My intention for this recording was to create a simple but powerful sound environment that listeners could use as a tool during meditation to facilitate healing, harmony, relaxation, or relief. It can be experienced as a whole or in four parts, played individually or in any combination that works for you.

When meditating with the entire suite, it is advised to drink some water beforehand and make sure you will not be disturbed for about 45 minutes. Find a comfortable position, either lying down on a bed or sofa or sit upright in a chair if you prefer. High quality headphones or speakers are recommended so that you can experience all the subtle harmonic frequencies and overtones in this recording. You may also wish to make sure your music player will not automatically play a different recording after this one is finished or make a playlist with the "Induction" and "Sunyata" tracks (in the bonus content) as bookends to help you out. Take several long, deep clearing breaths before you begin and think about your personal intention or goal for this session.

The piece starts with three chimes (in Movement I) to help you set the volume at a moderate level. You'll want to set it a bit lower than you normally would since you will start listening deeper as you sink into a meditative state. Keep in mind that there are many quiet passages that may tempt you to reach for the volume knob, but please try to avoid doing so. However, if the sound becomes painfully loud, it might be best to take it down a few notches. You may close your eyes or simply soften your gaze. Notice any sensations that occur throughout your body. Once you have settled in, all you need to do is breathe and let the sound take you on a journey. There is no wrong way to be during a sound meditation, but trust your mind and body to do what it needs in that moment. It's okay if your mind wanders or if you get distracted by other sounds in the room or outside. When this happens, gently notice it and return your focus to your breath.

After the recording has finished, allow yourself to remain in silence for at least a few minutes. Bring some gentle movement into your fingers and toes. Very slowly open your eyes and let yourself become aware of the space you are in. As with dreams, perhaps you'd like to write down some quick notes to help you remember anything that came up during your meditation.

While this piece in its entirety can guide the listener through an array of different scenarios, I have found that the separate movements resonate with more specific ideas. Movement I is designed for focus, creativity, problem solving, and gathering up loose ends. Movement II is quite lovely on its own and is meant for relaxing, calming your monkey mind, processing sadness or difficult emotions. Personally, I have found it to be helpful for moving through grief. It could also be played on repeat to lull you gently into sleep. Movement III can be intense, but try listening when you need to release tension, anxiety, or stress, or to manage physical pain. Sometimes it's hard to know what exactly it is that is bothering you; this could help you stir it up so you can deal with it. And finally, Movement IV is for bliss and integration. Its uplifting vibe invites the listener to find inner balance, peace, happiness, and acceptance.

If there is anything you'd like to share about your meditations, please feel free to leave a note or send a message. I do hope that this will help people at whatever point they are in their journey.

Infinite Love and Light to you,
Daman Hoffman
Embassy of Sound