About me
Photo: Adrian Flower
This is me, Alicia Ma Ri Atu Ma; the face behind Hush Hour (formerly called Earth Song Sound Healing). The second part of my name was given to me by Huna Flash ( AKA Mauta Taki), a Maori elder, in a S.E.A.L initiation ceremony in 2022.
Though 2023 is the 10th year since I began my exploration of therapeutic sound and its transformative potential, I’ve been a practising musician for over 30 years: a percussionist with a special interest in the music and culture of West Africa. The "Way of the Gong" may have taken me on a journey for over a decade, but - as the path to mastery never ends - I choose not to call myself Gong Master. This is not because I haven't mastered my craft, but because I sincerely believe such a title is earned by reputation and experience rather than written on a certificate.
I prefer the term ‘acoustic alchemist’: one who blends, concocts and conjures with hypnotic sounds and creative visualisations for the purpose of enhancing a sense of wellbeing.
I make my unique guided meditations to maximise the power of the imagination, filling them with positive suggestions. These journeys are a favourite of mine because the subconscious mind can't distinguish between imagination and reality, making inner visions a potent tool for self-change. Stimulating the mind's eye also helps to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain, improving creativity and intuition.
The work I do now is a natural evolution for me; coming full circle from the moment I first discovered I had healing hands, aged about 19. Now, the same hands create a sanctuary of sound to soothe mind, body and spirit.
About my meditations
I first discovered the power of guided meditation in the early '90's, after a major hiccup in my personal life set me on the path of spiritual exploration.
I looked forward to those regular inner journeys as they helped me recover my equilibrium and resilience.
The techniques I learned then have become an important part of my work.
I create my one-off guided meditations based on my own guidance, Moon cycles, astrological events, and spiritual, alchemical journeys. They are completely unique to me, though I will sometimes pick up and run with a timely theme that other spiritual practitioners have brought to light.
Many times, the meditations are created spontaneously in the moment using nature-based imagery, energy work, and breathing techniques.
Listening online? Best to use headphones
About therapeutic sound
The tools of my trade: tank drums, singing bowls, gong mallets and planet gongs
" Sound will be the future of medicine." Edgar Cayce
Amazing. Powerful. Relaxing. Rejuvenating. Trance-inducing. Healing. Soothing. Just some of the words people use to describe the effects of receiving a sound bath, one of the world's most ancient modes of healing. In fact, sound has been used as a healing tool for thousands of years: and now, 21st Century humans from all walks of life are waking up to its transformative potential as a means of achieving lasting well-being.
The vibrations of sound coupled with meditation can help:
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Alleviate symptoms of stress
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Improve sleep
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Reduce symptoms of pain
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Harmonise the systems of the body
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Increase clarity, creativity, inspiration and intuition
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Enhance spiritual development
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Create a sense of calm and connectedness
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Generate feelings of wellbeing
No guarantee of any cure can be made, because everyone functions differently and is at their own unique stage of life. The above list is a guide to potential beneficial outcomes.
My story - on video
Not long after I began my journey with therapeutic, healing sounds, Mark Westmoquette made this short film about how this fascinating work became my inspiration and my passion. It's now had over 33,000 views!