In this transformative episode of "Echoes of Alchemy with Lotus Sound," Jay opens up about his deeply personal journey in the summer of 2015 with "Bruce Trail Sessions: Music for 100 Trees," a project that combines his passion for music with a profound love for nature. This episode explores how Jay's creative endeavor became a vital part of his recovery journey after quitting alcohol, serving as a powerful and healthy reinforcement in his path to sobriety.

Jay shares how the Bruce Trail's natural beauty, with its serene landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, provided an ideal setting for both his musical creations and personal healing. The project not only aimed to produce beautiful, nature-inspired music but also supported reforestation efforts by planting 100 trees, symbolizing growth and renewal. Jay reflects on the therapeutic aspects of engaging with nature and creating music, discussing how these activities offered solace and strength during his healing journey.

Whether you're exploring the outdoors, seeking creative expression, or walking the path of recovery, this episode provides valuable insights and encouragement.

Listen to Bruce Trail Sessions - Music for 100 Trees:

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6hSoluH56M0YMJIazjZjrr?si=m7Oz565hTxelrAwjFAEvqg

Bandcamp:
https://jayrobinsonlivelooping.bandcamp.com/album/bruce-trail-sessions-music-for-100-trees

Original Bruce Trail Session videos on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7sh0tHhNMPGaOifZr2SbfZ0kpNsN5rzr

Lotus Sound is a sound wellness studio located in Collingwood Ontario Canada offering Sound training, Retreat days, Sound baths, Kirtan and more.

Website https://www.lotussound.ca/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lotussound.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lotussoundcollingwood/

In this episode of "Echoes of Alchemy with Lotus Sound," we are honoured to host Jake McArthur, a poet, playwright, actor, and celebrant, who shares his deeply personal journey of grief, healing, and spiritual transformation.

Jake, a father who tragically lost his daughter Erica in a car accident in 2000, has spent years navigating the complexities of death and grieving, channeling his experiences into his creative work and practices.

In our conversation Jake opens up about his daughter's life and untimely death, the inspiration behind his book and live show "Opening to the Mystery," and how his spiritual practices, particularly mantra recitation, have provided solace and strength.

Join us as Jake shares the transformative power of vulnerability and connection through his performances, his personal mantra recitations, and his reflections on grief. This episode is a moving exploration of how embracing vulnerability can lead to strength and deeper understanding, offering a safe space for listeners to connect with their own experiences of loss and healing.

Jake can be contacted by email at:
jakecelebrant@icloud.com

Lotus Sound is a sound wellness studio located in Collingwood Ontario Canada offering Sound training, Retreat days, Sound baths, Kirtan and more.

Website https://www.lotussound.ca/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lotussound.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lotussoundcollingwood/

In this episode of "Echoes of Alchemy with Lotus Sound," hosts Jay and Justine welcome a very special guest, Stacey Bliss, PhD, an esteemed educator, researcher, and improviser. Stacey's remarkable work spans critical studies in improvisation, sound studies in education, trauma-informed education, and sonic ethnography. As a guest scholar at the Humanities Research Institute at the University of Regina and a recipient of the SSHRC Insight Development Grant, Stacey has delved deep into the world of gong practices across Canadian provinces.

Stacey shares her experiences from a transformative journey across Canada in 2023, documenting the use of sound in various communities for wellbeing. From Halifax to Collingwood, and from Saskatchewan to Sylvan Lake, Stacey's research explores how sound practitioners are integrating gongs into their local communities to foster healing and connection. She discusses the significance of these practices, the socio-cultural implications, and the profound connections formed with the land and its people. Tune in to discover the powerful intersection of sound, education, and community wellness, and learn about Stacey's personal journey into the world of gong through her immersive research and heartfelt experiences.

Gong Across Canada Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGz1sIx0FGhCoLupdaxb8LA

Stacey's website:
https://blissresearch.org/

Lotus Sound is a sound wellness studio located in Collingwood Ontario Canada offering Sound training, Retreat days, Sound baths, Kirtan and more.

