The harp, didgeridoo, singing bowls, tuning forks, and frame drums are often used in sound healing sessions. They have elements, frequencies, properties, and resonances that lend themselves to physical healing work. These instruments are relatively easy to acquire; yet a kind of magical, mystical power still seems to surround them.

Some of the practitioners I respect and admire most are sound healers and musicians – and you probably know I’m a musician myself. However, the truth comes out, despite the opinions and illusions held by teachers, gurus, and practitioners alike. And in truth, so-called sound healing instruments have no more power than the piano or acoustic guitar languishing in the corner of your living room!

If there is any power at all, it is only that those instruments are enjoyed and played by someone, and used for a positive purpose. But mystical power? No, God alone is the Presence and Power that heals! Someone playing a didgeridoo may be a healing channel. This simply means doing what anyone else would do to experience God: Getting the personal ego out of the way so that God-Power can flow through you, uncolored by human thoughts and untouched by human experiences. The didgeridoo, and you for that matter, are instruments – instruments of the Divine that already knows and plays all music.

Instruments, musical and otherwise, exist as parts of the eternal Whole. They exist so that we, in our individual manifestations of God, can hear and experience oneness in and through all ways. Just as some experience God by attending religious services and others on a nature walk, people can experience God through playing any musical instrument – or no instrument at all.

The power is in the resonance. I.e. God allows us to resonate with, or be drawn to, different instruments. We don’t all play didgeridoo, and indeed some people can’t bear to listen to one being played. However, science has documented its healing benefits. So, is it a healing instrument? For some people, yes.

But it’s just as likely that a teenage student, for instance, will experience emotional healing while playing a cheap acoustic guitar and writing songs. Healing comes in all shapes, forms, and through all instruments. Healing has one Source, God; and many paths. Music is only one modality. It may be healing to you, or you may think, “That’s a nice song,” and move on.

In the final analysis, God is all there is. All healing, power, and music is God’s, and we have the opportunity to participate in the healing, creative experience. Some of us do, with whichever instruments we are drawn to, by God’s guidance. Others choose to listen. Still other people seem not to respond to music. Yet God is at work, whether responses are documented or left in the ether.

If you are interested in sound healing, you’re entering an amazing, emerging field that is gaining scientific acceptance. But, with science comes analysis and much intellectual exercise. Exercise your spiritual gifts in this and all things, not just your mental and physical faculties. Let God guide your choice of instrument, practices, teachers, and technique. Playing an instrument, and healing work as well, is a physical experience. But it is always improved by a spiritual foundation.

Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” May you seek the inner guidance for self-healing, and if you are called to be a healing channel for others, may you remain open to God Consciousness flowing through you always!