June 22, 2012

Sound Baths Los Angeles

Sound Baths Los Angeles

You might be familiar with my love for the sound bath, as I’ve blogged about my treks out to the High Desert to enjoy the magical noise chamber known as The Integratron. I was beyond thrilled with my friend Cathy mentioned over dinner that there was a rad woman in L.A. named Jamie Bechtold who performed sound baths on the Eastside. Sound baths Los Angeles really exist! I am so thankful to have been privy to a free one on Wednesday night in celebration of Summer Solstice.

So what is a sound bath? From Jamie’s site: “During a Sound Bath participants either lie on the floor (on a yoga mat or blanket) or sit in a chair and just relax and listen. Most people close their eyes and go on an inward journey. Generally, a deep state of relaxation is achieved although some people do actually fall asleep. The sounds of the gongs and bowls take the listener on a musical journey within themselves. You leave more relaxed and peaceful than you were when you arrived.”

Jamie’s sound baths last for 60mins – unlike the 22 mins at The Integratron. It has been quite some time since I have felt so relaxed, there is just something about a sound bath my friends. The miracle of sound works on your body, mind, and stress. If you have yet to take one, I recommend you check out Sound Baths with Jaime Bechtold and then hightail it out to Landers for a desert experience!

 

Posted in: LA, New Age, Places + Events, Travel | Tagged: , , , , ,

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February 14, 2012

Two Girls, One Desert

Salton Sea, California

As you read this, I am probably still in the high desert soaking up the sun. With all my trips to the Mojave recently you might just think I said goodbye to Los Angeles for a life off the grid. Not yet, but don’t think the idea hasn’t crossed my mind. My last batch of photos from Joshua Tree inspired my friend Tania to take her very own retreat and I happily accepted to be her guide. We have been at The Joshua Tree Retreat Center & Institute for Mental Physics a couple of days now and to say I don’t want to leave would be an understatement.

There is so much to report here from Joshua Tree but in the mean time, please enjoy these snaps from our adventures thus far. Photo #1 My new desert pants, Photo #2 Field Notes: California, Photo #3 Us ladies at The Integratron, Photos 4 & 5 Wonders at the Sky Village Swap Meet, Photo #6 Braving the windstorm at Salvation Mountain

Field Notes California

The Integratron, Landers

Sky Village Swap Meet Iguana

Sky Village Swap Meet JewelrySalvation Mountain Photos

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February 2, 2012

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

The High Desert Test Sites (HDTS) has long been on my list of conceptual art to explore while out in the Mojave; fortunately my friend Martine also had this as a priority on her desert agenda. “Scattered along a stretch of intimate yet diverse desert communities that include Joshua Tree, Pioneertown, Wonder Valley, Yucca Valley, and 29 Palms, the sites provide a place for both fleeting and long-term experimental projects.” We stopped by the HDTS headquarters in Joshua Tree, picked up our site map and hit the road with bright eyes and bushy tails. Currently on the list are 10 various experiences, sculptures, and sites to see across the beautiful desert landscape.

Already crossed off the list was the Sky Village Swap Meet (more on that later), The Integratron, and HDTS Headquarters. We studied our map closely and decided to scope out sites #2 Andy’s Gamma Gulch and #5 Behind Bail Bonds.  I was most excited about site #5 (photo above) because I knew it was going to be absolutely beautiful. Seeing this incredible shape contained between boulders definitely held up to the internal hype I created. Site #2 located just past Pioneertown proved to be a true adventure. A bit of off-roading paired with hiking in a land of cactus under the sun allowed me to momentarily feel like a true explorer. The photos below are what we found while scouring the desert.

Which piece is your favorite?

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

 

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February 2, 2012

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

The High Desert Test Sites (HDTS) has long been on my list of conceptual art to explore while out in the Mojave; fortunately my friend Martine also had this as a priority on her desert agenda. “Scattered along a stretch of intimate yet diverse desert communities that include Joshua Tree, Pioneertown, Wonder Valley, Yucca Valley, and 29 Palms, the sites provide a place for both fleeting and long-term experimental projects.” We stopped by the HDTS headquarters in Joshua Tree, picked up our site map and hit the road with bright eyes and bushy tails. Currently on the list are 10 various experiences, sculptures, and sites to see across the beautiful desert landscape.

Already crossed off the list was the Sky Village Swap Meet (more on that later), The Integratron, and HDTS Headquarters. We studied our map closely and decided to scope out sites #2 Andy’s Gamma Gulch and #5 Behind Bail Bonds.  I was most excited about site #5 (photo above) because I knew it was going to be absolutely beautiful. Seeing this incredible shape contained between boulders definitely held up to the internal hype I created. Site #2 located just past Pioneertown proved to be a true adventure. A bit of off-roading paired with hiking in a land of cactus under the sun allowed me to momentarily feel like a true explorer. The photos below are what we found while scouring the desert.

Which piece is your favorite?

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

High Desert Test Sites (HDTS)

 

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January 31, 2012

The Integratron, Landers

The Integratron, LandersBack in 2008 I wrote about The Integratron, a magical place located just outside of Joshua Tree in the city of Landers. As you have probably figured from reading this blog, the High Desert often calls my name. When I need to decompress and want to feel rejuvenated, I add a sound bath to my list of things to do while in the Mojave and always leave feeling clear-headed again. On Saturday, the day before I left, we had to put down my longtime family dog, so seeking refuge in the sound chamber couldn’t have come at a better time. While there I had a chance to meditate and reflect on the many positive changes and challenges I have experienced in the past couple months; I am very grateful that The Integratron exists.

What is The Integratron? Is the question I get most, so it is my pleasure to share with you what has become one of my favorite destinations. The Integratron is an acoustically perfect tabernacle and energy machine sited on a powerful geomagnetic vortex in the magical Mojave Desert – the official description. When I describe it to friends I say it is a beautiful dome in the desert, showcasing an interior constructed with a marvelous amount of wood. The dome acts as a sound chamber which allows each individual to experience vibrations in various ways.  When a sound bath is conducted, the reverberation emanating from the crystal quartz bowls are felt through your entire body. The peace and clarity that comes from the combination of mediation and sound is one I hope everyone can experience some time in their life. If you’d like to go with me sometime, just let me know and we’ll plan a date!

The Integratron, LandersThe Integratron, LandersThe Integratron, LandersThe Integratron, Landers The Integratron, Landers
The Integratron
Landers, Mojave Desert

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