Finding My Sonic Bliss in Seoul
As someone who thrives on the buzz of city life, I’ve always been a bit skeptical of the whole “sound bath” meditation trend. I mean, how could a mere collection of chimes and gongs possibly transport me to a state of blissful relaxation? But when I recently found myself in Seoul, South Korea, on a much-needed getaway, I decided to give it a try, hoping to achieve the elusive “zen” state I’d heard so much about.
The Sonic Letdown
I booked a session at a local wellness studio, eager to silence my racing mind and indulge in some much-needed self-care. As I settled into the dimly lit room, the soothing sounds of singing bowls and crystal tones enveloped me, and I felt my body start to unwind. But midway through the experience, my eyes snapped open, and I found myself staring blankly at the ceiling, my mind in high gear rather than the blissed-out state I had anticipated.
According to Well+Good, I’m not alone in my underwhelming sound bath experience. “For the next 40 minutes I laid with my eyes open, and anyone who’s ever spent a night in bed inexplicably awake can probably how this session ended,” the article notes. “Sure, when I left I felt slightly more relaxed than I had when I walked in, but my mind was in high gear rather than blissed out.”
Seeking Alternative Paths to Relaxation
After that initial letdown, I started to wonder if the sound bath phenomenon was just overhyped. Maybe it just wasn’t the right fit for my jittery, city-dwelling mind. So, I set out to explore other relaxation options, hoping to find something that could truly transport me to a state of deep calm and restoration.
One of the alternatives I discovered was the power of walking meditation. As Well+Good explains, “A subscription comes with three kinds of walking meditation—city parks and nature, and around your house—and the option to try it for 2, 5, or 10 minutes. I first opted for the 10-minute city meditation to soundtrack my commute home from running errands. During the guided meditation, the instructor told me to focus on how I’m actually walking—how my body is moving, how my feet feel striking the ground. He also instructs to gently focus on the general world around me, rather than paying attention to every person and thing passing me by.”
This type of walking meditation proved to be a game-changer for me. It allowed me to find my zen within the hustle and bustle of Seoul, without the need for any fancy sound equipment or woo-woo spiritual trappings. And the best part? I could seamlessly integrate it into my daily routine, making it a sustainable practice that I could return to again and again.
Finding Bliss in a Salt Bath
In my continued quest for relaxation, I also discovered the joys of salt baths. As Well+Good describes, “You enter a tank that’s filled with 1,000 lbs of soothing Epsom salt. The tank then goes pitch black, and you float in complete silence for an hour. Sounds trippy? That’s because it is. But it is also insanely relaxing because it deprives you of all of your senses. Even touch is blunted—the water is specifically warmed to be skin temperature so that you don’t really feel it.”
After a float session, I always felt a little “high” and very, very relaxed. It was the perfect antidote to the stresses of city life and a welcome respite from the constant bombardment of sensory input. While it was a bit of a splurge at 99,000 won per session, the salt bath was a luxurious treat that I indulged in whenever I felt the need for a deep, restorative reset.
The Simple Pleasures of a Candlelit Bath
But for those days when I didn’t have the time or budget for a fancy salt float, I discovered the simple joys of a good, old-fashioned candlelit bath. As Well+Good notes, “A good bath has many accoutrements after all. I usually add a few drops of essential oil to the water, typically a mix of lavender and eucalyptus, and then some Epsom salt for my achy muscles. I light a few candles, dim the lights, and put on some music or a relaxation podcast. Sometimes I’ll even pop on a face mask.”
These homespun bath rituals became a regular part of my self-care routine during my stay in Seoul, providing me with the perfect opportunity to unwind and reset. The combination of soothing scents, soft lighting, and the gentle lapping of the water against my skin never failed to transport me to a state of blissful relaxation, allowing me to truly savor the simple pleasures of the present moment.
Discovering the Power of Sonic Healing
Through my explorations in Seoul, I ultimately came to the realization that true relaxation and restoration aren’t found in any single, one-size-fits-all solution. For some, the sound bath may be the key to unlocking a state of deep calm and inner peace. But for others, like myself, alternative paths like walking meditation, salt baths, and candlelit soaks might be the more effective route to achieving that elusive “bliss” state.
The important thing is to keep an open mind, experiment with different modalities, and discover what works best for your unique needs and preferences. And who knows, you might just stumble upon a new favorite way to recharge and rejuvenate, whether it’s the soothing vibrations of singing bowls or the simple pleasure of a warm, fragrant soak.
So, the next time you find yourself in Seoul, or any city for that matter, I encourage you to embrace your inner seeker and embark on your own quest for relaxation and restoration. You never know what hidden gems you might uncover – perhaps a sound bath that truly transports you to a state of blissful calm, or maybe a newfound love for the meditative power of walking. Whatever path you choose, I can assure you that the journey will be well worth it.
And if you’re looking for the perfect home base to explore the city’s wellness offerings, be sure to check out Hotel Stay Inn Seoul – a sanctuary of tranquility and comfort in the heart of the bustling Korean capital.
