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.