The anatomy of esoteric sound
As with breathing, individual attention to one’s normal sounds might reveal some interesting and surprising characteristics. Sound created by individuals is a reflection of their general state of Being and indicates quality aspects of their life that they’ve experienced. In general, producing sharp pitch or faster frequency sounds indicates mental tension, while sounds flat in pitch imply emotional anxiety. Nasal, broken or uneven sounds normally indicate a constriction in some particular center, usually the center for expression—the throat, or the emotional-feeling center—the solar plexus. To really realize what your sound is like, take a tape recorder and begin to speak or read from a book and see how you sound and sing. From listening to how you sound, begin then to practice with the whole breath, sound and focus, in order to project your sound more effectively. Esoteric sound represents applied awareness to your realization that you are responsible for the transformation of your fragments as well as being able to have your voice function vibrational.
Radiant bodies in balance and open physical body centers produce sound that has a magnetic resonant quality. These exercises may then be applied to correct or improve underlying conditions that influence the nature and fullness and flow of sound throughout the whole body. The following is a detailed discussion of methods and techniques for properly producing and directing esoteric sound.
The initial step in performing sound exercises should be a period of deep diaphragmatic breathing to relax the physical body, energize and vitalize the body centers, while stilling the conscious mind. At this time, enter into a quiet state of mental contemplation of what is to be accomplished through the use of sound. The recommended position for producing esoteric sound is standing straight up, the feet should be spread a little less than shoulder width apart, with the hands folded lightly over the diaphragmatic area for awareness of its movement. The head should be balanced, the shoulders relaxed and the mouth open, using the Western manner of breathing with the throat opened to the back and relaxed as when yawning; this provides a direct passageway for release of the sound.
When first beginning to practice this type of breathing, another useful position would be to lie down on a bed or on the floor. This makes it easy to see if the diaphragm is working properly. Put a couple of books on the diaphragm area and inhale gently, observing how the books go up on intake and down on exhalation. Or try observing a sleeping baby breathe and you will see natural correct movement in diaphragmatic breathing. Using the diaphragm properly is essential to filling the lower lungs with air for support of sound.
Now assume the proper position, exhale from the diaphragm to eliminate all air, then inhale deeply using the diaphragmatic technique learned in esoteric breathing. When you inhale correctly the air goes first into your lower lungs and then the breath itself expands the diaphragm all around to your back and spine. Remember, keeping the shoulders relaxed, throat open, and breathing with proper diaphragmatic control will fill the lower lungs properly. After deep inhalation, initiate the hold step by locking the rib cage open to keep the diaphragmatic area expanded and slowly make the sound, with the support of the diaphragm, as the breath is released up through a relaxed throat and mouth. The hold and exhalation steps are used simultaneously for producing esoteric sound. You can provide controlled intensity and pitch to the sound from the diaphragm, without forcing or straining, by keeping the rib cage locked open. We would like to emphasize that best results of these breathing exercises will be realized in a group or class situation with the guidance of an experienced instructor.
It is important to remember that loudness or volume does not equate with the vibrational quality of sound. The mental body should be focused on the desired purpose and quality of the sound to be projected. As the breath subsides, the sound should also decrease in intensity until it terminates. The diaphragmatic area is expanded as long as the sound is being made. DO NOT PUSH THE DIAPHRAGMATIC AREA OUT TO MAKE THE SOUND. Some singers are capable of full breath with esoteric sound, and this can be recognized when they sing. If you can only make the sound for a short period with the diaphragmatic area expanded, stop the sound and inhale to again support the sound, or stop the sound and complete the exhalation. With practice, your diaphragmatic area will expand sufficiently to allow maximum lung capacity for inhalation.
Begin with the vowel sounds of AH and UH to enhance consistency without any undue strain. The number of repetitions required to produce desired sound vibration varies with each individual. START SLOWLY! But continue to practice regularly with moderation. You will be surprised to see how you can create health and youthfulness, for every proper breath brings in oxygen and releases toxins. In Western terms this should be considered as part of active meditation.
As with other areas of esoteric learning, the key to improvement and eventual expansion is discipline, practice and patience! Establish a routine and adhere to it, selecting a period of the day that is convenient and a proper place for practice. It should be a time and area where a degree of solitude can be maintained and which is available for this purpose on a regular basis. By utilizing the same location, a vibrational vortex builds up over a period of time, producing a cumulative effect that allows each session to be started at a higher vibrational level. This eliminates the need for long periods of preliminary warm-up. It is also helpful to produce sounds in front of a mirror, observing one’s stance, posture and breathing technique. A tape recorder is useful for evaluating your sound and progress. Let us emphasize once again, be careful to keep the shoulders and throat relaxed so the sound will flow through from the diaphragm.