Reflections by Juanita Lim, who joined the training for the first time, as well as Soneiro’s co-founders, Alisa and Temple.

This past May, Soneiro hosted their annual Sound Training – a journey into the realms of sound, frequency, voice, and music. Together with 26 sound enthusiasts, we explored sound across physical, emotional, medicinal, scientific, and spiritual dimensions. My name is Juanita, and I joined this training for the first time as a participant and as part of their Media and Communications team. I’d like to share a glimpse of what I experienced and learned throughout these immersive seven days in the forest.

Deep Listening

The training began with an invitation to connect with the instruments. Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, sansulas, and all kinds of different string instruments such as the monochord and tambura, as well as a plethora of melodic instruments amongst others, that produced almost cosmic sounds. All of them became our companions as we cultivated a practice of deep listening, not just with our ears, but with our entire being. Each sound and instrument resonated differently with the participants, weaving a unique tapestry of sonic textures for everyone to explore. The gongs have always resonated with me the most as their deep vibrations feel both ancient and familiar. I also found myself drawn to the kutamo, an instrument I discovered that fuses three others – the koto, tambura and monochord – into one.

Opening to Resonance

Mornings were special. We began each day with a combination of movement, Kundalini, yoga, dance, voice activation, and extended moments of stillness that helped us open our beings to the deeper resonance of sound. These practices helped to strengthen our connection with the Invisible Worlds, the space where all sounds arise and eventually return to, as Alisa would say.

Nature as a Teacher & Artist

We were nestled in a serene forest surrounded by lakes and rivers, which became more than just a beautiful surrounding to immerse ourselves in. Nature became a teacher, an artist, a collaborator and an integral part of our sound work. Alisa and a guest teacher Shanley Grace, who is dedicated to environmental restoration, guided us through nature immersion practices. We connected with plants who became our oracles and engaged with the natural world through sound and voice.

As I walked through the rich and lush forest, and the multi-colored enchanted gardens, I deepened my relationship with nature and came to understand that nature is the foundation for meaningful work with sound. When sound is created with intention, it creates presence and a connection with both ourselves and the world around us.

Belonging and Community

One of the most beautiful aspects of this training was witnessing how sound fosters belonging and connection. Throughout the week, I connected with people from different parts of the world, each with their own unique story. Participants from all walks of life came together to co-create and explore the art of storytelling beyond words, using sound.

Altered States of Consciousness

One of the most fascinating things I learned was about Altered States of Consciousness (ASC) and how sound can guide us into these states. Temple shared that through sound, we can release stress and reset our nervous system, fostering balance and relaxation which are important for our wellbeing. We learned how to create a safe space and play instruments with intention, enabling the brain to shift into alpha and theta brainwave states. These concepts were presented with clarity, helping me understand and appreciate the science behind it.

Final Reflections

Stepping away from my usual routine and retreating into the forest was exactly what I needed to fully immerse myself into the world of sound. Surrounded by nature, I felt my nervous system settle and my mind grow calm, which opened up space for deep learning, exploration, play and creativity. This training has given me the confidence to create a safe space and guide a sound meditation myself. I am filled with gratitude for this experience, for Alisa and Temple, and for all the new friends I made who shaped my experience and made this journey truly meaningful for me.

Some words by Alisa and Temple

Time to Feel Deeply

Participants are often surprised by how much sound can bring to the surface. We believe that only by experiencing those depths, and the medicine of sound oneself, can one truly begin to work with it.

At the end, we held a fire ceremony to honour and transmute our process, a moment of deep reflection and gratitude.

Sound as a Portal for Radical Re-enchantment and Attunement

In a world that needs dreamers, visionaries, out-of-the-box thinkers, lovers of nature, slow walkers, healers, peacemakers, and bridge builders more than ever, sound invites us to reconnect and rediscover wonder.

The Resonant Fields Await

As we reflect on this incredible experience, we are filled with gratitude for our participants, the land, and the stewards of the land. The annual Soneiro Sound Training will return next May, and bookings are opening. Subscribe to our newsletter here to be updated when these bookings open. We will also host a weekend Sonic Immersion this October, offering a shorter but equally immersive experience for sound enthusiasts, whether they are new to this work or experienced practitioners.

Stay tuned, stay resonant, and we hope to see you in the sonic fields soon.