Take a free yoga class with a ‘sound bath’ as part of Music Moves Us

Combining her skills as a pianist accompanist and a nurse practitioner, Rebecca Wierks has found a unique calling in “sound baths,” utilizing ancient traditions and current medical studies of healing and energizing through sound waves. 

Wierks is partnering with yoga teacher Jasmine Jelsema to offer a free class that incorporates a sound bath and yoga at Tunnel Park, 66 N. Lakeshore Ave. The event will take place Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 10-11 a.m.

This experience marks the beginning of Music Moves Us, a series of 10 free events in Holland from Aug. 6-10. The program offers a variety of music and dance experiences, including salsa, hip hop, and big band dance lessons, culminating in the Holland Symphony’s “Music Unites Us – Brazil!” concert at Kollen Park on Aug. 10.

Wierks, who holds a music degree in piano and works as a nurse practitioner at Holland Hospital, describes her certification in sound baths as a natural progression that combines the benefits of sound, music, and health. This year, she launched Soundwave Health and offers classes in sound bath at Pilates in Holland.

“Sound therapy is the practice of using sound waves to positively affect our health,” explains Wierks, who explains how sound therapy works in this blog post. “Whether with injuries or disease, this can help with pain management. There are also general health benefits like lowering blood pressure and heart rate, lowering cortisol levels, reducing brain wave speed, and achieving a calm mental state.”

Bonding experience

Wierks and Jelsema connected through their collaboration with Macatawa Bay Middle School music teacher Carrie Ledet, when they created relaxing sound baths for teachers during lunchtime.

“We want people to know about sound baths because they really are beneficial,” Wierks says. "What happens in a sound bath results in our often feeling very bonded with each other afterward because we've just done something powerful and meaningful together.”

Jelsema, who is also a Reiki healer, integrates sound baths into her yoga practice.
“I strongly believe in energy healing and sound healing,” Jelsema says. “I will always incorporate sound practice into all of my work. Whether it’s energy healing or yoga, sound will be part of the experience.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or towel and wear comfortable, cool clothing. Bringing a journal is also suggested to integrate writing into the experience.

The event is supported by Women of Color Give, a philanthropic collective.

For more information about the Music Moves Us events, visit the Holland Symphony Orchestra’s website.

The Lakeshore WM is the media sponsor of Music Moves Us.