bowl in order to affect the vibration of my space. The bowl is handmade, and combines five metals: copper, zinc, iron and even bits of gold and silver. Each time I used the soft-suede mallet head against the bowl, the vibration in my hand felt an extremely powerful, yet calming energy. As I closed my eyes and focused, I could hear the tone ripple out further and further out into the ether.

The sound had a calming effect on my nervous system, and so I decided to use the bowl as I walked from room to room in my new ‘digs’. First, I would knock gently around different parts of the bowl, and played with the different sounds. Then, I slowly circulated the mallet around the outer portion of the bowl, to get it to sing. As I walked from room to room, my own energy changed. I felt more relaxed, and a sense of ease slowly washed over me.

Somewhat noticeably, the energy in the apartment began to clear and the air became thinner. I now use my singing bowl to open and close my meditations each day. There are a number of plants in my space, and I also walk around with my bowl, allowing the vibrations to move in and around my houseplants, knowing that all living beings, whether human or not, are filled with vibrations and affected by vibrational energy.

It has now become a staple to my meditation practice, and also, gives me some solace, knowing that I can affect the vibration of my new home with it. And as I teach yoga and meditation, I love to ring the bowl, as a way to awaken the rested bodies from savasana at the end of practice. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving every day.

For those of you interested in purchasing a Tibetan singing bowl, I recommend Shanti Bowl. The prices are reasonable, and the quality is magnificent. Simple in design, it is a nice addition to any space. For more information, see www.shantibowl.com.

Judgment is an automatic practice for nearly every person on the planet: from the clothes we wear to the foods we eat to our surrounding environment and the people we associate with. As a practicing attorney in New York City, judgements were as natural to the legal practice, as is water to a sea full of fish. Without either, neither could survive. However, in the years after I left the practice of law, I began to engage in the practice of Mindfulness, which relinquishes judgment of each moment and its occurrences as they arise. Say what?!

Mindfulness, a Buddhist-based practice, is a practice in which we are aware of each moment, thought, or emotion as it arises without injecting one’s preferences about what arises. It’s a beautiful practice because you can engage in mindfulness anywhere, and at any time. When you start to become more conscious of the inner workings of your mind, without judging it, you may notice a shift towards compassion, understanding and/or love for yourself, and thereby, for others.

What happens when you let go of your likes and dislikes? The attachment or resistance which accompanies judgments dissipates. We can allow ourselves and others to have the fullness of life experiences and feel good about it. Non-judgment allows each of us to accept where we are and not beat ourselves up for being where we are.

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