Sound Circle: Name Singing Exercise
This group exercise is one of my favorite ones when I lead sound & drum circles. It is a powerful & touching acknowledgement of another person. In essence we are "honoring" another being by vocalizing their name in the sound circle, using their "chosen" name. For some attendees, it may be the first time ever when they feel "unconditionally seen & appreciated" by others.
Steps:
Gather or remain in a circle, seated or standing up.
As a facilitator, explain these steps to the group in advance.
Starting with the person to the left of the facilitator, each person will state their name, birth name or a name they feel an affinity with. Many choose their spiritual name.
After the person states their name, everyone closes their eyes.
The person whose name is about to be vocalized remains silent, just receiving the sound energy from the group.
The person's name will be vocalized 3 times by the group, improvised.
As a facilitator, lead the group by saying "breathing in" in preparation for the first vocalization with the exhale, & then proceed to sing, tone, or just say the person's name, leading everyone to do the same.
Repeat the above step for the second & third vocalizations.
Remain in silence for a few seconds, allowing the receiver to absorb the group's energy.
Now repeat for the next person to the left (starting with stating their "name, etc."), or clockwise, until it is the facilitator's turn.
As a facilitator, lead the group on the inhale, but remain silent as you receive their energy.
After everyone's name has been vocalized, remain silent for two or three minutes.
Slowly ask the group members to open their eyes & be fully present in the circle.
Ask if anyone would like to share what this experience was like for them.
One comment I have always remembered through the years I have done this exercise was from an attendee: "I felt like I was seen & unconditionally accepted by others for the first time in my life."
Blessings, Eduardo
