Could the power of sound help you find a moment of calm?

In a busy world where finding time for ourselves can feel like a luxury, sound baths offer an opportunity to pause, switch off from everyday demands and simply listen. At New Park Centre in Chichester, Mel is helping more people discover this gentle, immersive experience.

Modern life rarely stops. Between work, family commitments and the constant demands of everyday life, finding time to be still can be surprisingly difficult. Yet taking a little time for ourselves can make a difference to how we feel.

For Mel, a passionate medium, ordained minister and qualified healer with more than 20 years' experience, sound baths became something she wanted to share after experiencing their powerful personal impact.

Inspired to make the experience accessible to others, she began exploring how sound could offer people an opportunity to find peace and clarity without needing to talk or follow a particular spiritual or healing practice.

I wanted more people to be able to experience the benefits for themselves, she explains. Not everyone feels comfortable with a spiritual or healing approach, but everyone deserves the opportunity to take some time out.

An opportunity to pause

A sound bath is a relaxation experience in which participants immerse themselves in the sounds of instruments such as singing bowls, rain shakers and ocean drums. There is no need to sing, speak or have any previous experience.

Mel's sessions last around 45 minutes. Each begins with a warm welcome and time for participants to settle in and feel comfortable, particularly if they are attending for the first time.

She then creates an experience using her collection of singing bowls, selecting and combining their sounds with other instruments. Each session develops in its own way, responding to the atmosphere and people in the room.

Participants can simply sit or lie comfortably and listen, allowing the sounds to fill the space without needing to do anything. Mel just recommends you bring a blanket that wraps around you like a hug, helping you feel cosy and settled as you relax into the experience

Mel believes that giving ourselves permission to be still is especially important when life feels overwhelming. Some participants have become unexpectedly emotional during sessions, while others describe feeling calmer, lighter or more relaxed afterwards. Everyone's experience is different.

Making time for yourself

As a mum of three boys, one of whom has Down syndrome, Mel understands how difficult it can be to find time for yourself when family life is busy.

At home, there is always something else to do. You can get distracted or feel guilty about taking time for yourself. But when you book a session, you are making a commitment to yourself, and that time matters.

Although she only began running sessions at the start of the year, the response has encouraged her to continue and make the experience available to more people. Offering additional session outside of her daytime session, which she started to ensure those who prefer not to travel out in the evening, especially during the darker months had an opportunity to experience the healing power of a sound bath.

One participant described the sessions beautifully: I just can't quite put my finger on how to describe it, but your sessions feel so special.

Discover wellbeing at New Park Centre

Sound baths are one of the many ways people can explore wellbeing at New Park Centre, where activities offer opportunities to move, connect with others, discover new interests and make time for themselves.

Whether you are curious about trying something different or simply looking for a little breathing space in a busy week, discovering a new activity could be the first step towards making more time for your own wellbeing.

To find out about Mel's upcoming sound baths and other activities at New Park Centre, visit newparkcentre.org.uk.