Let us teach you how to plan a sound bath event that will knock your shoes off!
Stargazing Sound Bath Meditation Pool Float
Everybody loves yoga, and who couldn’t use a bit of stress relief? If you are looking for the ultimate Mecca of yoga…give stargazing floating pool meditation to the sweet sounds of crystal bowls a try. It’s a must-do!
Sound Bath Musician
To book your perfect event, here are some tips to ensure your event is smooth sailing…
First, be sure to select a Sound Musician that's certified by a reputable association. It is important to know you have someone who is invested in their craft enough to seek certification.
Second, book an audition to hear them play, or better yet…attend one of their events. You don’t want to be surprised while your guests are floating. There are so many kinds of music, and sound meditation is no different.
Ensure your musician is offering what you envisioned for your event. Some questions might include what language they will be speaking. Ask if there will be any chanting or praying. Make sure you share what your needs are with your musician. It’s important to know your audience.
The Basics
Some things you may want to offer include sturdy pool floats, floating candles, and a dependable sound system. Decide if you want to have your event in the daytime or evening. I personally prefer evenings as there isn’t anything more amazing than skywatching to a sound bath meditation while floating in a pool.
Venues
Read the reviews in the comments when selecting your venue. This is so important to gain insight into the venue. A picture is worth a thousand words, but some of the best venues are even better in person. I like to send a message to potential hosts for a short video of the space if I can't scout it in person beforehand. Remember, your host may not be a professional photographer or videographer but may have a great space.
Photographers
Speaking of photographers, you will want to capture this event with a timeless picture. To select the photographer, ask your musician if they have worked with someone in the past. Once you have a few photographers narrowed down, ask to see their portfolios and go with the ones that capture the vibe you are trying to share. Night photography is a craft all on its own. So do your homework!
Foodstuffs
People love to break bread and enjoy spirits before these events. Choosing the foodstuffs can often be one of the most laborious and expensive aspects of hosting events. I like to keep it simple. Consider a food truck or buffet-style catering service. If you like to cook, better yet. It is recommended to avoid high-allergy foods such as peanuts and gluten. So, Pad Thai may not be the best choice for keeping the odds in your favor. Nothing ruins a fun good time like an ambulance during your meditation event. Generally speaking, most yoga and meditation events are vegetarian, but this is your event to decide.
Schedule
When I am hosting my yoga events, I like to offer everything ala carte. Attendees are free to come to the events they enjoy the most and skip the ones they want. Don’t forget to add plenty of breaks so folks can come and go throughout the day. Create a "what to expect packet" ahead of time and request cell phones be checked only during breaks. Building in break time will help your attendees from feeling rushed. I recommend sharing the final schedule at least two days in advance.
Sample Schedule
Here is a common schedule I offer for a day retreat...whether it is local or international:
10-8pm
Check-in, Welcome Packets & Goodie Bags 10-11am
Community Circle 11-11:30am
Art Meditation (think vision boards) 11:30-12:30pm
Break 12:30-1pm
Lunch - ala carte 1-3pm
Break 3-3:30pm
Somatic Yoga 3:30-4:30pm
Break 4:30-5pm
Stargazing Pool Sound Bath Meditation 5-7pm
Break 7-7:30
Closing Ceremony 7:30-8pm
Schedule Tips
If you are looking for a shorter event, then follow this sample timetable, and include your favorite events. If your musician works with a Yoga Teacher, be sure to find out what style of yoga they offer…and if plenty of modifications will be given. It is ideal to have an alternate activity such as an art project for those not wanting to attend yoga. Take the time to craft a schedule that the attendees can personalize.
Goodie Bags…who doesn’t love presents?
Connect with local small businesses to add goodies to your goodie bags, but make sure they are in line with your vision and buying practices. In a pinch, you can head to your local art supply store for mandala coloring books and colored pencils. This is an easy go-to that allows your guests to chat and connect. Events are all about connection, so build-in activities to encourage it.
Silence Optional
I once went to a retreat where attendees could write “Silent” on their name tags and keep it on as long as possible. Some took it off right away, and others kept it on the entire weekend. I broke about halfway in. What was nice about it was that it took the social pressure of having to “be on” thinking of what to say in social situations. Introverts tend to love this.
The Budget
Separate your expenses into three categories: must have, might be nice, and if attendance exceeds expectations. Once you know your numbers (a must) then you can decide what is the minimum and maximum number of attendees you can host. Price your event at least 30% over your costs. Consider your refund policy, if you opt for refunds rather than credits. An empty float could have been booked for someone else. If you sell out, have a waitlist for future events or cancellations.
Final Thoughts
Take your time to create a mood board for how you envision your event. There is no right or wrong on this, but it is worth mentioning that the more DIY you do, the more money you’ll save...but spend on energy. Have a great event, and feel free to connect with me on my site via CHAT below for more guidance. I'm happy to help connect you with my community of trusted providers. Have a great event!
If you are ready to become a Sound Meditation musician, enroll in our course now!
Namaste,
Michelle Rae Sobi, RYS
Edge Yoga School & Arts, LLC
Yogi. Digital Artist. Mentor
text: 630-246-2356
FB @raesnotes
Insta @michelleraesobi
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YouTube @EdgeYogaSchool
