Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sing



This is my favourite birthday gift. My daughter surprised me with it. We had been in a really cool little shop downtown called Drala a few months ago and had fun with these singing bowls. I was fascinated with them. You hit it softly with the stick to make a "ping" and then slowly go round the rim with the wooden stick and the ringing intensifies and resonates and becomes a clear beautiful pure tone. They are traditionally called Tibetan Singing Bowls and are used for mediation and prayer practice in the Buddhist tradition. Traditionally in Himalayan culture, circumambulating anything sacred clockwise is said to spread the blessings out to all sentient beings Whether around a Stupa, a sacred fire, prayer wheel or in this case, singing bowl. I love the idea of sending out good wishes into the Universe.It sits on it's wee cushion when not in use. Here is a youtube video on how they work. There are lots of singing bowl videos on youtube.
We are waiting for another snowstorm today. In the past hour, the sky has darkened and the air feels heavy and still. The calm before........

Good day for catch up and reading, I just got "The Other Queen" from the library and hope to dive into it at some point.
Have a peaceful Sunday:)

10 comments:

Sandy Mastroni said...

Happy Birthday ! Shelagh
and
Happy Snow Day

Sara said...

Thanks for the info on the singing bowls. It looks like a good day for reading...lots of snow coming down on the South Shore.

Anonymous said...

That's too funny. My birthday is coming up in just over a week and I have hinted that I'd love a singing bowl. Not sure if they're the same metals but we've seen the Chinese using them with water in them. They sing and the water dances. Very fascinating.

daisies said...

how absolutely lovely ... i really need to find a singing bowl, fascinating ... xo

Kathy said...

Oh my gosh that is such a wonderful gift! I love it.

I did feel great about all I got done yesterday. It was wonderful fun, but I am a bit tired today! The egg and cheese croissant on Friday was fantastic. I am addicted but only allow myself one per week....so I live for Fridays!

Have a good one!

Suzie Ridler said...

I love singing bowls! What a beautiful and perfect present. How thoughtful and lovely.

Julie said...

That sounds really cool! And it's beautiful, as well.

Happy Birthday!

marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings said...

oh this is so cool what a wonderful gift

Unknown said...

Singing bowls are also used in Feng Shui for ridding spaces/homes of unwanted energy or balancing energy in those spaces.

A very thoughtful gift to cherish!

Leslie Rubio said...

What a lovely gift from your daughter. I have never heard of a singing bowl, but I'm quite sure I've probably heard its sound but not known what the instrument was. How cool!

Sorry I haven't visited in a while-busy with work and then when I get home I try to get a post in now and then which leaves little time for visiting.

Love the Monty kitten pic and your new Alice painting. Of course I LOVE the flower painting too!

xoxo,
Leslie