Website https://www.lotussound.ca/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lotussound.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lotussoundcollingwood/

In this episode, released in conjunction with the summer solstice, Jay shares insights and a chapter from Lotus Sound’s "Sound Bath Artistry Foundations" training manual and dives into the profound practice of setting intentions through sound bath art. As the longest day of the year has arrived, it’s a perfect moment to realign our thoughts and goals.

Join us as we explore the transformative potential of sound baths to not only relax but also to manifest new beginnings. Perfect timing to set your own intentions and experience the vibrational shift!

Learn more about our 3-Day Sound Immersion Training: Deep Dive into Sound Bath Artistry at www/lotussound.ca/soundtraining

Lotus Sound is a sound wellness studio located in Collingwood Ontario Canada offering Sound training, Retreat days, Sound baths, Kirtan and more.

Website https://www.lotussound.ca/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lotussound.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lotussoundcollingwood/

In this episode, Justine and Jay delve into the art of creating a transformative sound bath experience within the comfort of your home. Drawing from their extensive knowledge and personal journeys, they share their top five tips for setting up a powerful and effective home sound bath.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the world of sound healing, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your practice. Learn how to choose the right instruments, create a conducive environment, and harness the healing power of sound to achieve deep relaxation and inner peace. Join us for an inspiring discussion that will help you bring the magic of sound baths into your everyday life.

Lotus Sound is a sound wellness studio located in Collingwood Ontario Canada offering Sound training, Retreat days, Sound baths, Kirtan and more.

Website https://www.lotussound.ca/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lotussound.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lotussoundcollingwood/

We've decided to release our podcast a few days before the full moon to celebrate world meditation day! We are happy to share this very special episode featuring a live Didgeridoo Star Sound Bath meditation that we recorded during a live stream in 2021.

Meditation continues to play a prominent roles in our lives and has been an extremely beneficial practice for many years. If you're new to meditation, sound can be a great way to get started. Silly find yourself somewhere comfortable where you will not be disturbed and bring your focus to the sound. As thoughts come and thoughts go just keep gently returning to the sound with your awareness.

Enjoy!

Lotus Sound is a sound wellness studio located in Collingwood Ontario Canada offering Sound training, Retreat days, Sound baths, Kirtan and more.

Website https://www.lotussound.ca/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lotussound.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lotussoundcollingwood/

In this episode Jay shares a bit about his journey with sound baths and how the practice of intentional sound can be a powerful tool for overcoming personal challenges.

This episode not only explores the personal transformations brought about from the introduction to intentional and medicinal sound, but also invites you to experience the healing power of sound baths for yourself.

Whether you're looking for a new way to relax or seeking deeper healing, this story of resilience and renewal will resonate. Tune in to discover how you can find your inner peace through the magic of sound baths.

Lotus Sound II album:
https://justineandjay.bandcamp.com/album/lotus-sound-ii

Lotus Sound is a sound wellness studio located in Collingwood Ontario Canada offering Sound training, Retreat days, Sound baths, Kirtan and more.

Website https://www.lotussound.ca/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lotussound.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lotussoundcollingwood/

In this episode of Echoes of Alchemy with Lotus Sound, Jay shares the profound chapter "Spiritual Materialism" from Chögyam Trungpa's seminal work, "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism."

As we unpack the concepts laid out in the text, we can explore the idea that spiritual practices can sometimes become material possessions in their own right, used by individuals to bolster ego rather than to attain true enlightenment. Alongside the reading, Jay briefly shares a little about Trungpa's own dramatic life story, highlighting his escape from Tibet and how his experiences shaped his teachings on spirituality and materialism.

Join us as we look at how these teachings can be applied to our everyday lives, helping us to connect more deeply with our true selves and the world around us.

Books mentioned on this episode:

Cutting through Spiritual Materialism / Chögyam Trungpa
True Perception: The Path of Dharma Art / Chögyam Trungpa

Lotus Sound is a sound wellness studio located in Collingwood Ontario Canada offering Sound training, Retreat days, Sound baths, Kirtan and more.

Website https://www.lotussound.ca/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lotussound.ca/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lotussoundcollingwood/