To save this page as a PDF, click this button and choose the PDF destination.

Violin Sound Sanctuary: A Temenos of Music, Meditation, and Sound Ecology Listening

14:15 - 15:45 Friday, 6th September, 2024

ES Room 10

Track Ecopsychology and spirituality

Presentation type Other

Rebecca Sabine-Ramsey plays violin in this session


70 Violin Sound Sanctuary: A Temenos of Music, Meditation, and Sound Ecology Listening

Rebecca Sabine-Ramsey BA
Pacifica Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, USA

Abstract

Abstract

This is a somatic sound vibrational experience developed by a violinist/mindfulness teacher, a guided group meditation performed with live, improvisational music. Field recordings of natural environments are interpolated, embracing sound ecology listening as an approach to raising environmental awareness.

Description

My calling as a violinist, composer, and meditation teacher is to create an imaginative listening meditative environment that kindles interconnectedness with nature in an embodied and experiential way. Through mindful listening, my objective is to bring a deep attentiveness to the art of music and the sounds of nature as a healing balm to balance the noise and clatter of our lives. The sense of communitas experienced in a group setting that includes sound ecology listening creates a temenos of peace, encouraging a heightened awareness of the need to preserve the natural soundscapes of our planet and empowering those we serve to take action. 

Bringing the “outside in” with indigenous field recordings throughout the presentation,  I will intuitively create music on the violin that reflects and intertwines with these sounds from the wild.  (The program also includes original music created by composer/producer Aaron Ramsey.

During the spoken word portions of this guided meditation,  I connect to Heart, drawing upon the inspiration from psyche as it arises in the present moment.

The session is organized as follows:

  • Introduction/ settling in
  • Mindful Breathing (guided/improvised music)
  • Mindful Body Scan (guided somatic visualization)
  • Imaginative Nature Walk: (eco-poetry and improvised music)
  • Coming back to Present Awareness

    My purpose is for Violin Sound Sanctuary® participants to experience a uniquely personal connection between their inner and outer worlds, carrying that percipient sense of integration forward into their daily lives. In these times of great environmental stress, it is of utmost importance to foster resiliency and to reach out with care.  People can be nurtured by the gentle, healing power of live music. As a musician, I feel that it is my gift to the world.