Upcoming Chicagoland Sound Meditations
New Album Release!!!
Current Vibrations No. 2 is the second installment of this intention driven improvised recording series. Each recording session challenges the players to expand their capacity to “listen” for a collective intuition or expression to come forth that inspires melody, evolution in rhythm, and dynamic shift. The aim is for the player(s) to co-create each moment, not simply responding to one another’s choices. The purity of co-creation is dependent on each player's ability to remain present, and follow their intuition with complete confidence. That being said, each session is a practice, not unlike meditation, potentially serving up moments of doubt, judgment, and frustration. And through practice, each player hones their ability to navigate the internal struggle, remain open, and find acceptance, allowing for something magical to unfold.
While the intention behind album No. 1 and No. 2 remained the same, this album was recorded over the course of many months in different contexts and with different collaborators while its predecessor was recorded in 3 hours by 3 musicians in a room. Retro Futuristic and What You Don't Know are both solo recordings. If I Knew It Was You... and A Culmination reunited percussionist Chris Paquette and woodwind extraordinaire Max Lazarus. Rhythm in Dreams features new collaborator BSA Gold, capturing a moment from our first and only 1-on-1 recording session together. And then there is Familiar Forks which was recorded in front of a live audience by The Meditation Movement during a meditation session held at Lincoln Park Zoo's Honeycomb Pavillion.
Overall, I is thrilled to be releasing this collection of music which serves as a snapshot of my collaborative process and exploration in new sounds, instruments, and modes of creation.
Photograph by Brad Messe - https://www.bradmeese.com/
Want to book a Sound Meditation?
Are you looking to treat yourself to a private sound experience? Maybe you want to get a group of girlfriends together for a heart opening meditation? Or are you thinking that a meditation would be a great reset for your team at work? Perhaps you are building out a larger experience, party or event and want to incorporate a sound meditation… don’t worry, the sound carries! (A sound system can be incorporated upon request for an additional fee) Don’t have a space to host? I have access to a variety of rental spaces throughout the Chicago-land area.
I have facilitated over 2,000 meditation experiences during the past 7 years playing in a diversity of spaces including destination locations such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Navy Pier, and Willis Tower Skydeck, as well as universities (Northwestern, U Chicago), Hospitals, Private Clubs, Galleries/Museums, and more.
Each session begins with a brief introduction to meditation followed by the setting of intention. Next, we will take some deep breaths, get comfortable and begin our experience with an ever evolving array of sound frequencies. As the sound fades out I will guide you back into your breathing as we find gentle movements in our bodies. Following the meditation there will be an opportunity to share your experience (optional) and ask questions.
To receive the benefits, no skills, abilities, beliefs, or prior experience in meditation is required. So, what are you waiting for?
Want to take a training?
Every religion, spiritual practice, and indigenous group utilizes some form of sound frequency to unite people in ceremony, celebration, and healing. No matter where you travel, you’ll find a rich culture of music and instruments that can often be traced back for thousands of years. We see gongs, singing bowls, didgeridoos, rattles, drums, bells, chimes, and the human voice. There are also decades of scientific research showing how powerfully meditation, in it’s various forms, impacts our overall physical, mental, and physiological state.
If you are interested in learning more about how it all works I offer two level’s of training courses and a mentorship certification program through the Ahimsa School of Sound Healing.
SPECIAL OFFER!!! If you register for both courses you can save big!!! $100 off for non-members and $50 off for members.
Level 1: Foundations in Vibration is designed to empower participants in their exploration of sound and frequency. This course dives into sound experiments, crystal singing bowl technique, the use of intention, and sound meditation philosophy and theory. Our intention is to inspire student’s to take control of their own well-being and to be of service to others through sharing sound meditation. Learn more here
Schedule: Jan 11th from 12:30-5:00pm AND Jan 25th from 12:30-5:00pm.
Cost: The price is $350 for non-members ($275 for Ahimsa members / Ahimsa teachers / work study).
Location - Ahimsa at 614 Dempster
Level 2: Foundations in Facilitation is a facilitator training designed to support those with previous sound meditation experience in building confidence as a meditation facilitator and space holder. Opportunities will be provided for students to facilitate meditation experiences in front of the class and to receive structured critiques. We will also role play different scenarios preparing students for the challenges that may arise during facilitation. The overall intention of the course is to support our students in taking their sound meditation practice to a professional level. Learn more here
Schedule: Feb 8th from 12:30-5:00pm AND Feb 22rd from 12:30-9:00pm.
Cost: The price is $750 for non-members ($650 for Ahimsa members / Ahimsa teachers / work study).
Location - Ahimsa at 614 Dempster
Build Meditation Into Your Day!
Get the most out of your meditation with 5 easy steps:
Prepare your space by adjusting the lighting and temperature and communicating with the people around you that you should not be disturbed.
Select a recording from below, put on headphones, and press play.
Close your eyes and connect with your breathing.
Set a present tense based intention regarding the purpose of your practice. Examples: My intention is to be in a deep state of relaxation. My intention is to process the emotions I am suppressing. My intention is that my lower back is healthy and whole.
Know that whatever comes up is perfect and needs to be experienced. There are not bad meditators. Meditation is valuable regardless of the perception of your experience.
CURRENT VIBRATIONS • COPYRIGHT 2024 • JAY TAYLOR