Photo by Max Hemphill
Sara Auster is a world-renowned sound therapist and author of Sound Bath: Meditate, Heal and Connect Through Listening. We explore the profound effects of sound baths, from their ability to promote healing and mindfulness to their growing recognition in the wellness world. Sara shares her journey into sound therapy, how sound affects the mind and body, and the science behind this immersive experience. Learn how sound baths can help you connect, heal, and find balance in your life.
Guest
My guest today is a world-renowned sound therapist and leading voice in the field of sound healing. Sara Auster has developed a mindfulness curriculum for the World Health Organization; created FDA-approved sound baths as a complementary treatment option for people living with migraine; and partnered with organizations including Apple, Spotify, and Google to create inclusive sound bath experiences. Sara is the author of the book, “Sound Bath: Meditate, Heal and Connect Through Listening.”
Notes
We discuss:
- What is a sound bath?
- Why and how do sound baths facilitate healing?
- The relationship of Sound Baths and Meditation. Sara says: “If meditation is taking the stairs, a Sound Bath is taking the elevator. It allows you to experience relaxation within the short period of one session… With other types of meditation, one might have to practice consistently for a few weeks or months to feel the same kind of effect.”
- The personal experiences that led Sara to this work.
- Examples of responses people may have to a sound bath experience.
- What is the difference between live and recorded sound baths?
Connect/Other Resources
- Sara is the author of the book, “Sound Bath: Meditate, Heal and Connect Through Listening” (find it on Simon & Schuster and Amazon)
- Sara’s website: Auster Sound
- Sara on Instagram
- Sara’s Linktree
- Sara’s recordings include:
- SOUND MO(VE)MENTS: Sara’s first collection of recordings is available on a USB drive and is intended to accompany meditation and promote deep relaxation and sound sleep. This recording is the closest thing you can get to a live experience, because it was improvised on site and recorded in one take.
- Namora: vinyl recording
- #soundmovementsmonday: Every Monday on social media, Sara posts a video of sound with the hashtag #soundmovementsmonday. Sara says: “The only rule I follow is to choose a unique listening moment. I call it a moment of pause to start your week.”
- The PAUSE app
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 181: What does AI mean for the world of music? With Nicholas Lehman
- Ep. 112: How are the sounds of my life shaping my brain, and what does music have to do with it? With Dr. Nina Kraus
- Ep. 180: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness – Renee Fleming’s comprehensive interdisciplinary anthology
- View all episodes related to Science & Health
In-Episode Promo
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The Business Side of Music podcast
Coda
Sara shares a prerecorded guided sound meditation.
Closing Words
Thank you so much to Sara for sharing that sound bath experience with us, and for all she does to enhance lives with sound. There are links in the show notes to many ways you can connect with Sara and her work, including her book, recordings, and PAUSE app. Thanks again toNick Lehman for introducing me to Sara’s work; Nick is Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Digital Officer for ASCAP; I’ll include a link in the show notes to my conversation with him on the topic of what AI means for the world of music. You’ll also find a transcript of today’s episode, a screenshot of Sara and me on our call, and links to related episodes you may enjoy.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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