WEATHER UPDATE: Guadalupe Maravilla Presents: ‘Planeta Abuelx’ Healing Sound Bath

Guadalupe Maravilla; Summer Solstice Healing Sound Bath at Socrates Sculpture Park; 2021; Courtesy the Artist and PPOW, New York; Image by KMDeco Creative Solutions: Mark DiConzo.

Sunday, August 22*  •  7–8pm  •  In-Person at the Park**

*8/21 UPDATE: DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, SUNDAY’S SOUND BATH IS RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 4–5 PM. SEE CLOSING HEALING SOUND BATH PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.

**Due to the recent increase in Covid-19 cases, event capacity is limited and pre-registration is required

About

As part of his ‘Planeta Abuelx’ solo exhibition at Socrates, artist Guadalupe Maravilla has been hosting a series of sound baths. Some of Maravilla’s sound baths at the Park are intended to serve the general public, while others are offered to specific identity groups – like people affected by cancer or people who are undocumented.

The artist was introduced to sound baths therapy while he was receiving chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer and found it to be a helpful pain management tool. He was also drawn to sound baths as a non-Western, ancestral, and Indigenous healing tradition.

Maravilla believes that sound vibrations travel through the water contained in the human body on a cellular level – activating a parasympathetic relaxation response. “Human bodies are over 70% water, and the vibration of the gongs can help balance emotional, psychological, and in some cases physical pain,” he explains.

Some studies have shown that sound baths can have beneficial effects including releasing muscle tension, decreasing blood pressure, altering brain wave frequency, and facilitating a deep meditative state.

Various methods of sound healing techniques have been practiced for centuries in locations ranging from the Tibetan Plateau to the Yucatan Peninsula. To create an immersive sound-scape for a healing sound bath, sound healers use vocalization techniques and/or play one or more percussive instruments like gongs, singing bowls, and tuning forks in hypnotic sequences.

Maravilla’s healing sound baths at Socrates take place in his ‘Disease Thrower (#13 & #14) Installation,’ which trained sound healers activate by playing gongs attached to the sculptures. The installation also includes a fire pit that is lit during sound baths and maintained with medicinal and spiritual herbs throughout the ceremony.

HEALING SOUND BATH GUIDELINES

–Due to the recent rise in Covid-19 cases, masks will be required to participate in this event.

–The healing sound bath takes place outdoors so please check the weather forecast and prepare/dress accordingly. Also plan to bring your own drinking water as the Park’s public fountain is currently switched off for quality testing purposes.

–Healing sound bath participants should bring their own yoga mat, blanket, or towel to lie on or chair to sit on. The Park has a limited supply of yoga mats and chairs that will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Park at least 48 hours in advance at rsvp@socratessculpturepark.org.

–Healing sound bath participants should plan to arrive at least half an hour before the start of the program. No one will be admitted after the program begins.

–Upon entering the Park, look for a check-in tent where a Socrates staff-members will  direct you to the healing sound bath.

–Please choose a place to sit or lie down that is at least six feet away from other attendees. If you are participating with one or more person that you do not need to social distance from, you are welcome to gather together with less than six feet of separation between each person.

–Once the program begins, sound bath participants must remain quietly seated or laying down for the full duration of the healing sound bath.

–Pictures and videos are allowed, but please do not use your phone for any other purpose as that is disrespectful to the artist and the other attendees.

–The northern half of the Park is reserved for sound healers and participants during the sound baths. If you are in the Park while a sound bath is taking place, please keep noise at a minimum. You are welcome to observe the sound bath from a respectful distance.

REGISTER NOW

Registration is not required but strongly encouraged so you can receive important updates – including notification if the event has been rescheduled due to weather.

planeta-abuelx-sound-bath.eventbrite.com

The artist asks those joining in the South Baths to consider donating to the American Cancer Society:

For more than 100 years, the American Cancer Society has been a highly trusted source for cancer information. We are a global force of over 3.5 million supporters. With the help of millions of supporters, we launch breakthrough research, enable local communities to support those affected by the disease, and convene powerful activists to create awareness and impact. Join us and donate today!

Link: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=strides_donate_now&FR_ID=100837