Handpan music and breathwork practices are a match made in heaven to make sure you’re completely relaxed and in a state of eternal calm. You can bring these two elements together to take your entire experience to a whole new level regardless of being a breathwork coach, seasoned meditator, or simply someone trying their best to get rid of the stress. In this article, we’ll study this connection to see why it’s so powerful and how you can bring it into your life!
Deeper Dive Into Handpans
Handpans are a comparatively young instrument introduced in the early 2000s and look somewhat like a flying saucer or a UFO. However, it can play like an angel. Their core material is metal that does not produce any sharp beats or music; rather, it takes you to a different dimension with its mesmerizing and soothing sounds, giving you peace and relaxation.
This instrument is all about flow! Once you hit its surface, several harmonics resonate at the same time, producing a layered and rich soundscape that feels highly meditative. It doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that handpan players are usually seen in healing retreats, yoga studios, and meditation circles since these places are where sound and stillness come together.
The Science Behind Breathwork
Breathwork is an ancient practice that has many benefits, currently backed by modern science.
In order to go into a relaxed state and calm your mind, regulating your breathing patterns is highly important. This can be done intentionally so that your nervous system knows when to take a break. Your breathwork can be of different types, each with a unique set of effects.
However, all of them share one common goal: they efficiently connect you to your body and mind, taking you on a much more meaningful journey. Your parasympathetic nervous system is turned on with the intentional breathwork. It basically is responsible for telling our body, “Hey, it’s okay to relax.” It’s the opposite of the fight-or-flight response, keeping us anxious and stressed.
When you pair breathwork with the calming and soothing melodies originating from a hang drum, you build a space where relaxation isn’t only possible, but becomes inevitable. That’s why you’ll notice many players being in a relaxed state when they’re busy playing the instrument: they’re busy focusing on their breathing and getting lost in the calmness it brings.
Why Handpan Music & Breathwork Work So Well Together?
At this point, you might be wondering what is it exactly that makes handpan music such a great companion for breathwork. Here are a couple of reasons to answer this question of yours:
Focus & Presence: Are you also tired of your mind wandering here and there during your breathwork? This is where handpans come in handy. It has a hypnotic rhythm that catches your attention, so you can stop getting lost in distractions and enjoy it fully!
Emotional Release: Handpan music and breathwork have the power to bring out some deep emotions. Once the two are merged together, they build a safe space for you to release stress, tension, or sadness you might not even realize was present within you.
Brings Out Flow State: The two elements help players help you access the hidden “flow state.” In this state, you’ll notice time slowing down, your thoughts quietening, and everything just feeling right. The flow state is connected to deep relaxation and creativity.
Rhythmic Guidance: The soft and pulsing rhythms of the hang instrument offer a natural tempo for the player’s breathing. You can inhale on the higher notes and exhale on the lower ones. You can also just let the music flow naturally guide your breath.
Vibrational Healing: You can sense vibrations all around the universe, even within humans. The Handpan music with its deep, resonant tones is also considered to be working on a vibrational level. They harmonize the energy in our bodies. Once it’s paired with deep breathing, it can increase the healing process to make you feel more centred.
How To Practice Handpan Music & Breathwork Together?
Now that we’ve discussed why handpan music and breathwork work so well together, let’s dive deeper into how you can practice them and enter a whole new world of relaxation!
1. Set The Mood
Setting the mood is highly important. You must look for a place where nobody can disturb you. Once you are in that state, dim the lights, light up some candles, maybe your favorite vanilla or lavender scent? This will not only calm your environment but also enhance your relaxation.
2. Pick Out Your Breathwork Style
There are multiple ways for you to breathe intentionally, with the following three being some of the best options since they pair quite well with handpan music:
4-7-8 Breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8) -It’s an excellent way for you to enter a state of deep relaxation.
Resonant Breathing (inhale for 5, exhale for 5) – It helps balance the nervous system and also beautifully syncs with music originating from the cosmos handpan.
Box Breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4) -This particular breathing style helps calm your mind and enhances your focus.
3. Let The Music Guide You
If you’re playing the instrument yourself, then make sure to start off with slow, soft strokes while matching your breathing to the tempo you build. When listening to a recording, the first thing you need to do is close your eyes and relax. The sound will guide your inhales and exhales. Nobody wants you to be precise about it; the only thing important is that you feel right in the moment.
4. Go Deeper
Following a couple of minutes, you’ll notice a shift as your body begins to relax, your mind starts to clear, and your breath effortlessly syncs with the music. Make sure to let yourself go at this point. If you feel any emotions coming up, let them move through you and welcome any insights that might arise. Enjoy the experience because there’s absolutely no right or wrong here.
5. Enjoy The Feeling
Nearly 10 to 20 minutes later, slowly bring your breath back to its natural rhythm and sit in silence for a short amount of time. Take in that feeling of peace and calm.
Conclusion
So, are you someone who is looking to relieve their stress, get some creative inspiration, or just simply connect deeply with themselves? The blend of handpan music and breathwork is the ideal deal. If you haven’t tried breathwork while playing the hang drum, you’re missing out on so much. You should try it out right now and let the music wash over all your worries and troubles!
